From the home of the Zaehringen to the gates of the canton of Bern, discover the cultural heritage of a region where two languages meet.
The starting point for this walk is the town of Fribourg, which conceals numerous architectural gems. The bridges over the Sarine offer just one example of the technical challenges faced by builders in days gone by. From the Planche-Supérieure, in the Old Town, cross the Central Bridge and Bern Bridge and follow the road to Les Neigles. Enjoy the view over the molasse walls hollowed out by the Sarine. Head back via the Neigles Bridge, towards the Grandfey viaduct, which was completed in 1927. The path continues towards the Madeleine caves in Räsch, a hermitage hollowed out from the rock in the 15th century.
It then runs along the shores of the man-made Lake Schiffenen, from where you can see three castles on the opposite bank: Barberêche, Petit Vivy and Grand Vivy. In the hamlet of Bonn, a café-restaurant remindsthat there were once very popular thermal baths renowned by affluent local families, in what is now the submerged part of the lake. Continue towards the dam, then walk down the valley towards the Sarine. On the way, you can cross the river and stop at the Auried reserve, which is known for its frogs and toads. On the last section of the walk, you will arrive at the confluence of the Sarine and the Sense. And now you are in the canton of Bern!
Tip: take the time to visit the Laupen Castle, the vanguard of the Bernese lords.
Accessible by public transport: yes (return by train advised)
Accessible by car: yes (fee-paying parking, sometimes for a limited period)