Drinking a cup of coffee in a leisurely fashion, admiring the old facades and beautiful fountains, listening to two local languages or gazing from the 74-meter spire of the Cathedral far into the countryside - this is an experience enjoyed in Fribourg (Freiburg).

Freiburg, nestled on a rock promontory, is surrounded on three sides by the Saane River. It is one of the largest medieval towns in Üechtland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town.  
  
Ramparts that are over two kilometers long used to protect the city in the past. Remnants of the walls, turrets and bastions are still preserved. Most impressive, however, is the Cathedral of Freiburg with its extraordinarily beautiful stained-glass windows. Construction started in 1283 and continued in several stages. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, it boasts a 74-meter-high tower that offers a fantastic panoramic view.  
  
Another good viewpoint is the Italian-style early Baroque Loreto Chapel. From the Neuveville district (in the Lower Town), a funicular railway takes you up to the pedestrianised area of the Upper Town. Fribourg is a lively university town, with many students from all over the world, making this a cosmopolitan, multi-faceted mini-metropolis. In the narrow alleyways are tightly packed rows of little boutiques, antique shops, student cafés and restaurants, offering local and foreign specialities.  
  
One of the favourite destinations for art-lovers is the "Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle", housed in a former tram depot. More works by the two artists can be found on the Sculpture Trail through the town centre. Modern art is on display in the Fri-Art Gallery. Children will love the Puppet Museum or the highly educational Natural History Museum.  
  
It is worth making an excursion to Hauterive Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1137, and once a stopping place on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela.

**Mediaeval fountains**

Discover some of the 11 historic fountains with their beautiful columns either alone or learn all of their secrets with one of our city guides. Fribourg’s fountains have great names like Fidelity, Strength and Courage. 11 historical fountains from different centuries can be found dotted around the city. Did you know that the city of Fribourg built its most beautiful fountains in the 16th century to compete with the rival city of Bern? Several were built during this period by Hans Gieng and Hans Geiler, who were responsible for creating the most beautiful fountains in Switzerland. Embark on a journey of discovery in the company of an expert guide who will reveal the secret stories behind the fountains.

myswitzerland.com

Fribourg / Freiburg

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.

Jean Tinguely certainly deserved the international recognition he has received, and his works adorn several European capitals and major cities.

The sculpture that he created in memory of his friend, Formula 1 driver Jo Siffert, looms over the level Schützenmatte area. It is the third water feature built by Tinguely on a public square. Tinguely had already proposed the work to the city council in 1972, but it wasn’t approved until ten years later, though he was permitted to choose its location. 

This sculpture, made up of wheels, metallic elements and flexible hoses, sits in the centre of an enormous round basin. It is powered by a motor and joyfully sprays water in all directions. This spectacle varies according to the season, based on the influence of the sun, clouds or frost.

Schützenmatte – Parc Grand-Places - Fribourg / Freiburg