Fribourg, bridges between two cultures

The Old Town of Fribourg enjoys an extremely picturesque location in the meander loop of the River Sarine. Its many medieval buildings with their Gothic facades constitute one of the most important collections of its type in Europe, particularly the facade of the town’s landmark St. Nicholas Cathedral. Furthermore works by contemporary artists such as Jean Tinguely and Mario Botta can also be admired. As a multicultural and lively arts and university town that bridges two cultures it also hosts fine dining places.

Fribourg lays great emphasis on culture and good food. Its museums meanwhile pay homage to a wide range of themes, from modern art and cultural history to puppets and sewing machines. Chocolate is also high on the cultural agenda, not least at the Villars chocolate factory, which is over 100 years old. If you feel like something savory after eating (too) many sweets, why not pop into one of the Brasseries and try a original local beer. In the evenings, visitors are spoilt for choice with theatre, jazz, rock, dancing and much more besides, including typical cozy restaurants and an exceptional number of top gourmet addresses.

Fribourg, cultural bridge between the german- and the french-speaking part of Switzerland, has 17 architectural bridges. The oldest bridge of the city was built in 13 th century and the newest, called “La Poya” Bridge will be inaugurated in autumn 2014 and is the largest cable-stayed bridge in Switzerland.

Fribourg Capital of the district of Sarine of the canton of Fribourg

Population 78,223 inhabitants (City of Fribourg & Suburbs)(38,525 only the city of Fribourg)

Area 81,5 km2 (City of Fribourg & Suburbs)

Languages Bilingual, French and German

Altitude 629 m

Key data 1157 – The town is founded by Duke Berthold IV of Zähringen

1481 – The canton of Fribourg joins the Swiss Confederation

1889 – Fribourg University is founded

Tips

All year round

Switzerland’s first urban golf course provides an opportunity to discover Fribourg in a way that is both entertaining and original. The 18-hole course goes right through the town, starting in the center and continuing past the funicular in the Old Town, where it crosses old wooden and stone bridges. A new version of crazy golf!

For an attractive price, the Fribourg City Card enables visitors to discover by public transport 14 museums, the old neighbourhoods, many sightseeing and activities such as the Urban Golf and the little train.

December

St. Nicholas is the patron saint of the town of Fribourg. The St. Nicholas cortege is held in his honor on the first Saturday in December and is a tradition that dates back centuries. In the late afternoon St. Nicholas rides a donkey through the streets, handing out gingerbread to children with his helpers and making a speech that takes a critical look at events of the past year. Students at St. Michael’s College have been organizing this procession since 1906. Be sure not to miss the sweets and handicrafts market held the same day.

Let the festive season weave its magic in Fribourg. During the Advent period, the Grand-Places greet the Advent Village. Skating rink, Ice Stock Sport competition, carrousel, handicraft market, and food corner…so many surprises and discoveries for all ages.

Contact

Fribourg Tourism and Region – Place Jean-Tinguely 1 – 1701 Fribourg

T +41 (0)26 350 11 11 – F +41 (0)26 350 11 12

E-mail: info@fribourgtourisme.ch – www.fribourgtourisme.ch