Both dynamic and medieval, Fribourg is a little Swiss gem, lost between lakes and mountains. The "city of bridges" is vibrant and cultural, and one of the most beautiful cities in the country. It has succeeded in retaining its medieval character while remaining lively and modern. Indeed, of the city's almost 40,000 inhabitants, almost one is a student. Like the rest of the country, Fribourg is also bilingual. To discover the city, Petit Futé guides you through its must-sees.
1- Visit Saint-Nicolas Cathedral
It dominates the city. Built from the 13th century onwards, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral is a remarkable example of Radiant Gothic architecture. Its 74-meter-high tower contains thirteen bells, among the oldest in Switzerland. You can climb to the top of the tower, which is accessible in summer, to enjoy a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings. St. Nicholas Cathedral is also a pilgrimage site on the Route de Compostelle.
The must-read article to discover Switzerland's must-sees.
2- The former Augustins convent
When visiting Fribourg, don't miss theOld Augustinian Convent. This 13th-century monastery became a state building in 1916, but it's still a beautiful place to visit. See Aloys Balmer's stained-glass windows, dating from 1896, and Peter Spring's altarpiece, dating from 1593. The refectory ceiling, painted in 1748 by Melchior Eggman, is also well worth a visit.
Activities to book 2- Take a guided walking tour of the town with a local.
3- Discover Fribourg's bridges
In addition to its pretty medieval center, Fribourg also owes its reputation to its many bridges. Crossed by the Sarine River, the city boasts 17 bridges. Among the most famous are the Pont de Berne, the city's first bridge, and the Pont du Gottéron, the most breathtaking. The Pont du Milieu links the old town, the Pont de Saint-Jean is another medieval bridge, and the Pont de Zaehringen is one of the city's symbols.
4- Visit the Espace Jean Tinguely - Niki de Saint Phalle
Housed in a former streetcar depot from the early 20th century, theEspace Jean Tinguely Niki de Saint Phalle honors the great painter and visual artist, and her husband, a native of the city. The space houses the Altarpiece of Western Abundance, as well as 22 reliefs by Niki de Saint-Phalle, entitled Remembering. Temporary exhibitions are also on show.
5- What to do in Fribourg, Switzerland Stroll along the fortifications
After a visit to Fribourg's medieval old town, be sure to take a stroll along the city's fortifications. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, they feature several gates and towers, sometimes linked by ramparts. Over two kilometers long, the walls were used to defend the town. The meters of fortifications that remain today constitute Switzerland's most important example of medieval military architecture.
Read the article to discover the best hikes in Switzerland.
6- Visit Fri-Art
Founded in the late 1970s, Fri-Art is now housed in a former 19th-century factory near the Bains de la Motta. This contemporary art center mediates between the Swiss and international art scenes. You'll find numerous exhibitions throughout the year. The venue also organizes exchange sessions with artists.
7- What to do in Fribourg, Switzerland? Boating on the Sarine
Fribourg is crossed by the Sarine River, one of the natural borders between German-speaking and French-speaking Switzerland. Several stretches of the river can be crossed by canoe, stand-up paddle or river raft. Find out more about the water sports companies in the Fribourg area.
Activities to bookdiscover the city on an urban golf course.
8- What to see in Fribourg, Switzerland Notre-Dame Basilica
Dating back to 1201, this church was elevated to the status of minor basilica in 1932 by Pope Pius XI. The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fribourg was completely remodeled at the end of the 18th century by the Berchtold brothers, with paintings by Gottfried Locher, a Swiss Rococo painter who died in the city in 1795. A large Neapolitan crib is on display near the entrance. It includes 75 figurines, the oldest dating back to the 18th century.
9- Swiss Puppet Museum
The Musée Suisse de la Marionnette was founded in 1985 by Marie-José Aebi and Jean Bindschedler, two street puppeteers from La Samaritaine in Fribourg. The museum showcases the rich collections they have amassed on their travels. You'll see puppets and techniques from all over the world, including China, India, several African countries, Europe and South America.
10- Visit the Visitation monastery
In Freiburg, the Monastère de la Visitation is a beautiful late Gothic building, the work of 1653-1656 by Jean-François Reyff. It features both Baroque and Renaissance elements. The church boasts Switzerland's first curvilinear Baroque façade. The convent buildings, meanwhile, boast beautiful 17th-century facades.
11- Visit the Natural History Museum
Among the many museums in the city of Fribourg, don't hesitate to take advantage of a rainy day or a family visit to go to the Natural History Museum. Here you'll discover unique, life-size exhibits such as a great white shark, a naturalized whale and two meteorites.
12- What to do in Fribourg, Switzerland? Take the Funi
One of Fribourg's main attractions is its funicular railway! Opened in 1899, the "Funi" links the city center to the Lower Town. Listed as a historic monument, it is unique in Europe: it is one of the only funiculars to be powered by the city's wastewater, via a system of water counterweights. Taking the Funi will also give you a great view of Fribourg.
To book the Fribourg City Card with free public transport, click here !
13- See the Murten lime tree
In front of Fribourg town hall, the Morat lime tree is the sap descendant of the lime tree associated with the Battle of Morat (1476). The battle saw Swiss troops confront and defeat the Burgundian army of Charles the Bold. Legend has it that a messenger ran all the way to Fribourg to deliver the good news, waving a branch as a sign of victory. Exhausted, he collapsed on arrival and the branch took root in the same spot.
Discover also the most popular activities in Fribourg:
Where to stay in Fribourg, Switzerland?
Among the accommodation available in Fribourg, here is a Petit Futé selection of the best-rated establishments:
- Good value for money
Le Sauvage is a charming hotel housed in a 16th-century residence. The adjoining chic bistro is also very popular with Fribourg locals. Information and booking here.
- The most central
The Hôtel de la Rose is a 4-star hotel in the heart of the medieval city. This charming establishment offers comfortable, well-equipped rooms. Book your stay here.
- Rent an aparthotel
Hôtel Hine Adon offers studios of different sizes, each equipped with a kitchen. A bakery is also located on the first floor. Information and booking via this link.
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