Fribourg Travel Guide: Cultural and natural activities

The city of Fribourg invites you to an exciting journey back in time to the Middle Ages. / Fribourg Travel Guide: Cultural and natural activities

Known for its outstanding historical heritage, the bridge city in western Switzerland fascinates with a successful mix of history, culture and experiences in nature. In the following we will tell you what you can experience during your city trip.

Anyone who strolls through the picturesque streets of Friborg has to pinch themselves from time to time. The old city walls and more than 150 Gothic facades give you the feeling of traveling back in time to the Middle Ages. In fact, the bridge city in western Switzerland is considered the cultural center of the Friborg tourist region. Thanks to numerous museums and landmarks as well as the cultivation of Swiss traditions, the city has become a place to be for culture lovers. But that’s not all. Friborg skilfully manages to create the perfect combination of history and modernity as well as culture and nature.

From the bridge city to the valley of the dragon: Friborg attracts with the perfect mix of culture and nature

Friborg offers a varied program for your next city trip. Whether it’s a city tour using augmented reality, a ride on the traditional funicular or a round of city golf, you can look forward to many activities that combine culture, nature and enjoyment. The tourist office of the city of Friborg has put together the best activities for you.

Discover the beauty of Fribourg

Would you like to explore the largest historic old town in Switzerland for yourself? Then embark on an exciting sightseeing tour, during which you will experience the incomparable medieval charm of Friborg up close. It is easy to walk through the picturesque streets of the city. Here you can not only stroll and drink coffee, but also discover more than 200 Gothic facades from the 15th century.

But that’s not all. 11 historic fountains from different centuries tell the history of the city in a symbolic way. Let yourself be introduced to the mysterious world of well construction on a city tour. How about a leisurely stroll along the Saane afterwards? A total of 15 bridges impressively connect the two banks of the river and are symbolic of the city’s diverse culture. Friborg is located between Latin and Germanic culture and between French and German language.

Enjoy a magnificent view from the most beautiful landmark in the city

The Friborg Cathedral, which was built in stages in 1283 and dedicated to St. Nicholas, offers the perfect end to your sightseeing tour. The beautiful stained glass windows, which make the building a gothic gem, are particularly admirable. If you want to see Friborg from above, you should climb the 365 steps of the bell tower. The effort will be rewarded later with a fabulous panoramic view of the city, we promise.

Highlight of every city tour: a ride on the “Funiclaire”

Another architectural gem is the early Baroque Loreto chapel, the best work of the Friborg artist Jean-François Reyf. The life-size molasses statues on the outer walls and the star-domed interior are impressive. You can also enjoy a fabulous view of the city from here. You can then take the old funicular, the last original funicular in Switzerland and one of the last in Europe.

The so-called “Funiclaire” transports you from the district of Neuveville (lower town) directly to the hustle and bustle of the upper town with many small cafés, boutiques and restaurants. Here you can end your city tour with a glass of wine and good food. tired feet? You can round off your tour of discovery with a visit to the Motta outdoor pool. Swim a few lengths and enjoy a fabulous view of the old town from here too.

City exploration with a difference: Explore the walkable city walls

Friborg wouldn’t be known as the city of many facets if just exploring the city wasn’t a multifaceted experience. Aside from the classic round tour, there are many other ways to get to know the city better. Have you heard of the more than two kilometers long, accessible city walls, which are among the most important medieval military architecture in Switzerland? Here you can get to know the history of Friborg on a guided tour and discover many great vantage points. As this offer is very popular, it is best to reserve in advance.

Perfect for families: city golf in Fribourg

Another option is the popular city golf. Classic city tours are often too boring for children. How about some games, fun and action instead? The course with a total of 18 holes encourages you to explore the city in a playful way. Ideal for families! A ride on the funicular is also recommended here.

Tasting and chatting: The “Taste my Fribourg” food tour promises enjoyment on all levels

Attention foodies: Friborg attracts with an exclusive sightseeing program for gourmets, the food tour “Taste my Fribourg”. Follow the recommendations of the Friborg artist Michel at a total of five stations, discover special flavors of the region and, incidentally, get in touch with the locals. A highlight is “Les trentenaires aiment la bonne bière”, a restaurant in the Rue de Lausanne and the 3rd station of the tour. Here you can enjoy the famous cheese platter from Fribourg, for example, in the most beautiful vintage flair.

Art, history or the world of model railways: Discover museums for every taste

Culture lovers will get their money’s worth in Fribourg. In addition to exciting city tours through the old town, numerous museums invite you to get to know the cultural heritage of the city better. Whether it’s art, history or traditional customs, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

How about a visit to the Gutenberg Museum, the Swiss Puppet Theater Museum or the Velo Museum? An absolute must for every culture lover is the Museum of Art and History. In three old buildings you can discover sculptures and paintings from the 11th to the 20th century and much more. A gem is the picturesque garden with monumental sculptures by Niki de Saint Phalle, Luginbühl, Ramseyer, Wiggli and Angéloz. An insider tip for art lovers is Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle. A magical place that reflects the creativity of a legendary 20th-century artist couple.

There are also exciting museums and exhibitions for the little ones, such as the Chemin de fer du Kaeserberg. Immerse yourself in the big world of Swiss model railways and admire 300 locomotives, 6500 figures and much more. The absolute highlight: sit in a real locomotive cab yourself. Childhood dreams come true here!

A different kind of museum visit: Travel through time with the Visioguide “Frÿburg 1606”

Have you always wanted to know how people used to live? Nominated for the Swiss Tourism Prize “MILESTONE” in the “Innovation” category, the Visioguide “Frÿburg 1606” takes you on a journey through time to the year 1606. Augmented Reality makes it possible for you to discover the streets of the old town from a completely new perspective.

Admire 360° views from back then, listen to exciting anecdotes and stories from bygone times and discover special features of Friborg at that time, such as fortifications that have long since disappeared. You will see: History has never been so exciting. To be able to take part in this experience, either download the “Fribourg Tourisme AR” app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store or borrow a tablet from Friborg Tourism. Not to forget the new “Espace 1606” in the old depot.

So close to nature: experiences in the countryside are the perfect complement

A city trip to Friborg elegantly strikes the connection between culture and nature. Similar to the bridges that connect the different cultures of the city, they also stand for the many facets of the city. You already know the cultural side of Fribourg. Now it’s time for a trip into nature. From Fribourg’s old town you can, for example, get into a canoe and paddle across the Saane and the Schiffensee. Or how about a short walk along the water hiking trail? Just a few steps from the center of Fribourg, you can explore the nature reserve at Lake Pérolles. In particular, the many bird species are a highlight here!

Mystical hike into the Galterntal

At least now it’s clear: Friborg is full of secret treasures. On the famous circular hike into the Galterntal, you can follow in the footsteps of old stories and discover wildly romantic gorges and forests in around two and a half hours. A legend says that a dreaded dragon once lived here. You won’t find that anymore these days, but you will discover many other things. The circular route takes you from Klein-Sankt-Johann-Platz in Friborg over the famous Bern Bridge and past the city wall into the wooded valley. Finally, you can look forward to a breathtaking panoramic view of the city of Fribourg.

Friborg offers the perfect change between nature and culture

Discovering, hiking, learning, feasting, marveling, swimming – you can do all this and much more in Fribourg. The Swiss mini-metropolis fascinates from the first second with its multifaceted charisma and inspires nature and culture lovers, foodies and families alike. Whether it’s a visit to the museum, a ride on the historic funicular or an exciting hike in the mystical Galterntal – there are no limits to the possibilities. Good to know: The City Card (for 1 or 2 days) includes city golf, mini-train and many other sights and public transport. Sounds tempting? Then plan your next city trip to Switzerland now.