La Sarine: Pilgrimage Routes, Culture and Nature

The Saane gives its name to the Saane District, one of the seven districts in the Canton of Fribourg. In La Sarine, you can shape your trip in many different ways: making time for pilgrimage history, Fribourg’s architecture, culture and riverside landscapes. A good place to start planning is to consider which of these themes interests you most.

Pilgrimage history around Hauterive

Hauterive Cistercian Abbey was founded in 1138 and is located in the Saane District. It welcomes people seeking a place for prayer and spiritual retreat. The abbey’s details also tell the story of its past: its oak choir stalls are considered a masterpiece of medieval sculpture in Switzerland. Pont Saint Apolline is significant for pilgrims on the Way of St. James.

If you are interested in trails and how they connect with these themes, the Sarine Trails offer a practical starting point. The Hauterive–La Souche loop begins just a few metres from the abbey’s main gate and opened on 30 August 2025. The themed trails are designed for families, children, adults and people with reduced mobility. Their access points are near bus stops and car parks. When planning, you can therefore take into account both a trail’s focus and its starting point.

Fribourg: fortifications, bridges and Gothic architecture

In Fribourg, the story stretches from the medieval townscape to buildings that illustrate how the city has changed. The fortifications were built between the 13th and 15th centuries. Almost 900 metres of the walls are open to the public along the fortifications trail, and eleven towers can be visited. Access may vary by season, so it is worth checking visiting options before you plan.

With more than 200 exceptionally well-preserved Gothic façades, Fribourg is a remarkable medieval architectural ensemble in Europe. The city’s 14 bridges also tell the story of its development over time. The Gothic Cathedral of Saint Nicholas dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. Its distinctive features include a world-renowned organ and a panoramic view from the tower, reached by climbing 365 steps.

The Saane, riverbanks and outdoor trails

The Saane flows through Fribourg and through the artificial lakes of Pérolles and Schiffenen. Between Rossens and Fribourg, it forms a floodplain zone of national importance. Forests, hills and riverbanks shape the region’s landscape and are considered areas with intact biodiversity. The wider Saane District and Haut-Lac region offer many opportunities for forest walks.

A two-day hiking route runs along the Saane between Rossens and Düdingen, linking varied landscapes, cultural heritage and themed trails. For more outings, the Saane District has official mountain bike routes for all ability levels; check the conditions for each route before setting out. In winter, snowshoe trails run through forests and across fields, although their availability depends on winter conditions. These different options, available at different times and in different seasons, give you practical guidance for choosing activities during your stay.

Museums, models and cultural events

The Natural History Museum of Fribourg focuses on the natural heritage of Fribourg and other regions. Its permanent exhibition covers geology, regional fauna, the history of the Earth and mineralogy; the exhibition layout may change as part of the planned museum relocation. Temporary exhibitions and events round out the programme.

Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle is housed in a former Fribourg tram depot dating from 1900 and displays important works by both artists. Guided tours with commentary and audio guides offer further ways to discover their work. Throughout the year, L’Atelier’s cultural programme includes exhibitions, concerts, conferences and creative workshops, and is open to everyone, including visitors passing through. For the monthly Menu de L’Atelier, Fribourg artisans prepare a savoury dish, a sweet dish and a drink. If you would like to plan around the menu, check the current programme in advance.

Kaeserberg offers another way to take time over the details: its model railway world, built to a scale of 1:87, has day and night modes. It took 17 years to build and features more than two kilometres of track, 87 trains and 6,500 figures. The Épendes Observatory, meanwhile, turns its sights to the night sky. During night visits, constellations are identified with telescopes, and the Moon and—depending on visibility—various planets are observed. Visits must be booked during the week before the event; bookings are limited to five people. Check the booking conditions before your visit.

Discover more destinations

Givisiez, Belfaux, Avry Fr, Fribourg, Rossens, Ependes Fr, Marly Fr, Le Glèbe, Treyvaux, Le Mouret

Return to the main travel overview: Fribourg.