Fribourg Medieval Old Town

Fribourg is a medieval city about twenty minutes from Bern by train, set on a steep bend of the Sarine river. It sits on the border between the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland, and you hear both languages in the streets. The old town is one of the best preserved in the country, with towers and walls, fountains and old bridges crossing a deep gorge. The Gothic cathedral of Saint Nicholas, with its tall tower and carved portal, dominates the upper town, and the lower town, reached by steep stairs and old bridges, preserves narrow lanes and traditional houses. A walking tour brings these sights together, with a guide who explains the history and who points out features such as the Tinguely fountain and the viewpoints. It is an easy and rewarding day or half-day trip from Bern, with a different atmosphere from the capital.

The walk typically starts near the station, passes through the upper town and descends to the river, with time to stop for a drink in the lower town. Fribourg is hilly, so comfortable shoes are important. Guides cover the city's founding in the twelfth century, its role in the Swiss Confederation, its university and its tradition of chocolate and cheese. The cathedral is free to enter, and the tower offers a view for a small fee.

Food is a highlight. Fribourg is known for its cheese fondue, made with local cheeses, and for the double-cream meringues from the nearby Gruyère region. Restaurants in the old town serve both. Pair the walk with lunch to make a relaxed day. The city also has several museums, including one dedicated to the modern artist Jean Tinguely and his partner Niki de Saint Phalle, which will interest art lovers.

Getting there is simple, with frequent trains from Bern. Combine Fribourg with Gruyères if you want a longer excursion, or visit on its own for a relaxed half day. Check the tour schedule and language, since some tours run in French or German as well as English. Children can enjoy the bridges and the small funicular that links the lower and upper town, which is powered by waste water. Dress for the weather and bring a light jacket for the gorge. Fribourg offers a calmer, more local experience than the main tourist destinations.

A walk in Fribourg shows a different side of Switzerland from Bern. The lower town, known as the Basse-Ville, sits in the river loop and was once the home of tanners, millers and craftspeople, and today its streets hold small cafes, galleries and a few good restaurants. Medieval bridges, including a covered wooden bridge, link the banks, and the views from the Bern Bridge or the Zaehringen Bridge reveal the depth of the gorge. The cathedral tower can be climbed for a view over the rooftops.

Every August and in other seasons the city holds festivals and markets, and the university gives it a youthful feel. The surrounding countryside is dotted with villages that make cheese, and the Gruyères region begins just beyond the city. Comfortable shoes are essential because of the steep stairs. If the weather is wet, you can shelter in cafes and the cathedral, and still enjoy the atmosphere. Many visitors combine Fribourg with Bern in a single day by train, returning in time for dinner in the capital.