Mediaeval town and contemporary bridge (I)
From Pensier and the charming artificial lake of Schiffenen, it’s only a few kilometres to Fribourg, where the new entrance to this mediaeval city is the height of modernity. Opened in 2014, La Poya suspension bridge is a magnificent contemporary structure which is one of a kind in Switzerland. Open to traffic, it affords a stunning view over the city, refreshed by the meanders of the Sarine and crowned by the famous St-Nicolas cathedral.
Once here, you can choose to go into the town and explore its museums, the old town with its mediaeval buildings and the various cultural attractions and unusual sights – like the magic caves of Le Gottéron – or continue on in the direction of Bourguillon. This little village also has a little surprise in store, accessible to cars: the Chemin de Lorette, known by the locals as the finest viewpoint, with the most romantic views.
(© Laurent Sciboz)
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Poya Bridge
The winning design is a cable-stayed bridge which, although resolutely contemporary in style, is entirely in keeping with the many historic suspension bridges dotted throughout the city. Measuring 196 metres, the Poya bridge will have the largest central span of any bridge in Switzerland.
Guided tour over the Poya-Bridge on request by Fribourg tourism!
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
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Gottéron gorge
The Gottéron Gorge opens its doors to you after the Bern Bridge on the right. In the old times, the knights didn't dare to venture in... It was said that a dreadful dragon was living there... Then in the 13th century, under the reign of Duke Berchtold de Zähringen, it was the blacksmiths and the millers who set up in the gorges to take advantage of the stream for their vanes.
Before entering the valley you will see the Fountain of Faithfulness on your right. Behind it there is the last wooden house of the old days built against the molasse wall. At the end of the street you will find the charming little chapel of St-Béat that used to be a place of pilgrimage to get protection against animals and diseases.
Does the dragon of Gotteron ring you a bell? It is on the iced pool of the old fish farm that the team of HC Fribourg Gotteron was born a night of december 1937, result of the passion of 6 youngs of the neighbourhood.
After walking past the fish farm, the gorge awaits, where the footbridges and sturdy wooden steps will ease your way through this idyllic landscape. At the end of the gorge, go towards Bourguillon to come back to Fribourg. Use either "Le sentier du Dürrenbuhl" to join the Bern Bridge, or use "Le Sentier des Falaises" to go down to the old city through Lorette, one of the most beautiful panorama of Fribourg.
Gotteron Gorge open or closed? Information on the following page: www.tafers.ch by Aktuelles/News (no indication means the Gorge is open always at your own risk)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
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St-Nicholas Cathedral
According to legend, if its 74 m tower is unfinished it is because there was no money left.
It is possible to climb the 365 steps to the top of the 74 m high tower and discover the entire town. St Nicholas Cathedral has a rich architectural setting. The main portal is adorned with a low relief depicting the Last Judgement.
The stained-glass windows, created by the Polish painter Jozef Mehoffer between 1896 and 1936, constitutes one of the most important collections on the European continent in the field of religious Art Nouveau stained-glass windows. The series was completed in the 1970s by the works of the French painter Alfred Manessier.
The organs, built between 1824 and 1834, bring together classic and romantic features. They are the work of a local organ-maker, Aloys Mooser. His instruments very quickly acquired international repute and attracted famous musicians such as Franz Liszt and Anton Bruckner.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© Editions Berra/ Charles Ellena)
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Fribourg Old Town
Coherence is the key word and perfectly describes the way churches, public monuments and the numerous "bourgeois" mansions have been set and preserved along the winding Sarine river. Do take a close look at the wonderful fountains created by Geiler an Gieng.
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
(© Laurent Sciboz)
621.08001708984
Fribourg Tourism and Region
Opening hours
Monday-Friday: 9.00 am - 6.00 pm
Saturday (May-September): 9.00 am - 3.00 pm
Saturday (October-April): 9.00 am - 12.30 am
(© FRIBOURG REGION)
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