Freiburg, March 3, 2026: The stonemason Maya Thyssen has been strengthening the Münsterbauhütte of the Freiburg Münsterbauverein since January 1, 2026. Her position is funded by Haufe Group for at least two years, a unique partnership in Germany that ensures the long-term preservation of the Freiburg Minster. Haufe Group’s commitment provides planning security, strengthens traditional craftsmanship, and underscores the company’s deep connection to the city of Freiburg.
The maintenance and restoration of the Minster is a collective effort, as the Freiburger Münsterbauverein is primarily funded through donations and membership fees. Without the support of citizens and companies like Haufe Group, many projects would not be possible. Long-term partnerships enable reliable planning and sustainable restoration.
“As an association, we rely on societal and corporate engagement. My heartfelt thanks go to Haufe Group, especially Andrea Haufe, Chair of Haufe Group’s Board of Directors and member of the Münsterbauverein’s presidium, as well as Birte Hackenjos, CEO of Haufe Group, and everyone who made this project possible,” emphasizes Martina Feierling-Rombach, Chair of the Münsterbauverein.
Haufe Group is a family-owned company rooted in Freiburg, deeply connected to the city and its iconic landmark. CEO Birte Hackenjos feels a strong personal commitment to supporting the Minster: “The Freiburg Minster is a source of inspiration due to its history, it unites the people of the region, and it strengthens social cohesion. Through our support for the valuable work of the Münsterbauverein, we aim to actively contribute to preserving this significant symbol of the city and to fostering the cultural identity of the region for the long term.”
The funding of a stonemason position by a company is a unique model in Germany. It secures expertise, enables sustainable restoration work, and highlights the company’s responsibility for the city’s landmark.
Maya Thyssen shares: “Working on the Freiburg Minster combines my passion for stonemasonry with the preservation of a unique structure. I am deeply grateful to Haufe Group for enabling me to take on this important task through their support.”
About the Münsterbauverein
Founded in 1890, the Freiburger Münsterbauverein e. V. is responsible for preserving the Minster’s external stonework and operates its own stonemasonry workshop, the Münsterbauhütte, which has been continuously active for over 800 years. In the Middle Ages, the workshop was responsible for planning and constructing the Minster; since its completion, it has been dedicated to maintaining the structure. Its team includes around 17 stonemasons, sculptors, and restorers. Other responsibilities of the Freiburger Münsterbauverein include promoting scientific research on the Freiburg Minster and documenting all restoration work.
About Haufe Group
Haufe Group is a leading B2B provider of integrated business and workplace solutions. The family business supports people and companies in their business development and in successfully shaping transformation processes – with content, software and training. The business group based in Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, is broadly positioned to support customers on their own path into the future with a wide range of solutions. Today, Haufe Group employs around 2,700 people at ten locations. Haufe Group’s best-known brands include Haufe, Haufe Akademie and Lexware, and over one million customers from the DACH region rely on the services of Haufe Group – from solo freelancers to all DAX 40 companies.
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