The Funicular – a genuine treasure - Fribourg / Freiburg

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

It is the last wastewater railway in Switzerland. No motor powers the funicular instead wastewater from the upper town. A very special fragrance lingers in the air when the water tank beneath this vehicle is once again filled at the station - and the "Funi" has certainly earned its place on the list of cultural treasures of national importance.

Ascending a total 56.4 climb in altitude, the upper carriage uses filtered wastewater from the city in a 3000 liter tank (weight) to power it - and the driver regulates speed with the aid of cogwheel.

It's worth making a detour to hear the clanking and creaking of this century-old green railway, still running today thanks to the support of the Fribourg population – just a few minutes' walk from Fribourg station.
Altitude: 605m
Accessibility:
On the Bern–Lausanne train route; the Funi is reached in just a few minutes from the station
View: from the upper station, view over the Old Town and over the river Sarine.
Attractions: the funicular is a genuine experience; Old Town round tour to the cathedral
Culinary aspects: Speciality restaurants in the Old Town
Overnight stays: Hôtel de la Rose in the lower town (Old Town)
Groups: Urban Golf in the Old Town
Winter: The "Funi" also runs in winter
Special comments: The over century-old funicular was subject to total renovation and shines today in its original green colour