Excursions (Fribourg Region)
Museums
These days you can switch on a light with the flick of a switch.
Factory
These days you can switch on a light with the flick of a switch.
Museums
Visit the Gruyere Museum and discover local traditional ways and customs, and the treasured heritage of the area: poyas, sculpted spoons, wardrobes and costumes are displayed in a modern setting.
Model railway enthusiasts will find everything they need to build their own model railway in this little shop, and will appreciate the advice offered by the knowledgeable owner, who is a real enthusiast!
Winter huts in Switzerland
Magnificent views of the Bulle, the Dent de Broc, Dent du Chamois, Dent du Bourgo and the Moléson.
Romantic winter taverns
Magnificent views of the Bulle, the Dent de Broc, Dent du Chamois, Dent du Bourgo and the Moléson.
Theme and discovery trails
The Charmey discovery trails leave from Vounetz, at the cable car arrival point.
Public baths / Wellness
The two hot tubs filled with natural mineral water heated over a wood fire to 33°C-34°C are a great place to relax.
Museums
The Musée du Pays et Val de Charmey (Charmey National and Regional Museum) is in the same building as the tourist office, by the cable car station.
Winter Wellness
Kloster
Theme and discovery trails
Traces of dinosaurs from 150 million years ago have been discovered in the Courtedoux region (near Porrentruy).
The animal world
In perfectly-adapted enclosures situated in 33,000 square metres of the idyllic Jura landscape, approximately fifty species of animals are waiting for your visit.
The "Grande Caricaie" nature reserve extends for 40 km between Yverdon and the Thielle canal. Nothing could be more pleasant than an autumn stroll along the wild banks of Lake Neuchâtel.
Natural Tipps
- Watersport centre (pedalo, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding)
- The Mill Stream Walk takes you on a journey of discovery of the old agricultural mills in the region.
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 4 hours
- The Wedding Stone, legend of the old maids
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 1 hours
- Visit to the Cheyres vineyard
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 3 hours
- The Mill Stream Walk takes you on a journey of discovery of the old agricultural mills in the region.
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 4 hours
- The Wedding Stone, legend of the old maids
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 1 hours
- Visit to the Cheyres vineyard
Departure point: Estavayer-le-Lac; duration: 3 hours
Museums
In the Frog Museum, you will find something that is truly one of a kind: a collection of 108 stuffed frogs arranged in scenes portraying everyday life in the 19th-century.
Castles & palaces
The mighty 14th-century castle bears witness
to the long history of this town, whose rulers
chose a rose as its emblem.
Museums
The collections in the museum involve all areas of natural science. Local wildlife and animal species from around the world are displayed.
A small house in the old Auge quarter of Fribourg houses puppets, theatre and dance masks and ancient and contemporary Chinese and Indian shadow-theatres. This is the Swiss Puppet Museum.
Franzy's Doll & Teddy Paradise: a must for doll and teddy enthusiasts of all ages.
Over 250 sewing machines are displayed in a magnificent 12th century vault.
Factory
Beer is an integral part of our culture and society. The Cardinal Museum pays homage to it while drawing you into its history.
Snow-Shoe Trekking
The region around Freiburg has been booming as a centre for snowshoe hikers for several years already.
Factory
The Counts of Gruyères knew all too well where life could be lived well and you will soon discover this too.
Theme and discovery trails
Breathe the pure mountain and forest air, discover the green pastures of Gruyère with their herds of cattle and delight in the authentic shingle-covered Alpine chalets as you walk from Pringy to Moléson-Village (or vice-versa).
Castles & palaces
Dominating the small city surrounded by walls where counts once lived, Gruyere Castle presents an interesting opportunity to find out about five centuries of history, and to see remarkable supernatural art exhibitions.
Snow-Shoe Trekking
Leave the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes behind and enjoy a snowshoe trek through peaceful snow-covered countryside - one of the most beautiful winter experiences around.
Winter huts in Switzerland
Located at the foot of the magnificent Gastlosen range, the Chalet de Soldat offers a superb view of the highest peaks in Fribourg.
Views across the Central Plateau through to the Jura mountains. Snow-shoe trail from Jaun village square, approx 1½ hrs.
Romantic winter taverns
Located at the foot of the magnificent Gastlosen range, the Chalet de Soldat offers a superb view of the highest peaks in Fribourg.
The animal world
The Papiliorama is a fascinating exotic world, where various diurnal species fly around a tropical forest environment in total freedom.
Museums
The Papiliorama is a fascinating exotic world, where various diurnal species fly around a tropical forest environment in total freedom.
Theme and discovery trails
This educational trail takes you right into the heart of the Marais Rouge ("Red Marsh").
Museums
In a lovely 17th century Neuchâtel farmhouse, a whole host of objects are displayed to give an insight into the lives of the farmer/watchmakers and their families, who prepared, built and developed the region.
Winter huts in Switzerland
An unmissable stop for all winter sports enthusiasts.
Theme and discovery trails
Along a pretty trail covered in a layer of wood chippings you will find pictures of woodland animals carved into treetrunks.
Museums
Not far from Le Locle, a late 18th century manor house is home to a magnificent collection of clocks and watches.
Theme and discovery trails
"Walk and play" is the theme of the Les Paccots parcours-jeux!
Natural Tipps
A wood chip path runs alongside Lake Joncs providing an insight into the botany of this site of national importance. A giant game of nine men¿s morris gives the whole family an opportunity to have some fun.
Around the Gouille de Rathvel, a small pond of national importance, small information boards provide insight into the life of batrachians. There is also a giant game of snakes and ladders featuring the life of a batrachian.
Around the Gouille de Rathvel, a small pond of national importance, small information boards provide insight into the life of batrachians. There is also a giant game of snakes and ladders featuring the life of a batrachian.
Winter huts in Switzerland
Especially suitable for families. Terrace and tourist accommodation (mattress camp).
Situated at the base of the "Le Pralet" ski run, this restaurant boasts a superb, sunny terrace. It is the departure point for an enjoyable winter hike to the Lac des Joncs.
Typical Fribourg chalet, defined by a marvellous atmosphere. The snow park and artificial ice skating rink are close by.
In winter, this restaurant offers you hot dishes throughout the day, in order to help restore your vitality after skiing or hiking. There is a play area for children in front of the buffet.
Refreshment room open every weekend from January onwards, as well as in the moonlight, or by booking (minimum 15 people). Pathways cleared for snow shoeing.
Cosy inn surrounded by pristine nature, on the shore of a small lake. With easy access to the skiing area.
Romantic winter taverns
Situated at the base of the "Le Pralet" ski run, this restaurant boasts a superb, sunny terrace. It is the departure point for an enjoyable winter hike to the Lac des Joncs.
Fun & Games
"Walk and play" is the theme of the Les Paccots parcours-jeux!
Factory
Theme and discovery trails
Take a walk through our solar system? Thanks to the planet path in Marly, you can do just that! Over a distance of nearly 6 km, visit the sun, the moon and the 9 planets, represented using a scale of a thousand million to one.
A new 4 km walking trail with 8 educational sites aimed at showing the role of forest protection in mountain areas.
Factory
Cheese, cheese, and more cheese. You will learn about the region's cheesemaking history, from traditional methods to the ultra-modern dairy at Pringy. However, this is not the only attraction of the cheese trail.
Winter huts in Switzerland
The Mol'Express has a terrace furnished with sun-loungers. The restaurant has facilities for welcoming groups, banquets or parties in its typically (local) Gruyères-style dining room.
Situated next to the cable-car end-station, the Restaurant de l'Observatoire du sommet du Moléson offers you over 1,000 different views, from Lake Geneva to the Juras, and from Mont Blanc to the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Located at the heart of the ski runs and snow shoe pathways, the large terrace of the Hôtel-Restaurant de Plan-Francey offers a magnificent panoramic view, extending from the Lac de la Gruyère, round to Les Diablerets.
Winter taverns with panoramic views
Situated next to the cable-car end-station, the Restaurant de l'Observatoire du sommet du Moléson offers you over 1,000 different views, from Lake Geneva to the Juras, and from Mont Blanc to the famous peaks of the Bernese Oberland.
Located at the heart of the ski runs and snow shoe pathways, the large terrace of the Hôtel-Restaurant de Plan-Francey offers a magnificent panoramic view, extending from the Lac de la Gruyère, round to Les Diablerets.
Public baths / Wellness
Anyone who loves the water will certainly appreciate Lake Murten; not only for swimming but because of the many watersports on offer. Choose from a great variety such as sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, wakeboarding, surf biking, sculling, pedalboating, canoeing, kayaking and sport fishing - anything is possible!
Factory
Traditional methods are used to make sparkling wine. Film, visit and tasting.
Nature
A place to relax, appreciate nature and learn about the environment. There are also some greenhouses and a pond.
Museums
The museum has more than twenty permanent and temporary exhibition rooms: plastic art and appliquéd art, history and numismatics and many drawings.
Permanent exhibitions: Ancient Egypt, Himalayas (collections from Bhoutan and Tibet), General Charles Daniel de Meuron's 18th century natural history display and the 21st century curios display.
A permanent exhibition of mammals and birds found in Switzerland, in their natural environment (diorama accompanied by sounds for the bird displays).
The Laténium uses innovative staged scenes to display 50,000 years of history and prehistory.
The animal world
The Petit Oiseau Cabin in Rathvel, near Les Paccots, is a treat for all families with young children.
Cross-Country Skiing
Between Jaun, Charmey and the Monts de Riaz, there are almost 80 km of tracks for cross-country skiing enthusiasts, in addition to 5 km of lit track.
Museums
The charming medieval town of Romont is perched on a hill in Fribourg.
The castle there houses its own Stained Glass Window Museum, which is
one of a kind in Switzerland.
For over ten centuries, artists have juggled with glass, light and colour to blend individual pieces of glass into colourful windows.
The animal world
The National horse market and show is an annual event that takes place over the second weekend in August in Saignelégier, at the heart of the Franches-Montagnes region.
Nature
This is an area of huge contrasts, where the seasons change suddenly. Franches-Montagnes is the region where the freedom that is so valuable to the Swiss people is most evident.
Driving a choo-choo
Kloster
The St. Ursanne collegiate church and its cloister (parts of which date back to the 10th century) are certainly the most interesting archaeological sites in Jura.
Nature
Get out and about in the Schwarzsee area with its wild and romantic charm in the foothills of the Alps around Fribourg...A fun day out for the entire family, away from all traffic, with the opportunity of swimming in the mountain lake!
Cliffs, animals, plants, and unforgettable impressions are present in this unique chasm at Brecca. Discover the simple life of the herdsman and taste his homemade specialties. Live life to the full.
Natural Tipps
Interesting high altitude trail encompassing the following topics: eagles, sycamores, geology, Alpine flowers, primeval landscape, marmots and chamois.
Wonderful mountain landscape combined with simple mountain life.
Succumb to the magic of this valley and feel the powers of nature that are at work here!
Wonderful mountain landscape combined with simple mountain life.
Succumb to the magic of this valley and feel the powers of nature that are at work here!
Theme and discovery trails
One of the most important renenwable energy centres in Europe can be found in the Bernese Jura: the wind power station on Mount Crosin and the solar power station on Mount Soleil.
Cross-Country Skiing
The piste from Les Cernets (1,150 m) to Chincul-Dessous (1,110 m) crosses glades and forests alternately. Over some ten kilometres, you will find the great open spaces around the La Brevine valley.
Museums
Castles & palaces
Summer mountain tips
Try reaching the castle in the picturesque village of Gruyères without
succumbing to the temptation of the wonderful restaurants along the
way. It's not easy!
The Freiberge region of Canton Jura is paradise for horses, and its
gently rolling hills are a paradise for riders, hikers and bikers too.
In the natural countryside of Brecca above the idyllic Schwarz Lake,
traditions live on and are happily shared with visiting families.
It doesn't always have to lead to Santiago de Compostela - follow the Route of St. James's Way, or the beautiful "Swiss Route" from Schwarzenburg to Fribourg (around 4½ hours).
Between Les Brenets and the Maison Monsieur, the Doubs river is constantly changing - a trip along the river is full of surprises.
From mediaeval Murten to 2,000 year old Avenches and back again.
Cycling around the Three Lakes Region is such fun that it won't be the
last time you do so.
No longer really Switzerland and yet not quite France - the Ajoie is
the ideal area in which to experience a nomad's life in a horse-drawn
wagon.
The gastronomic trail over the Chasseral features 57 mouth-watering gourmet stops.
Kloster
Climb the 368 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg.
A magnificent Cistercian abbey 20 minutes away from Fribourg, founded in 1137 by Guillaume de Glâne, leader of the Ecuvillens. Visits are organised on request. The abbey is near the Saint Jacques de Compostelle path.
Castles & palaces
This magnificent medieval town was built around an area planted with large trees. Antique shops, handicraft shops, art galleries and restaurants can be found here. Every year a famous second-hand goods market is held in the town over the last weekend in September. The sale of antiquities and handicrafts, art gallery and restaurants. A renowned antiquities market is held here on the last September weekend of every year.
Vaumarcus castle: a historic building a gourmet restaurant, boutiques. An administrative centre, the regional training centre for small and medium-sized businesses, services, exhibitions, a prehistoric gallery and the Marc Jurt Foundation. Panoramic views of Lake Neuchâtel.
Viticulture – a historical perspective. Changing exhibitions. The museum is situated in the beautiful Boudry Castle, centrepiece of the Neuenburg vineyards. Oenology library. Opportunities to sample wines and regional products.
Museums
The museum has a rich art and history collection, from the beginning of time to today. The Hôtel Ratzé houses the largest collection of sculptures from the first half of the 16th century in Switzerland. In the old abattoir, visitors can see the works of Delacroix, Courbet, Marcello, Hodler, Crotti and Tinguely. There are also many temporary exhibitions here.
This is a collection of both International and Swiss art from the 19th and 20th centuries, and includes pieces by Léopold-Robert, Le Corbusier, van Gogh, Derain and Rouault, etc.
Over 20 rooms for permanent and temporary exhibitions; fine and applied art, history and coin collections, numerous animated displays. Technical demonstration of the Jaquet-Droz automatons. Tuesdays at the museum: lectures, guided tours, concerts, films and demonstrations.
The Dürrenmatt Centre created by Mario Botta offers an exhibition environment which borrows both from literature and from the fine arts. All kinds of contemporary concerts, conferences and talks also contribute to the lively atmosphere of the place, where Dürrenmatt's spirit is never far away.
This combined archaeological park and museum exhibits 50,000 years of prehistory and history – but presented in a new way. The Discovery Park (free admission): newly-designed shores extend across 30,000 m2.
Factory
The new design is very much in line with the spirit of Cailler of Switzerland. The visitor trail provides a complete immersion into the brand, its history and products.
Place of power
The awe-inspiring landscape of this hike is part of the Jura ridge path, which leads from Zurich or Basel to Geneva.
Theme and discovery trails
Become acquainted with this small Lake Biel town through its decorative vegetation instead of its medieval architecture! A dendrological guide is available from the tourist office which will help make the Ornamental tree tour an informative experience.
Natural Tipps
Schwarzsee is a small holiday and tourist resort in the eastern Fribourg foothills. Around the idyllic mountain lake at the end of the valley, families in particular will enjoy unspoilt nature and traditional customs in both summer and winter. The wildly romantic Brecca Gorge above the lake is one of the finest alpine valleys to have been formed by glaciers in Switzerland.
Bird Watching in Switzerland
The nature reserve extending for approximately 1000 meters around the Etang de Gruère, the thousand-year-old pond in the peat bog near Saignelégier, is an ideal and popular place for observing birds, animals and plants. The postal coach (Postauto), or the Jura trains, will take you there.
Picture: Red Crossbill
Picture: Red Crossbill
Gems off the Beaten Path - Excursion ideas
The location fits perfectly: the studio of Le Bûcher is situated in the heart of the old town of Fribourg. Nimble hands work on soft sandstone and create works of art - just like in the Middle Ages. Whoever would like to, can give the tradition of sculpting a try, and can learn how to use a hammer and a chisel in one of the courses that are offered regularly. And he can get an inkling of what it must have taken to build the cathedral of St. Nicholas.
Fun & Games
A 9 or 18 holes golf course which guides you through the fascinating old town of Fribourg. Combine sport and fun and discover the history of one of the most beautiful medieval towns of Switzerland.
Theme and discovery trails
From May to mid-October, the rich vegetable cultures of the Seeland region are worth a visit. Special trails with instructive signposts lead you to discover 60 different kinds of vegetables grown locally.
Pearls summer
Lake Gruyère is surrounded by the most enchanting countryside. Embark on a one-hour boat trip on the lake and all you have to do is lean back and enjoy – and be astounded, too; at Rossens, for example, where nature herself has carved the head of an elephant in the cliff face, or at the medieval ruins and picturesque chapel on the tiny Île d’Ogoz.
Pearls
Lake Gruyère is surrounded by the most enchanting countryside. Embark on a one-hour boat trip on the lake and all you have to do is lean back and enjoy – and be astounded, too; at Rossens, for example, where nature herself has carved the head of an elephant in the cliff face, or at the medieval ruins and picturesque chapel on the tiny Île d’Ogoz.
Theme and discovery trails
The witch allows us to uncover the secrets of the small medieval town of La Neuveville situated on the shores of Lake Biel. She lets walkers in on the hidden powers of medicinal plants, fragrances, trees, stones and water. Along twisted paths through vineyards to higher ground alongside the forest periphery and the vantage point, with views across lakes and mountains. Walk down past the enchanted gardens on the castle hill.
Les Reussilles (near Tramelan) is the ideal starting point for walks. For example along the nature trail, a circular route that takes in eight stations. It offers explanations on hedgerows, dry stone walls, lakes, peat bogs, forest pastures and rough pastures. Bush and tree species are identified on small signs. It is also possible to go on this walk from Tramelan; Les Reussilles can be reached by train from Tramelan, by bus from Saint-Imier.
This eye-opening trail (4 km, 12 signposts) presents new sources of energy and seeks to instill respect for nature by honoring fauna and flora, meteorology and agriculture.
Pearls summer
An authentic slice of life in the Jura. The horses of the Pays de Fribourg have been part of the Jurassic landscape since time immemorial. Not surprisingly, therefore, the most stylish way of exploring this part of Switzerland is in a horse-drawn coach. Lovers of regional cuisine are strongly advised to interrupt their two-hour tour from Moutier to Crémines, Grandval and Eschert for a zesty cheese fondue or hearty farmhouse brunch in Grandval.
Pearls
An authentic slice of life in the Jura. The horses of the Pays de Fribourg have been part of the Jurassic landscape since time immemorial. Not surprisingly, therefore, the most stylish way of exploring this part of Switzerland is in a horse-drawn coach. Lovers of regional cuisine are strongly advised to interrupt their two-hour tour from Moutier to Crémines, Grandval and Eschert for a zesty cheese fondue or hearty farmhouse brunch in Grandval.
Gems off the Beaten Path - Excursion ideas
Many a man dreams of this: to drive a real dredger once in his lifetime. To move mountains with concentrated energy and to excavate ditches. To be the master of a several hundred horsepower vehicle. This is no problem in Switzerland's first excavation park. Real men above the age of 10 are allowed to dredge to their hearts' content - under the watchful eyes of professional dredger drivers, who are at their side with advice and help, and ensure the safety of the adventure.
Theme and discovery trails
When you leave Boécourt in the direction of Séprai, you'll come to a trail flanked by statues, which turn out to be an interesting combination of nature and sculpture. Each year, some works change.
The exciting history of this township in the valley of the same name can be gleaned on the "Energies horlogères" (in the course of time – in the tick of a watch) themed trail which runs from the railway station to the Mont-Soleil funicular railway. From the famous engraver hailing from Saint-Imier in the Court of Ludwig XVI, to thousands of industrious but anonymous hands, through to the struggle by the Jura federation and the freedom from industrial disputes.
