5 Fun Things to Do in Canton of Fribourg with Kids
Fribourg is one of the largest medieval cities in Switzerland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century contribute to its charm. The city walls, which once protected the city, are over two kilometers long, and the remains of the towers are still preserved.
From an enjoyable cable car ride to exploring the Botanical Garden, castles, and other exciting locations, this Swiss town has to offer a lot if you visit with kids.
Book a ride on the city cable car - Funiculaire Fribourg
This cable car has been operating since 1899 and is on the list of cultural monuments of national importance. It overlooks the Old Town and the Sarine River. This old funicular has been completely renovated and is functioning thanks to the support of the residents of Fribourg. This is one of the quieter funiculars powered by purified wastewater thanks to a system of counterweights. It was always the link between the "Basse-Ville" and the center of Fribourg.
This funicular now combines history and modernity. You and your kids will have a fun experience during the ride, and when you climb to the upper station, you will have a phenomenal view of the river and the city. The cable car ride takes about 2 minutes, but the experience is fantastic.
Try Tour of the Town by Mini Train
Explore the city, its colorful history, and the medieval atmosphere of the old town on a guided tour in this charming train. This one-hour tour is available in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish.
It will surely delight adults and children, especially those of school age. There are five stops along the route to get off and board the train: Equilibre, Cathedral, Lorette (Loreto Chapel), Auge (Petit-St-Jean Square), and Neuveville.
Visit the Natural History Museum of Fribourg
Enjoy with your little ones while rediscovering the mysteries of life and science through the exhibits. This museum has a long history and was founded in 1873. The permanent exhibition is divided into six thematic rooms related to biology, earth science, regional artifacts, and global flora and fauna. The museum has magnificent collections that include a great white shark, a Siberian tiger, a stuffed whale, and two meteorites from Fribourg. The museum also has temporary exhibitions and organizes educational programs and workshops for children and adults.
Explore the Botanical Garden of the University of Fribourg
The botanical garden was opened in 1937 to teach pharmacy and medicine. It is now an open-air museum that welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually. The garden covers an area of about 1.8 hectares and is divided into 20 sectors and three greenhouses, home to around 5,000 plant species.
The university maintains this botanical garden, which is usually accessible to all visitors throughout the year, although occasional events are held in the garden. Therefore, it is always advisable to check the current guidelines on the botanic garden website before your planned visit.
Visit Gruyeres Castle
Almost all children love to explore old castles and listen to stories about past times and the way people used to live. That's why we recommend you visit this beautiful castle. Gruyères Castle, in the heart of Switzerland, has existed since the 13th century. In this castle, you can immerse yourself in eight centuries of history, art, and legends.
Surrounded by magnificent alpine scenery, the castle's walls contain medieval stained-glass windows, frescoes, paintings, and decorations by passionate artists from the region, as well as French-style gardens.