Fribourg: The City of Bridges
The old town of Fribourg is deemed to be one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. Its location alone is enchanting: It enjoys an incredibly picturesque location in the meander loop of the River Sarine and extends from the riverside via the lower town to the centre of the old town around the Cathedral with its force field.
Moreover, the many medieval buildings in the old town, with their Gothic façades, constitute one of the most important collections of its kind in Europe, particularly the façade of the town’s landmark St. Nicholas Cathedral.
Works by contemporary artists, such as Jean Tinguely and Mario Botta, can also be admired. The capital Freiburg/Fribourg not only creates the cultural bridge between the German and French areas of Switzerland, but it also boasts numerous bridges with interesting architecture. There are 14 bridges in total in the urban area, with the oldest built in the 13th century. The newest, called Poya Bridge, which was completed in 2014, is an impressive cable-stayed bridge with the longest distance between two piers nationwide.
As a multicultural and lively arts and university town that bridges two cultures, it has a great deal to offer in terms of fine dining and culture. The museums present a wide variety of themes, from modern art and cultural history to puppets and sewing machines. Chocolate is also high on the cultural agenda, at the Villars Chocolate Factory, which is over 100 years old and has a shop and a small café. If you feel like something savoury after eating (too) many sweets, you can try the original local beers created in Fribourg.
The Botanical Garden is an excellent place to get some fresh air. In the evenings, visitors are spoilt for choice with theatre, jazz, rock music, dancing and much more, including typical cosy restaurants, trendy places and an exceptional number of top gourmet addresses
Fribourg, an easily accessible medieval heritage:
The great novelty is the newly opened town fortifications: the medieval fortifications are accessible during the day from spring to autumn. Five gates, six towers, seven sections of walls, a large rampart: the most significant heritage of medieval military architecture in Switzerland is open to visitors.
www.fribourgtourism.ch/heritage
Urban Golf
Fribourg has been offering urban golf for eleven years now. It is a way to discover the town in a very family-friendly and entertaining manner. The 18-hole course goes from the centre via the cable railway (funicular) in the lower town, where it crosses old wooden and stone bridges. Mini-golf with additional features and a makeover!
St-Nicholas Cathedral
The town’s landmark, whose construction began in 1283, depicts a bas relief of the Last Judgement on the main door, has magnificent glass windows, wonderful old organs and the 74-metre high observation tower. Climb the 365 steps, and you will be rewarded with a breathtaking view!
Funicular
The Fribourg “Funi” is part of the public transport system and is listed in the inventory of national cultural assets. It started running between the town centre and the lower town in 1899 and is the only remaining water ballast-powered funicular railway in Switzerland. The ballast drive is economical and never runs out, even if it is not entirely odourless: municipal waste water!
Art & Love
The “Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle” is dedicated to Fribourg’s most famous partners in art and the married couple. It is a fascinating exhibition in the former tram depot in the town of Fribourg. Tinguely’s meta-mechanical devices appear to be timeless and ready to go, and the “Nanas”, voluptuous female figures by Niki de Saint Phalle are also clearly non-conformist. Creativity, elaborately implemented!
Food Lovers
As part of the « Taste My Swiss Cities » campaign of Switzerland Tourism, Fribourg also offers its Food Tour, « Taste my Fribourg »!
Combine a city tour with a culinary tasting! Do not miss this gourmet walk!
Based on the city’s main discovery route, this Food Tour will take you through the narrow streets of Fribourg, while offering you tasting breaks in places that are as much traditional as “trendy”.
https://www.fribourgtourisme.ch/en/Z10782/food-tour-fribourg
Fribourg City Card
Make the most of your stay and purchase the Fribourg City Card for 1 or 2 days. You will benefit from plenty of activities such as the entrance to all museums, a little train ride or the Urban Golf. It is your pass to discover Fribourg!
Only CHF 20.- per adult and CHF 10.- per child for one perfect day in Fribourg!
