Experiences along the Grand Tour in Fribourg

Espace pays tribute to two great artistic celebrities from the latter half of the twentieth century. Jean Tinguely and his wife Niki de St Phalle profoundly marked the cultural and artistic life of Fribourg.

Climb the 365 steps and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable view of the town of Fribourg.

"Frÿburg1606" is not just an audio guide - it is a unique experience. A mixture of audio, video and augmented reality takes back to Fribourg of the 17th century.

Typical 19th century baths but with 20th century comforts! The Motta baths, opened in 1923, were the first public baths in Switzerland that were neither a river nor seaside resort.

At the heart of the charming medieval old town of Fribourg - just a few steps from the Espace Jean Tinguely / Niki de Saint-Phalle - the museum of art and history invites you on diverse journeys of discovery. And very few people know that the Musée d'Art et d'Histoire houses the largest collection of sculptures of Switzerland.

The author of The Little Prince found inspiration in Fribourg and often refers in his works to the years he spent in the Swiss town.

The collections in the museum involve all areas of natural science.

The fortifications of the town of Fribourg were built as protection for the town in the Middle Ages between the 13th and 15th centuries. With large sections of them having been preserved to this day, they are the most significant piece of medieval military architecture in Switzerland. They are also open to the public.

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

Fribourg – founded in 1157 by Berthold IV, Duke of Zähringen – is a city of bridges in every respect. The city was built on both sides of the river La Sarine/Saane and there are bridges in all styles and from all eras. Being a bilingual city, it also bridges the cultures of the German- and French-speaking parts of Switzerland. Fribourg is home to many contemporary witnesses and architectural jewels, such as the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, built in the 13th century, which dominates the centre of the historic Old City.

The artist/painter Herbert Audriaz devises a different-themed route every year, with the help of hundreds of children and his team.

In this green oasis in the centre of Fribourg, the Jean Tinguely fountain is particularly striking. It was created by the contemporary Fribourg artist in memory of his friend and racing driver Jo Siffert.

The fortifications of Fribourg were built to protect the town and are today open to the public.