THE CITY OF FRIBOURG
In addition to the natural beauty of the country, one of the many fascinating other things to see in Switzerland are the well-preserved medieval cities and towns. Fribourg is one of these. It’s a lively university town which is far too often bypassed by visitors. Its unique location at the cultural crossroads between the French & German speaking parts of Switzerland gives the city a distinct flair. By the way, the University of Fribourg offers a full curriculum in both French & German making it a unique institution in Europe. Additionally, classes are also taught in English. Kerry Marnell, one of our Tucson Swiss Club members who attended the University, can tell you all about it and the city she loves.
For a neat experience and an excellent example of green technology at work, take a ride on Fribourg’s “Funi” which takes you to & from the historic medieval “old town” and the modern city center with its cafés and pedestrian zone. The funicular built in 1899 is powered by waste water so you might occasionally detect a bit of a whiff. The ride is worth it and very convenient. Speaking of rides, we truly recommend that you take a ride on the “Little Train” for a tour of the city. The traditional tour takes about an hour, and afterwards have a refreshment on the terrace of the Café du Belvédère for a fantastic view over the old city. That evening we suggest that you have a marvelous meal at one of the many Gault-Millau & Michelin rated restaurants Fribourg is known for.
The City of Fribourg has its fair share of customs and traditions, many dating back to the Middle Ages. The Carnaval des Bolzes, the burning of the “Rabadou”, the “Bénichon” celebration, and of course the visit on the 6th of December of St Nicholas, the patron saint of Fribourg are just a few. Here’s an interesting one. We have all read the story of Pheidippides, the Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated. Fribourg holds its own “Marathon” based on the legend of the messenger who ran from the Battle of Morat (Murten) to Fribourg in 1476 to announce the victory of the Swiss over the French. If you are a runner, the race is held the first Sunday in October. In closing, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you that Jean Tinguely, painter & sculptor known for his kinetic art & the Stravinsky fountain near the Centre Pompidou in Paris, is one of Fribourg’s native sons.
Check out the Videos & websites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
In addition to the natural beauty of the country, one of the many fascinating other things to see in Switzerland are the well-preserved medieval cities and towns. Fribourg is one of these. It’s a lively university town which is far too often bypassed by visitors. Its unique location at the cultural crossroads between the French & German speaking parts of Switzerland gives the city a distinct flair. By the way, the University of Fribourg offers a full curriculum in both French & German making it a unique institution in Europe. Additionally, classes are also taught in English. Kerry Marnell, one of our Tucson Swiss Club members who attended the University, can tell you all about it and the city she loves.
For a neat experience and an excellent example of green technology at work, take a ride on Fribourg’s “Funi” which takes you to & from the historic medieval “old town” and the modern city center with its cafés and pedestrian zone. The funicular built in 1899 is powered by waste water so you might occasionally detect a bit of a whiff. The ride is worth it and very convenient. Speaking of rides, we truly recommend that you take a ride on the “Little Train” for a tour of the city. The traditional tour takes about an hour, and afterwards have a refreshment on the terrace of the Café du Belvédère for a fantastic view over the old city. That evening we suggest that you have a marvelous meal at one of the many Gault-Millau & Michelin rated restaurants Fribourg is known for.
The City of Fribourg has its fair share of customs and traditions, many dating back to the Middle Ages. The Carnaval des Bolzes, the burning of the “Rabadou”, the “Bénichon” celebration, and of course the visit on the 6th of December of St Nicholas, the patron saint of Fribourg are just a few. Here’s an interesting one. We have all read the story of Pheidippides, the Greek messenger who ran from Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated. Fribourg holds its own “Marathon” based on the legend of the messenger who ran from the Battle of Morat (Murten) to Fribourg in 1476 to announce the victory of the Swiss over the French. If you are a runner, the race is held the first Sunday in October. In closing, we would be remiss if we didn’t remind you that Jean Tinguely, painter & sculptor known for his kinetic art & the Stravinsky fountain near the Centre Pompidou in Paris, is one of Fribourg’s native sons.
Check out the Videos & websites by clicking on the highlighted links above.
