The 2026 Annual Meeting took place from May 8–10, 2026, in Freiburg im Breisgau. Under sunny skies, our founding member Florian Langenbeck had put together a well-rounded program that also provided a wonderful opportunity for professional and personal exchange. Nearly all association members accepted the invitation.
The Annual General Meeting was held on Friday afternoon. Agenda items included amendments to the bylaws regarding the board of directors, participation in the DENKMAL trade fair in Leipzig from November 7–9, 2026, and the association’s marketing strategies. The meeting concluded with reports on the current situation at the member firms, which can generally be described as positive.
The day concluded in the beer garden at Seepark.
On Saturday, Florian Langenbeck guided us through downtown to Freiburg Cathedral. Along the way, we were able to admire historic doors from the Langenbeck workshop time and again. The ascent up the cathedral tower involved climbing over 209 steps via a narrow sandstone spiral staircase to the tower room.
After another 56 steps, we reached the tower platform, which offered a unique view of the large, openwork spire completed in the Middle Ages. The city of Freiburg also presents itself from a special perspective here. Those who wished could climb even higher up airy stairs along the pinnacles to reach the gallery at a height of 70 meters.
The construction of the massive bell frame made of fir wood was also very interesting—along with the medieval Hosanna Bell, which was begun in 1290 and is 80% original. It stands 18 meters high and is considered a particularly well-preserved example of medieval carpentry in Europe.
Lunch at a sushi carousel once again provided a wonderful opportunity for socializing. We spent the afternoon at Florian Langenbeck’s, where unique finds, historic building materials, and numerous exciting discoveries encouraged us to shop. The day concluded with the traditional auction, a bonfire, and good wine.
We would like to sincerely thank Florian Langenbeck for the perfect organization and wish him every success with his yard sale and the changes in his business!