General information
Fribourg is in the canton of Fribourg, it is located on both sides of the river Sarine, it is an important economic, administrative and educational center on the cultural border between German and French. Fribourg is known for its cultural plurality, university, many gourmet restaurants and bridges over the River Sarine that links the French-speaking and German-speaking part of Switzerland.
Population 33’008
Area 9.32 km2 (3.60 sq mi)
Position 46°48’ north latitude, 7°09’ east longitude
Transportation
Fribourg is crossed by two main motorways of Switzerland, the A1 motorway crosses Switzerland from east to west, the A12 motorway links Berne and Vevey. Fribourg is about an hour and a half away from three main airports of Switzerland, Zurich, Basel, Geneva airport. The Bern airport is less than an hour away from Fribourg. Fribourg is on the country’s main railway, it links Geneva to Zurich. SBB stations offer the possibility of hiring bicycles and cars, even for a few hours. Cars and minibuses can also be hired from airports or from some garages in the Canton of Fribourg.
Tourist attractions
Medieval old town: over 200 beautifully preserved Gothic fagades – one of the most impressive cohesive medieval town structures in Europe.
Bridges: the founding of the city on the banks of the meandering river Sarine required the construction of several bridges, especially during the city’s rapid expansion in the 13th and 14th centuries.
Fortifications: the most important example of medieval military architecture in Switzerland. Two-kilometre-long ramparts, fourteen watchtowers, the Belluard bulwark (dating back to the 1490s and one of the few remaining examples of its kind in Switzerland).
Saint James’ Way (Camino de Sanitago): this famous pilgrim’s walk passes through Fribourg city centre, crosses the 13th century St. Apolline Bridge, before continuing on towards the town of Romont.
St. Nicholas Cathedral: portico, Chapel of the Holy Sepulchre, stone and wood-carved statues, altars, rails, choir, stalls and stained glass windows.
Cardinal lager: the museum in the Cardinal brewery has everything you need to know about beer-making. Round off your visit with a complimentary glass of Fribourg’s amber nectar.
Villars Master Chocolatier: Villars has been making finely crafted chocolate since 1906. Try its deliciously creamy “chocolats เ l’ancienne”.
Events
Benichon: Centuries-old harvest festival, accompanied by a traditional celebratory supper consisting of local produce and regional specialities (September).
International Folklore Festival: in August of each year the streets of Fribourg are buzzing with folklore groups from all over the world.
Magical Journeys through Fribourg: in the autumn, the historic Old Town of Fribourg and the Auge neighbourhood in particular are transformed into a magical world for few weeks.
Food
Fribourg abounds with regional specialities such as ham hock served with cabbage and botzi pears, meringues with Gruyere double cream, aniseed cookies, bricelets (crispy wafer-thin waffles), and cuchaule (sweet, saffron-infused bread) which is eaten with a generous helping of moutarde de benichon (a velvety rich sweet-and-sour jam made from
a reduction of pear juice, wine and spices).
A trip to Fribourg is not complete without sampling a silkysmooth cheese fondue: either the classic “moitie-moitie” (half Gruyere, half Vacherin) or 100% Vacherin, which is usually
served with boiled potatoes. Place a piece of bread or potato on the end of your fork and gently swirl it around the caquelon.
Map of Fribourg
