Albert II Suerbeer was the first Archbishop of Riga. He was born in Cologne at the end of 12th century, died in 1273 in Riga, Livonia. He studied in Paris, received degree of magister and became canon in Bremen. After the death of Albert of Buxhoeveden in 1229, he was appointed bishop of Riga by Archbishop of Bremen Gerhard of Oldenburg. The canons of Riga did not recognize his appointment and elected their own candidate Nicholas, who was confirmed by Pope Gregory IX in 1231.

In 1240, Albert Suerbeer became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of Ireland, where he was known as Alberic the German. After taking part in the council of Lyon in 1245 he left Ireland, because the Pope Innocent IV needed him in Germany in his struggle against the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. The Pope appointed him instead the archbishop of Prussia, Livonia and Estonia, and later also a legate to these countries, Gotland, Holstein, Ruegen, Russia. In 1246 he was given also the vacant diocese of Luebeck in Germany.

The Teutonic Order was wary of Albert and warned him to stay away from Prussia. After Bishop Nicholas of Riga died in 1253, Albert finally received his Archbishopric of Riga he had claimed over 10 years. The bishoprics of Dorpat, Oesel, Courland, Samland, Pomesanien, Ermland and Kulm became subordinated to Riga. According to compromise arranged by William of Modena, Albert promised to stop his activities against Teutonic Order.

However, in 1267 he allied himself with Gunzelin , son of Count of Schwerin who had came to Livonia as a crusader. He appointed Gunzelin von Schwerin a advocate (governor) of his diocese which resulted in deep conflict with Livonian Order. While Gunzelin was recruiting troops in Germany, the Order arrested Albert and kept him imprisoned on bread and water. Albert was forced to recognize the authority of Order.

Albert Suerbeer died in 1272.