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The canton of Fribourg (Freiburg)
Region inhabited since the earliest times, prehistoric remains were discovered on the shores of Lake Neuchatel and the smaller Lake Murten. In 1481, Fribourg joined the Swiss Confederation as the first french speaking Swiss canton.
The canton of Fribourg is an example of cohabitation between French and German-speaking, even if two-thirds of its population speak French. It is composed of 242 municipalities, divided into seven districts.
The canton of Freiburg retains some nice traditions and festivals, such as the "Bénichon", "Saint-Nicolas" on the first Saturday of December or the carnival in late February.
City of Fribourg
Fribourg offers several museums, relating to the history, environment and local culture, including the Museum of Art and History, the Museum of Natural History, Espace Jean Tinguely - Niki de Saint Phalle (John Tinguely was born in Freiburg), the Museum of sewing, the Museum of beer and the Swiss Museum of the puppet.
For over two centuries, Freiburg is the headquarters of the "Cardinal" brewery, a local beer served in all bars. Today, the brewery offers "discovery tours " including a visit of the factory, a museum in the former cellars and a tasting of its traditional beer.
Population: 34'000
Altitude : 640 m.
Gruyères
Gruyères is located 33km away from Fribourg and 5km from Bulle. This small town gave its name to the famous cheese "Gruyere".
Gruyères is one of the most typical town of Switzerland, with geraniums on windows, accordion and ... cheese of course !
On top of the hill, The Gruyere Castle whose foundations date from the 12th century.
In the castle, you can visit a museum dedicated to HR Giger, creator of the monster "Alien" rewarded with an Oscar in 1980.
Population: 1500
Altitude : 830 m.
Canton of Fribourg / Practical information :
Area : 1,671 km2
Population : 232'000
Capital : Fribourg
Language : French (70%) and German (30%)
Predominant religion : Catholic
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