The 10 things to do in the canton of Fribourg

Visit the canton of Fribourg: what to do in this region in exciting history, renowned lakes and enchanting landscapes? What are the activities not to be missed?

Located west of Switzerland and bordered by Lake Geneva Neuchâtel , the canton of Fribourg has landscapes of postcard. Renowned for its impressive valleys, numerous lakes and renowned gastronomy, the region is perfectly suited for a stay focused on history and discovery.

Visiting the canton of Fribourg is at the same time going to the encounter of an authentic land in the medieval past and venture into the heart of a generous nature.

From the alleys of Fribourg, the capital of the canton, to the mountains of the Préalpes fribourgeois, to the region of Gruyères and the ramparts of Morat, you will be charmed by the beauty of the buildings of the region, the activities that are available and the different atmospheres that can be felt.

During your trip, you will find yourself facing breathtaking views and gourmet fondues, you will experience unforgettable experiences and you will have a better idea of everything that makes the richness of this beautiful region.

What to do in the canton of Fribourg? The answers are right here!

1. Old town of Fribourg

The town of Fribourg is a small jewel. Built on the edge of a cliff, it will reveal its medieval atmosphere, its shaded houses, its many museums and its historical monuments through your walks.

Among the most important museums to visit in the canton of Fribourg are the Carnival Museum , Archaeological Museum , Natural History Museum and Modern Art Museum of the city of Fribourg.

You are also advised to walk around the low city district to better appreciate its authentic atmosphere and the testimonies of its tumultuous history. Take the time to venture on its bridges, including the Middle Bridge . Indeed, it gives access to one of the most beautiful panoramas of the city.

2. The tourist train

What to do in the canton of Fribourg if you wish to venture into the capital of the canton without effort? Embark on the little train of course!

Accessible from April 1st to October 31st, the small Fribourg tourist train is an excellent alternative to walking for those who want to discover the essentials of the city. Thus, its circuit will take you to the historic centre of the city and its picturesque alleys.

Commented, the tour will allow you to learn more about the history of Fribourg, its inhabitants and its monuments. Thanks to a smart formula called "hop-on/hop-off" you will also have the opportunity to go down and take the train back during its course.

Thus, you will count among the stops: the Middle Bridge, the Cathedral and the Bourg district.

3. The funicular of Fribourg

Unique in Europe, the funicular of Fribourg is one of the city’s great curiosities. Opened in 1899 and classified as Historic Monument, it was originally and remains the connection between the Lower Town and the Centre de Fribourg. Its period decor, the cliquetis of its machinery and the view it offers from the cabin add a charm to the journey.

Rarely: this funicular works with a singular mechanism that relies on the use of the city’s waste water through a system of counterweights. A curiosity worth watching.

Very convenient, the funicular will allow you to reach the two most tourist districts of the city in just two minutes! It is a nice stop to make in the canton of Fribourg.

4. Saint-Nicolas Cathedral of Fribourg

Majestic, the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas seems to watch over Fribourg with grace. Built between 1283 and 1490, this Gothic representative retained its elegant architecture. If its silhouette and façade date back centuries, its decorative elements are much more recent.

His classical and romantic organisms were made between 1824 and 1834 by the local factor Aloys Mooser. As for the Art Nouveau stained-glass windows, they were designed by the Polish painter Jozef Mehoffer between 1896 and 1936. Thus, the ensemble was completed during the 1970s by the works of the French painter Alfred Manessier.

During your visit to the Cathedral, think about climbing the few three hundred steps that separate you from the platform of its bell tower. These will allow you to access one of the most beautiful panoramas on the roofs of the city. It must be said that the bell tower, almost eighty meters high, is the highest point of view of the old city.

5. Hiking in the canton of Fribourg

Visiting the canton of Fribourg is also enjoying a bucolic setting between lakes and mountains. But also a dream territory conducive to adventure and discovery and also exciting paths to contemplate local flora and fauna...

As well, whether it is sporty or not, for several days or only a few hours, the hike will allow you to explore these landscapes of postcard and contemplate sublime panoramas.

Go to discover the legends of the Gorges du Gottéron , historic trail of Lake Morat , Schwyberg peak stage , artificial lake of Montsalvens , blossoming farms of the Gruyères region... Only one requirement: good shoes!

6. The shore of Lake Neuchâtel

Lake Neuchâtel is the largest lake entirely located in Switzerland. Thus, its south shore belongs to the canton of Freiburg, a region that has a total of over fifty square kilometres of these crystalline waters.

In addition to offering a sublime setting, the presence of this impressive natural site allows the locals and visitors to have a plethora of nautical activities: pedal boat, windsurfing, waterskiing or boat ride.

Thus, some of these cruises will allow you to navigate the lake for several hours. Also, they will often be commented by a quality guide that will tell you the legends of the region and its influences.

In addition, one of the best spots to enjoy the many aquatic attractions is the beautiful medieval city of Estavayer-le-Lac.

7. La Grande Cariçaie à Estavayer-le-lac

In Estavayer-le-lac always, we take you to the discovery of Grande Cariçaie. This impressive natural reserve is Switzerland's largest swamping area and hosts more than 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species: one quarter of the country's fauna and flora!

Depending on the season of your passage, you can admire different species of birds, the work of the castors and an impressive rosemary. You will have different possibilities to discover the site: via the footpaths and bike paths that pass through it, in one of the centres-nature or within one of the observatories of the Association de la Grande Cariçaie.

This reserve is one of the major natural sites to be visited in the canton of Fribourg.

8. Excursion in the city of Gruyères

This beautiful city of the canton of Fribourg is a destination particularly appreciated by lovers of authentic surroundings and enchanting panoramas. As well as being the city of the famous cheese, the city of Gruyères unveils its History and its monuments through its pretty paved streets and its paths.

Today his castle is the second most visited castle in Switzerland after the castle of Chillon. Raised on a hill, at the foot of the mountains, the medieval castle-type fortress dates from the 13th century. Opened to the visit since 1938, the monument offers multimedia animation and temporary exhibitions in addition to visiting its rooms and garden.

In addition, you are advised to visit Gruyères Lake and Ogoz Island, which is two steps away. It is a fascinating place to visit in the canton of Fribourg.

9. The medieval town of Morat

Old eight hundred years old, this town on the shore of Lake Morat has preserved all its charm. With its picturesque avenes, its charming arcades, its ramparts, its panorama and its promenade along the lake, it is perfect for strolling.

In addition to the city trip and the visit of the local museum dedicated to almost six thousand years of history of the city, Morat is a dynamic and sporting destination. Thus, the hundred and seventy kilometers of cycle paths that pass through it will satisfy everyone.

In addition, a nice bike ride for the whole family also connects Morat to the locality of Avenches, a former Roman site. It is therefore a very nice exit to make in the canton of Fribourg.

Finally, water sports such as windsurfing and kayaking, as well as boat trips, are also available. Two boat tours are to be remembered in particular: the one for the Vully wine region and the one for the Neuchâtel and Bienne lakes.

10. Regional specialties

Switzerland is a gourmet country, the canton of Fribourg does not cut it. First, we note the presence of the renowned Swiss chocolate . These cocoa bites make the stomachs unanimous and participate in the country’s reputation for gastronomy. Both in large houses such as Cailler or Chocolat Villars and in small craftsmen, the quality is of bet.

Then the canton of Fribourg is a region of cheese: the region of Gruyères quickly puts the chip in the ear! In addition to the famous AOP cheese of the same name, there is unctuous Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP . Thus, the mixture of the two composes the famous fondue de Fribourg . Of course it is not very light but what is it good! Visiting the canton of Fribourg without having eaten would be a shame.

These specialties already enjoy a good reputation and it would be a shame to pass next to darker specialties such as charcuterie of the terminal , Vully cake , Morat cream cake , meringues and double cream of Gruyères , Benichon mustard and many artisanal beers .

How to get to the canton of Fribourg?

By plane

To reach the most easily and quickly in the canton of Fribourg, it is advisable to fly. If the canton has no airport in its territory, it is located near the airports of Basel , Geneva and Zurich .

To not miss the offers of the moment, take the time to go on Skyscanner to find the best opportunities. Then you will have the choice between different bus lines and train to reach the heart of the canton.

By train

It takes about 6h train to reach Paris from Fribourg Station and 4h to reach Lyon . Access to the French network will follow a transfer to Lausanne or Geneva.

By car

It is a real road trip that offers to adventurers who want to take advantage of the car’s autonomy. Once the vignette authorizing the traffic on the Swiss highways obtained, you will only have to take your pain in patience by opening your eyes wide during the 6h journey that separate you from Paris.

Where to stay in the canton of Fribourg?

Between Airbnb , seasonal rentals, inns, luxury hotels or typical chalets , the region has solutions that will suit all tastes!

One. Compare hotels online you will find your ideal solution at the best price. Count about 110€ night in double room.

If it is best to stay in the city of Fribourg particularly in low city area , in order to access the entire territory more easily, the cities of Gruyères and Morat have an enchanting nature that promises calm and serenity.