Funicular of Fribourg

A funicular like no other

Since 1899, a small funicular climbs between the Lower Town of Fribourg, in the Neuveville district, and the center, towards Saint-Pierre. Its uniqueness? It has never been electrified. It operates thanks to a counterweight system powered by the wastewater from the upper town, making it the only funicular in Europe to use this method. Classified as a historical monument, it is operated by the TPF. The journey lasts only two minutes, but what an adventure for children: you board a vintage cabin that glides smoothly between the roofs of the old town.

What your children will discover

Your children will discover a machine full of history that moves without an electric motor, just with water and gravity. They will observe the wooden and metal cabin, the tracks that ascend the slope, and the view that opens up over the roofs of the Lower Town and the banks of the Sarine. It's a lovely lesson in mechanics and ecology from the past, told by a very real vehicle. The most curious will love to understand how water makes the funicular move.

What to do there and the atmosphere on site

We take the funicular as a real means of transport: we board, settle in, and in two minutes we switch from one neighborhood to another. Since the journey is very short, it's best to make it a stop on a walk in the Lower Town. After descending on the Neuveville side, we join the Auge district, its medieval alleys, the banks of the Sarine, and the Motta playground. The atmosphere is peaceful and authentic, far from the tourist hustle.

Before you go

• Recommended age: 0 to 12 years (ideal from a very young age, as part of a walk)
• Duration: about 2 minutes of travel; plan for half a day with a walk
• Price: 3 CHF for a single journey (zone 10 ticket, valid for 1 hour); reduced rates and subscriptions depending on the profile, check the TPF website
• Stroller accessibility: check the TPF website for access to the cabins
• Transport: CFF train station in Fribourg, then TPF bus to the Lower Town; upper station on the Saint-Pierre side, lower station on the Neuveville side
• What to bring: good shoes for walking in the Lower Town
• Ideal season: all year round

Parents' tips

• The journey is very short: combine it with a walk in the Auge district and along the banks of the Sarine.
• Follow up with the Motta playground, very close on the Lower Town side.
• Explain to the children the principle of wastewater before boarding, the "wow" effect is guaranteed.
• Check the schedule on the TPF website: they vary by season and day.
• A zone 10 ticket or a valid Frimobil subscription covers the journey.

Useful information

• Address: lower station at Neuveville (Lower Town), upper station towards Saint-Pierre (city center), 1700 Fribourg
• Official website: https://www.tpf.ch/funiculaire
• Hours: variable depending on the season (indicative range 7am-7pm, extended in summer); to be confirmed on the TPF website
• Access: from the CFF train station in Fribourg, TPF bus towards the Lower Town; the funicular connects Neuveville to Saint-Pierre

Why we recommend it

Because it is a unique experience in Europe, fun and affordable, that transforms a simple journey into a small adventure. In two minutes and for 3 CHF, your children board a piece of Fribourg history, then continue their discovery in the charming alleys of the Lower Town. An original outing that changes from the usual activities.

In two words

A historical funicular from 1899, powered by wastewater and unique in Europe, connecting the Lower Town to the center of Fribourg in two minutes.