This is home to the “kitchen garden of Switzerland”; to delicious cheeses such as tangy Le Gruyère AOP and creamy Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP; to the exquisite cream cakes of Morat and heavenly fondue. Welcome to a land of plenty – for gourmets, walkers, nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Here you find detailed information on the route: PDF Tour of hidden gems
Hereafter, we present 15 suggestions for excursions along the tour.
Tipp 1: Mont - Vully
You won’t forget the view from Mont Vully, 653 metres above sea level: the silvery-blue lake, green forested hills and white, snowy alpine summits complement one another in perfect harmony. This uplifting landscape is delightful to explore on foot – along the vineyard trail, the historical and botanical paths and the shoreline walk. Whichever you choose, you’re sure to fall under Mont Vully’s spell.
Tipp 2: SUP on Lake Murten
The medieval town of Murten invites visitors to enjoy the Mediterranean-style atmosphere and relax in a setting that feels far removed from modern-day stress. A stint of stand up paddling on peaceful Lake Murten offers a chance to reach an even deeper level of calm and achieve balance – literally. No mobile phone, no deadlines, no rush: just gentle waves, rhythmic movements and pure tranquillity. Bliss!
Tipp 3: Nidelkuchen, Aebersold cake shop
No visit to Murten would be complete without a taste of a genuine Nidelkuchen, the town’s famous cream cake. Baked to a traditional recipe by the Aebersold cake shop, the heavenly confection has won many awards. Five layers of cream are needed to make the speciality – and just a few unforgettable moments of happiness to consume it. Thankfully you can also buy the delicacy to take away.
Tipp 4: Grande Cariçaie
The Grande Cariçaie is Switzerland’s largest lakeshore wetland. Extending for nearly 40 kilometres, the nature reserve provides a habitat for about 800 plant species and 10,000 animal species, and offers visitors plentiful scope for relaxing walks and wildlife-watching. For an altogether more energetic adventure, try a spot of wakeboarding at Estavayer-le-Lac, which boasts a range of top facilities.
Tipp 5: Gletterens lake village
How did our ancestors live back in the Stone Age, some 6,000 years ago? In the reconstructed pile-dwelling village at Gletterens, you not only learn about prehistory, you live it first-hand: making your own Neolithic jewellery, for example, or demonstrating your hunting skills with some spear-throwing. For the full experience, spend the night in one of the tepees or the animal-hide shelter close by.
Tipp 6: Museum Jean-Tinguely and Nikki de Saint Phalle
The nonsensical moving machines of Jean Tinguely and the brightly coloured sculptures of his wife, Niki de Saint Phalle, delight children as much as adults: the Swiss/French couple are among the best-loved artists of the 20th century. Admire their exuberant and inventive works at the “Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle”, housed in a former tram depot near the city’s art and history museum.
Tipp 7: Fribourg cathedral
Scale the 365 steps to the top of the 74-metre tower and you’ll be glad you made the effort: the views over the medieval heart of Fribourg are bewitching. The Gothic cathedral of St. Nicholas, built between the 13th and 15th centuries, is a gem. The impressive organ drew both Liszt and Bruckner to Fribourg; between 1896 and 1936, the cathedral acquired exquisite stained glass windows in art nouveau style.
Tipp 8: Chocolaterie, Fribourg
The “Patisserie” chocolate atelier in Fribourg’s historic lower town is a must for every enthusiast. It is run by a charming married couple of artisan chocolate-makers, and you can watch them at work as you taste their sublime creations. If you’re feeling inspired, book a place on one of their workshops in chocolate-making or biscuit-baking; but be aware that these activities can prove highly addictive!
Tipp 9: Walk around Schwarzsee
Enjoyed a little too much chocolate? Burn off surplus calories on a walk around the sparkling Schwarzsee. The easy gravel path around the lake is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs; short detours lead to a romantic grotto and a 30-metre waterfall. Children love the Witch Path, based on the region’s myths and legends; the tourist office offers a “Witch Set” to help young explorers in their adventures.
Tipp 10: Kaiseregg
The highest mountain overlooking the resort and lake of Schwarzsee is the 2,185-metre Kaiseregg. The trail to the rocky summit entails a climb of about 1,100 vertical metres and offers a rewarding day hike. For a shorter walk, glide up the first 400 vertical metres or so in the chairlift from the lakeshore to Riggisalp. However you reach the summit, the 360-degree panoramic views are bewitching.
Tipp 11: Lac de La Gruyère
Enjoy a relaxing boat trip on this peaceful, wooded reservoir. First you sail past the impressive cliffs at Rossens before crossing to the idyllic island of Ogoz, where you can visit the old chapel and the ruins of two castles. These were built long before the dam, at a time when the “island” was just a peninsula formed by a loop in the River Sarine: a strategic hilltop with commanding views of the valley.
Tipp 12: Musée gruérien
The tour continues to Bulle at the foot of the Pre-Alps, which charms visitors with its well-preserved Old Town and lush rural setting. Here, the “Musée gruérien” offers an entertaining insight into the region of La Gruyère and its cultural traditions. Bulle is also the ideal place to try the classic “fondue moitié-moitié”: half Le Gruyère AOP cheese, half Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, and 100% delicious!
Tipp 13: Alpine dairy, Vounetse
You have probably already tasted the creamy-smooth Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP, a cheese that is produced exclusively in the Fribourg Region and which is ideal for making fondue. But have you ever tried making it yourself? You can at the Vounetse alpine dairy near Charmey. Between June and September, you can experience daily life on a genuine alpine pasture, from milking the cows to finishing the cheese.
Tipp 14: Waterfall of Jaun
The impressive waterfall directly opposite the village of Jaun is said to emanate a special energy. Up to 6,000 litres of water per second plunge down the cascades during the month of June. The compact village core is formed of magnificent wooden houses; the former parish church, built in the 13th century, now serves as the “Cantorama”, an atmospheric venue for concerts of classical and other music.
Tipp 15: Les Paccots
Our route ends in Les Paccots, an appealing mountain village that lies at the heart of an extensive network of footpaths. Let nature work its magic on you as you explore one of the four gourmet trails. Leading from one mountain restaurant to the next, these mouth-watering walks showcase the area’s gorgeous scenery as they offer a taste of local specialities from fondue to meringues with double cream.
