Funiculaire Fribourg
Fribourg, Switzerland, 1700
More than just a mode of transportation, the Fribourg Funicular is one of the highlights of the old town. Opened in 1899, this line linking the hilltop portion of the historic center and the Basse-Ville below is one of the only remaining funiculars in Europe that uses local wastewater to run via a water-ballasted system rather than a motor. Take a scenic ride on the charming historic cars for a unique introduction to Fribourg’s old town.
The basics
Take a quick ride on the funicular before or after exploring Fribourg’s old town. Most tours on foot or by bike cover headliners such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Bern Bridge, medieval town walls and fortifications, and Hôtel Cantonal de Fribourg (City Hall) in just a few hours. You can also pair your funicular ride with an independent audio tour of the city or an excursion to Gruyères and other nearby destinations.
Things to know before you go
The only way to access the Funiculaire Fribourg is by buying a ticket to ride; rides are free with the Fribourg City Card.
The funicular is accessible to wheelchairs.
Have your camera ready to snap photos during the 2-minute trip.
Kids especially love the novelty of riding this steep cable railway.
There are no exhaust fumes from this motorless funicular, but you may get an occasional whiff of sewage as the tank under the car fills and empties.
How to get there
You can board the Funiculaire Fribourg from either the upper or lower stations. The lower station is located in Place Georges-Python, a short walk or bus ride from the Fribourg train station, while the Neuveville station is in the upper town. There are more parking options near Place George-Python, so plan on boarding from the lower station if you’re driving there.
When to get there
The funicular is part of Fribourg’s public transportation system and runs all year round. Hours vary by season, so check with the local tourist office for updated schedules. Departures are scheduled about every six minutes and it takes about two minutes to complete the trip.
Exploring Fribourg’s historic districts
Fribourg’s compact old town is divided into three distinct districts. Bourg, home to the town’s spectacular Gothic cathedral, dates back to the city’s founding and is perched high above the Sarine/Saane River. Auge is where most of the city’s medieval fortifications are located. Neuveville—or the newest part of the old town—is enclosed by a 14th-century fortified wall, broken up by the Bourguillon and the Maigrauge city gates. All three districts are easy to cover on foot or by bike in just a few hours.
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