Fribourg can be reached from Lausanne by train in just 45'. Nested high above the river Sarine, with views of the Alps, the city's old centre is unique and well worth a visit. Among its attractions feature the Art-Nouveau stained glass windows of its Early Renaissance Cathedral, the Swiss beer museum and some beautiful architectural treasures. Fribourg is also known for Fondue with cheese from nearby mountains and for its chocolates.
Bustling with students from the University of Fribourg and University of Applied Sciences of Fribourg, the city is currently converting Blue Factory, a large industrial area formerly run by beer brewery Cardinal, into a low-carbon hub of innovation. This is where Smart Living Lab is researching the latest sustainable building and smart living technologies and currently constructing a revolutionary building that will be both lab and working space.
If you have time, explore the city on Friday afternoon or visit nearby Bern, the capital of Switzerland, which is only a 15' train-ride from Fribourg. Alternatively explore the hill-top old city of Gruyère (origin of the famous cheese!), and whilst you're there, it's only a short distance to the Caillers chocolate museum at Broc or the Moléson Via Ferrata with spectacular views (equipment for hire locally). September is also the time of alpine cattle descents, where you will catch a glimpse of traditional Switzerland, with decorated cows, farmers in traditional costume, Alpen horn and Swiss folk music. The dates will be published in summer 2025.
