Bains de la Motta

The historic pool by the Sarine

Nestled in the Basse-Ville of Fribourg, by the Sarine, the Bains de la Motta are an open-air pool full of charm and history. People have come here for generations to enjoy the sun, take a dip and picnic on the grass. The setting is green, with a view of the river and the rooftops of the old town. The atmosphere is family-friendly and laid-back, far from the big water complexes. It is the ideal address for a simple, friendly summer afternoon with the children.

What your children will discover

Your children enjoy a large 50-metre swimming pool with eight lanes, and above all a paddling pool designed for the little ones. Between two swims, they have fun on the lawns, dry off in the sun and snack at the refreshment stand. The older ones savour the freedom of swimming in a real sports pool. It is a perfect aquatic playground to burn off energy and cool down when the heat rises over Fribourg.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

You lay your towel on the lawn, alternate between swimming and breaks in the sun, and enjoy the large terrace fitted with parasols. Supervision is provided by the Bains de la Motta staff, which reassures parents. The place stays on a human scale and very family-friendly: you come across many Fribourg families during the warm season. In bad weather, closing is brought forward to 6pm, so remember to check the forecast.

Before you go

• Recommended age: 0 to 16 years (paddling pool for toddlers, large pool for the older ones)
• Duration: a half-day to a full day
• Price: children 6-16 years CHF 2.50 to 3.50; adults CHF 7 to 8.50; reduced rates students/AVS CHF 4.50 to 6 (depending on the day's rate, to be confirmed on the official website)
• Booking: no booking, direct entry
• Pushchair accessibility: lawns and terrace at ground level; check the official website for access
• Transport: Fribourg CFF station, then TPF bus line 4, Neuveville/Motta stop
• What to bring: swimsuit, towel, sun cream, cap, picnic
• Best season: summer (2026 season from 9 May to 13 September, to be confirmed)

Tips from parents

• Check the weather: in bad weather, the pool closes at 6pm instead of 7:45pm.
• The paddling pool is ideal for toddlers; always keep them in sight.
• Arrive early on very hot days to find a shady spot on the lawn.
• Bring a picnic, or make the most of the refreshment stand and the large parasol terrace.
• Combine it with a stroll in the Basse-Ville and a funicular ride, very close by.

Useful information

• Address: Chemin des Bains 8, 1700 Fribourg
• Official website: https://www.ville-fribourg.ch/motta
• Opening hours: Monday-Friday 6:30am-7:45pm, Saturday-Sunday 7:30am-7:45pm (closing at 6pm in bad weather); to be confirmed on the official website
• Access: from Fribourg CFF station, TPF bus line 4, Neuveville/Motta stop; the funicular also serves the Basse-Ville

Why we recommend it

Because it is one of the loveliest ways to spend a summer day as a family in Fribourg: a large pool to swim in, a paddling pool for the little ones, lawns to settle on and a setting by the Sarine with a real holiday feel. Gentle rates and a family atmosphere make it an essential summer date.

In a nutshell

A historic open-air pool by the Sarine, with a large pool, a paddling pool and lawns: the summer date for Fribourg families.