Fribourg — yes, with an ‘i’ — might be one letter away from its German cousin Freiburg, but the vibe? Entirely different. Nestled between language borders and clifftop views, Fribourg is a Swiss city where medieval arches meet café tables, and Gothic towers share space with modern art. It’s a place where the old and the new don’t just coexist — they wink at each other across the Saane.

Planning a trip to Switzerland? Discover why Fribourg is one of the best places to visit in Switzerland for history, culture, architecture, and unforgettable local flavor.

Here are ten reasons you’ll not only remember how to spell Fribourg, but fall a little in love with it.

1. St. Nicholas Cathedral — Fribourg’s Gothic heart

Step into history — and look up. Built between the 13th and 15th centuries, St. Nicholas Cathedral is crowned with over 150 heraldic shields on its ceiling. The stained-glass windows? Art Nouveau masterpieces by Joseph Meho. Pilgrims walking the Camino de Santiago pass through here, and for those chasing views instead of blessings, there’s a 75-meter-high tower with a view that rivals postcards.

📅 Open year-round. Spring and summer = clearest skies.

Want more Swiss charm? Check out our guide to 15 cities full of history, culture, and quality living

2. The old town: medieval, intact, alive

More than 200 Gothic facades, cobblestone lanes, and shadowy arcades — Fribourg’s old town is a living museum with none of the dust. The Bern Bridge (13th century!) and lower town houses give time-travel energy. No time machine required. It’s one of the top medieval towns in Switzerland to explore on foot.

📅 Go anytime. But summer tours add storytelling sparkle.

Museum goers might find this link useful

3. 15 bridges, countless stories

Fribourg is stitched together with bridges — 15 in total — each from a different century or moodboard. Don’t miss the St. Johann Bridge for its cinematic view over the river bend. These bridges don’t just connect districts — they carry centuries of crossings and are perfect spots for photography in Switzerland.

📅 Best seen in spring and fall, with blossom or golden leaves framing the scene.

4. Fountains that still flow (and tell tales)

With over 40 historic fountains, Fribourg makes you thirsty — for history and actual water. Some date back to the Middle Ages and feature sculpted figures mid-fable. Check out the Samson Fountain (man vs lion, Old Testament-style) and the delicate Loyalty Fountain.

🚰 Drinkable — unless otherwise posted. Yes, the fountains are that pure.

📅 Lovely year-round. In summer, they double as artful refreshment.

5. Trinkwasser — the statue that never stops crying

“La Pleureuse,” a sculpture by Franziska Koch, stands silently on Rue de Romont, near the Christ jewelry store. This life-sized, unmoving woman in grey lets her tears trickle into the gutter. Installed in 2003, it’s public art at its most poetic — and most haunting.

🎭 Interpret as eco-critique, emotional monument, or both.

📅 Always there, always weeping.

6. Motta Pool — swim with a view

Hidden just below the old town cliffs, Motta is an open-air pool from the 1920s with mountain-fresh vibes and medieval skyline drama. Locals love it. So do overheated visitors. Come for the plunge, stay for the Instagram. It’s one of the most unique summer activities in Fribourg.

☀️ Open in late spring and summer. Dates vary — check ahead here.

7. The funicular that runs on wastewater

Since 1899, this charming little tram — le funiculaire — has carried passengers up and down between Fribourg’s upper and lower towns. What makes it unique? It’s powered by recycled wastewater. History meets sustainability, and somehow it still feels romantic. A true hidden gem in Fribourg.

🚃 Two cars, 55% incline, all charm.

📅 Daily service, maintenance permitting.

8. HC Fribourg-Gottéron — where the ice melts under the roar

Founded in 1937, this hockey club has serious fan love. Their newly renovated BCF Arena (finished in 2020) seats 9,000+ and vibrates with drumming, chanting, and team flags in motion. It’s not just a game. It’s the town’s heartbeat and one of the best things to do in Fribourg in winter.

🏒 From September to March. Book early — Fribourg shows up for its team.

9. Bolzes Carnaval — Fribourg lets loose

Every February, the lower town explodes in colour, satire, and noise. Named after the “Bolzes,” a traditional working-class community, this carnival features masked parades, cheeky performances, and a puppet-burning finale. Don’t worry — there’s a special program for kids, too.

🎭 Think: Swiss precision meets street theatre.

📅 February. Crowds expected. Joy guaranteed.

10. A taste of Fribourg — saffron bread and sweet mustard

Try the saffron bread with Kilbi mustard — yes, it’s sweet and clove-infused. Then try one of the city’s award-winning restaurants (Le Pérolles has 18 Gault & Millau points). It’s foodie heaven — and one of the top culinary stops in western Switzerland.

🍽 Weekly markets: Saturdays at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, Wednesdays at Place Georges Python.

Fribourg is full of surprises. From its funicular fueled by wastewater to its fountains you can drink from, this city doesn’t just do history — it reinvents it. Whether you’re chasing views, stories, or a really good lunch, this bilingual beauty has you covered. It’s one of the most underrated destinations in Switzerland.

Want more? The Canton of Fribourg has extra magic:

• Murten — a lakeside medieval postcard with a touch of resort flair
• Estavayer-le-Lac** — castle meets beach, and windsurfing is optional (but recommended)
• Gruyères** — castle, cheese, and a dash of Alien (yes, there’s an HR Giger museum)
• Schwarzsee** — a mountain lake wrapped in folklore and pine
• Charmey** — thermal baths, cowbells, and fresh bread with alpine butter
• Lac de la Gruyère & Ogoz Island — an island with castle ruins you can reach by foot when the water drops

Fribourg — it’s not just a place. It’s a punctuation mark on your Swiss itinerary. And yes, it’s spelled with an “i”.