Things to do in Fribourg

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Bern’s Old City

Bern’s Old City is the historic heart of Bern, the capital of Switzerland. The entire district sits on a high plateau surrounded on three sides by the Aare River. Most of the early wooden houses here were destroyed by fire, after which they were rebuilt with sandstone. The continuous red-tiled roofs and sandstone buildings remain in use today, and the medieval street layout has largely remained unchanged. The main street is paved with cobblestones. Heading east along Justice Street, the ground floors of the old houses on both sides are connected by arcades that stretch for several km, housing watch shops, antique stores, bookstores, cafes, and restaurants. Scattered along the center of the street are over 100 fountains, including the Fountain of Justice, the Zähringen Fountain featuring an armored knight with a bear, and the Child Eater Fountain (Kindlifresserbrunnen), each with its own story. The Zytglogge astronomical clock mechanism at the western end is still in operation today. On the hour, the jester rings the bell, the bears parade in a circle, and the gilded figures strike the time—a scene that has been playing out for centuries as crowds look up from below the tower. You can climb the narrow stairs inside the Gothic cathedral near the river to reach the platform, where you can overlook the layers of red tiles and the bend of the Aare River. The Rose Garden on the high ground across the river is also a great spot to look back at the panoramic view.

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

BearPark

BearPark is located right next to the Nydegg Bridge, spreading along the slopes on the east bank of the Aare River, and is the iconic destination of this City of Bears. The park extends to the banks of the Aare River, separated from the riverside walkway by only a thin line. Brown bears can forage on the slopes, climb large trees, retreat into caves to rest, or go down to the water to splash and play. They can also return to the historic Old Bear Pit via a tunnel to rest. The brown bears living in the park, Björk, Finn, and Ursina, are frequent subjects in visitors' photos, with Ursina having been born right here. The viewing experience here is multi-layered. The upper platform offers an overlook of the entire activity area, while the lower riverside walkway is perfect for viewing the bears at eye level. A funicular, nicknamed the Bear Train, connects the two levels, passing almost right next to the bears' activity area during the ride. Looking up, you can see the layered red-tiled roofs and church spires of the UNESCO - Bern Old Town on the opposite bank.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Jungfrau

△ Ascend to 3,454 m above sea level and enjoy a 3‑hour visit at the Jungfraujoch “Top of Europe”. △ Stopovers and spectacular views, including glacier plateaus, the Sphinx viewing terrace, Snow Fun Park, Ice Palace, and a 360° cinematic experience. There are usually three starting points: Interlaken East, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen. i.Interlaken:A lively town with convenient transportation and dining options, often chosen by tourists. ii.Grindelwald:Offers unbeatable scenery and charming slopes, with high playability. It is closer to Jungfrau and also offers outdoor activities at First Mountain, making it a popular choice among young people. iii.Lauterbrunnen:A beautiful valley and waterfall town. △ Climb the Jungfraujoch! Drive to the charming town of Interlaken and immerse yourself in the picturesque scenery along the way. Admire the legendary Jungfraujoch in Switzerland, which was blessed by angels. △ Take your trip on the train, and enjoy the scenery along the way. △ A must-visit photo spot with the Swiss flag.On the glacier platform with amazing views, you will experience snow and ice 365 days a year, guaranteed. △ Facilities: excellent restaurants (Crystal, Bollywood, Aletsch Self‑Service), Lindt Chocolate Heaven, and immersive exhibitions like Alpine Sensation.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Zytglogge (Clock Tower)

Zytglogge (Clock Tower) stands at the western end of Kramgasse in the Old City of Bern and is one of the city's symbols. It was built in the early 13th century, initially serving as a gate tower for the Old City's western fortifications, and later as a guard tower and prison. A fire once destroyed it, and after being rebuilt, it was equipped with a clock and bronze bells for timekeeping. The astronomical clock movement that drives the hands was completed in the first half of the 16th century and is still in operation today. The astronomical clock on the face is presented in the style of an ancient astrolabe. In addition to the time, it can also display the zodiac signs, moon phases, as well as the date and day of the week. Every hour on the hour, a puppet show that has continued for hundreds of years is performed: a jester rings a bell, bear figures parade by, a golden rooster flaps its wings and crows, and the golden god of time, Chronos, at the top of the tower swings his arm to strike the large bell, announcing the arrival of the hour. The interior preserves medieval mechanical devices along with thick stone walls and wooden beams. You can climb the more than 100 steps to the top of the tower to overlook the layered roofs and streets of the Old City, and on clear days, you can even see the peaks of the Bernese Highlands in the distance.

St-Nicolas Cathedral

BCF Arena

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Riviera Suisse

Golden Pass Railway

Two languages, three worlds, six lakes, one route: this is the Golden Pass route. In Montreux, the palm trees and southern vibes along the "Swiss Riviera" still prevail. French romance fills the air. Vineyards and gardens can be captured as the Golden Pass Express goes uphill, the trains are fading away, and a look back at Lake Geneva, the tunnels, and more. The Golden Pass Express is a fascinating route connecting the beautiful lakes of Switzerland such as Lake Geneva, Lake Thun, Lake Brienz and Lake Lucerne.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Milan Cathedral

•Located in the center of Milan, the cathedral is a landmark of Milan •Admire the enchanting hall, towering stone pillars, and dazzling stained glass windows while studying design elements of various styles •On the platform level, you can see the exquisite spires of Milan Cathedral and the statues on top of them. The statues vary in form and are lifelike. △The church has 135 spires of varying sizes, each topped with a statue. Carvings and spires are one of the defining features of Gothic architecture, and Milan Cathedral exemplifies this characteristic to the fullest. As such, it is also the Gothic church with the most statues in the world, featuring approx. 6,000 marble statues in total. △Immerse yourself in the treasures and artistic touches within the magnificent church. Admire the incredible nave and the way light flickers through the stained glass windows. Study the sarcophagi and approach the exquisitely decorated altar.

No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Swiss Plateau

Rose Garden

Rose Garden is situated on the high slope opposite the Bern Old Town, right next to BearPark. It was formerly the old cemetery of the Old Town and was converted into a park in the early 20th century. Hundreds of varieties of roses and irises are planted here, along with rhododendrons and other flowering trees and shrubs. In summer, roses bloom in succession, and in spring, Japanese cherry blossoms are in full bloom, offering different floral scenery depending on the season. In addition to flowers, it also features a water lily pond with a fountain, open lawns, and a pavilion with a reading garden. It is famous for its view overlooking the Old Town and the bend of the Aare River. The spire of the Cathedral of Bern and the layered red-tiled roofs are all in full view, and on clear days, you can even see the snow-capped mountains in the distance. The Einstein Bench is a favorite photo spot for many visitors. There is a restaurant inside, where you can dine on the terrace while enjoying the panoramic view of the Old Town.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Switzerland

Chillon Castle

Chillon Castle stands on a small rocky island jutting into the eastern end of Lake Geneva, facing the lakeside town of Montreux and connected to the shore by a wooden bridge. The entire castle follows the contours of the oval island rock, surrounded by water on all sides. From the shore, it appears to float on the lake, with its gray-white stone walls and reddish-brown conical towers reflecting the lake and mountain scenery like a painting. The land-facing side is studded with arrow slits and shooting ports, forming a heavily fortified defense structure, while the lakeside features elegant Gothic arched windows, once the residence of the House of Savoy—a harmonious blend of strength and grace in this ancient waterborne fortress. The earliest written records of the castle date back to the mid-12th century, though its central keep was built in the 11th century, predating documented history. Strategically located on a vital north-south European trade route, merchants traveling to Rome via the Great St. Bernard Pass would pass by its gates. The House of Savoy leveraged this position to collect tolls and expanded the castle into their summer palace in the 13th century. After Bernese forces captured it in 1536, it successively became a bailiff's residence, armory, and prison. The castle's fame stems partly from its dungeon: François Bonivard, abbot of Geneva's St. Victor Abbey, was chained to a pillar here for years after opposing the Duke of Savoy's control of Geneva, until his rescue by the Bernese. In 1816, Lord Byron visited, immortalized the story in his poem "The Prisoner of Chillon," and carved his name on the pillar. Rousseau featured it in "Julie, or the New Heloise," while Hugo and other literati also wrote about it. Crossing the wooden bridge into the castle reveals courtyards, halls, bedrooms, the keep, and dungeons—like stepping through a three-dimensional medieval history book. The underground prison is particularly noteworthy: its walls are built from the island's natural rock, topped with Gothic vaulting typically reserved for cathedrals, with Byron's inscribed pillar still standing. Several grand halls once hosted Savoyard feasts, their windows framing Lake Geneva's vistas. The Bernese bedroom displays an elaborate four-poster bed with heating, a bathroom, and running water—remarkably advanced for its time. The Chapel of St. George preserves 14th-century religious murals, rare survivors of Reformation iconoclasm. The armory exhibits medieval to 17th-century weapons—swords, halberds, arquebuses, crossbows, and armor—offering insights into period warfare. Visitors should linger: beyond interior artifacts, the lakeside path offers classic panoramic views of this aquatic fortress.