The 9 Best Day Trips in the Fribourg Region During the Ice Hockey World Championship

If you’ve come to Fribourg for the ice hockey championship, it would be a real shame to see nothing of the region except the hockey arena and the route between the stadium and your hotel. The Fribourg region is one of the most beautiful—and yet somewhat underappreciated—parts of Switzerland. Here you’ll find historic towns, medieval landmarks, mountain lakes, scenic hikes, chocolate, cheese, and plenty of places you can easily visit in a few hours between games.

Whether you’re looking for a tip on a short trip from Fribourg, wondering where to go during the World Hockey Championship, or simply want to experience authentic Switzerland beyond the most famous tourist spots, here are my tried-and-true tips for trips in the Fribourg region. From the fairytale town of Gruyères to the mountain lake Schwarzsee, the Maison Cailler chocolate factory, or the panoramic views from Moléson—all of this is literally within easy reach of the hockey atmosphere at the BCF Arena.

NOTE: All headings are clickable and will take you to articles with detailed descriptions of the trips

1. Fribourg – a historic city, bridges, and medieval walls

Fribourg itself is definitely worth exploring. In my opinion, its historic center is one of the most beautiful in Switzerland. You’ll find narrow streets, stone bridges, views of the Sarine River, and, above all, beautifully preserved medieval ramparts and towers. A big surprise for many visitors is that much of the fortifications is free to access. The entire stretch of walls measures nearly two kilometers and includes six towers, five gates, and a single preserved bastion.

2. Lake Schwarzsee – a mountain lake and the Brecca primeval landscape

If you’re in the mood for nature and a mountain atmosphere, Lake Schwarzsee is a sure bet. This beautiful mountain lake is about a 45-minute drive from Fribourg and is the perfect spot for a half-day or full-day trip between games. The walk around the lake itself is easy and suitable even for families with children. But if you want to see something truly exceptional, I recommend taking the chairlift up to Riggisalp and continuing on toward the dramatic landscape of the Urlandschaft Brecca region.

3. Gruyères – Cheese, History, and a Fairytale Town

Gruyères is exactly the kind of place most people picture when they think of “typical Switzerland”: cobblestone streets, historic houses, mountain scenery, and, of course, the famous Gruyère cheese. The main attraction is La Maison du Gruyère, the famous cheese factory where you can watch cheese being made and learn more about Swiss cheese-making traditions. The medieval town of Gruyères itself is small but truly beautiful. I recommend strolling down the main street to the castle, enjoying a fondue or local specialties, and soaking up the atmosphere at a leisurely pace.

4. Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory

If there’s one place where you leave happier than when you arrived, it’s Maison Cailler. This famous chocolate factory in the village of Broc offers an interactive tour dedicated to the history of Swiss chocolate, and of course, there’s a tasting session as well.

5. Moléson – scenic views, mountain hikes, and picture-perfect Switzerland

If you want to stretch your legs between matches and experience a true mountain atmosphere, head to Moléson. Mount Moléson is one of the most famous peaks in the Fribourg region and offers stunning panoramic views of the Alps, green pastures, and the surrounding lakes. You can reach the summit via a combination of a cable car and a cogwheel train. For more active visitors, there are several hiking trails, including beautiful ridge hikes at around 2,000 meters.

6. Lake Murten – a relaxing day by the lake

Lake Murten is one of my favorite lakes in this part of Switzerland. And yet, many tourists don’t even know it exists. The biggest draw is the historic town of Murten (Morat in French), which has preserved its beautiful medieval center with arcades and city walls. The entire area feels much more peaceful than Switzerland’s better-known tourist lakes.

7. Papiliorama – a tropical paradise full of butterflies

Need a break from stadiums, crowds, and the adrenaline rush of ice hockey? Or looking for something to do in case of bad weather? Then Papiliorama might be the perfect choice. This tropical world full of exotic plants, butterflies, and animals is located in Kerzers and is ideal, especially for families with children, though adults usually enjoy it too. The highlight is the huge tropical hall, where dozens of colorful butterflies fly freely around you. The complex also includes the Nocturama night pavilion and an outdoor area with a tropical landscape, a playground, and animals.

8. Les Grottes des Roches Grises La Lamberta Cave

The Grottes de Lamberta are a series of rock caves and tunnels that were once used by the Swiss Army as a hideout and training ground. The whole place has a somewhat mysterious atmosphere and feels completely different from typical tourist attractions in Switzerland.

9. Charmey – via ferrata, marble run, and mountain tranquility

Charmey offers the perfect blend of mountains, outdoor activities, and a relaxed family atmosphere. In the summer, many people come here mainly for the via ferrata or hiking, but the local marble run is also a great attraction that delights both children and adults. The entire area is beautifully nestled in the mountainous landscape of the Gruyère region.

Whether you came to Fribourg for the Ice Hockey World Championship, the atmosphere at the stadium, or to cheer on your team, it would be a real shame not to take the opportunity to explore the Fribourg region itself. In a relatively small area, you’ll find historic towns, mountain lakes, scenic hikes, chocolate shops, cheese-making traditions, and lesser-known spots off the beaten path. Let me know what you liked best here!