Fribourg, founded in 1157 by the Dukes of Zähringen, is the capital of the canton of the same name, and is at the interface between German and French cultural influences. The medieval town centre, classified as a historical monument, with its narrow alleyways, picturesque squares and fountains with statues, is situated on a rocky outcrop high above the River Saane (Sarine). The fortifications, with 14 towers and a city wall, are intact and unique.

The most striking feature on the town's skyline is the 76 metre high, unfinished tower of the St. Nicolas Cathedral. The cathedral can look back over 600 years of history, and houses famous masterpieces such as the incomparable stained glass windows by Jozef Mehoffer and Alfred Manessier and an organ by Aloys Mooser. From the tower, there is a wonderful view over the roofs of the town towards the Fribourg Pre-Alps.

Another good viewpoint is the Italian-style early Baroque Loreto Chapel. From the Neuveville district (in the Lower Town), a funicular railway takes you up to the pedestrianised area of the Upper Town. Fribourg is a lively university town, with many students from all over the world, making this a cosmopolitan, multi-faceted mini-metropolis. In the narrow alleyways are tightly packed rows of little boutiques, antique shops, student cafés and restaurants, offering local and foreign specialities.

One of the favourite destinations for art-lovers is the "Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle", housed in a former tram depot. More works by the two artists can be found on the Sculpture Trail through the town centre. Modern art is on display in the Fri-Art Gallery. Children will love the Puppet Museum or the highly educational Natural History Museum.

It is worth making an excursion to Hauterive Abbey, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1137, and once a stopping place on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela.

• Fribourg Old Town – Gothic facades, pretty fountains, cosy cafés and inns, full of the charm of bygone days.
  
• Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle – this museum is dedicated to the sculptor Jean Tinguely and his wife, the artist Niki de Saint Phalle.
  
• St. Nicolas Cathedral – started according to German construction plans and finished to meet French wishes, with magnificent stained glass windows.
  
• Gruyères/Greyerz – not far from Fribourg is the village of Gruyères /Greyerz, where you can see the famous cheese of the same name being produced in a show cheesery.
  
• Murten – this little medieval town on the south-east bank of Lake Murten has a complete town wall and a pleasant promenade beside the lake, where there is a wide range of water sports available.

• Belluard Bollwerk International – this cultural event for contemporary arts takes place in a medieval fortress (June/July).
  
• International Folklore Festival – music from around the world on the squares and stages of Fribourg (August).
  
• St. Niklaus Festival – at dusk, Saint Nikolaus, the town's patron saint, goes on a donkey at the head of a procession through the Old Town (December).
  
• Christmas Market – at Christmas, you can buy mulled wine and various regional products at the market (December).