Gumefens Beach: the wide lawn facing the Île d'Ogoz

Two thousand square metres of grass by the water

On the western shore of the lake, Gumefens Beach has one asset that families notice straight away: space. Its grassy area of around 2,000 square metres lets you settle at a distance from your neighbours, get the ball out and let the children run without disturbing anyone. The other asset is the view: from the shore you can see the Île d'Ogoz and the outline of its medieval ruins set in the middle of the water. Parking is along the Route du Marais, a few steps from the lawn, which avoids long walks with bags and inflatables. A simple, free and bright spot, very popular as soon as the first warm days arrive.

What your children will discover

They discover a real playing field first of all: grass as far as the eye can see for frisbee, kite flying or improvised football matches, and the lake water just behind. From the beach they spot the Île d'Ogoz out on the water and quickly understand that you can get there by paddling: this is one of the usual starting points for stand up paddle and kayak outings on the lake. The youngest are happy to paddle at the edge and watch the boats go by.

What you do there and the atmosphere on site

People come here for the day, with the cool box and something to play with. The atmosphere is relaxed, a mix of local families, teenagers meeting up and paddlers putting their boards in the water. The lawn fills up on fine weekends, but its size absorbs the crowd well. You alternate between swimming, a nap in the shade and a glance towards the island, whose light changes through the day.

As Lake Gruyère is an artificial lake held back by the Rossens dam, its level rises and falls with the seasons. When it drops sharply, the strip of shore widens and the Île d'Ogoz even turns into a peninsula that can be reached on foot, for only a few days each year. Regulars watch out for it: the view from Gumefens Beach is never quite the same from one visit to the next.

Before you go

• Recommended age: all ages, with close supervision for non-swimmers
• Duration: half a day or a full day
• Price: free, open access
• Pushchair accessibility: flat lawn, passable from the car park
• Transport: by car, many parking spaces along the Route du Marais
• What to bring: a picnic, a parasol or a shade tent, the lawn is very open
• Best season: July and August, when the lake water is at its warmest

Tips from parents

• Plan for shade: the lawn is open and the trees are not everywhere.
• Make the most of the car park right beside the beach to bring the full kit, inflatables included.
• If your children are tempted by the Île d'Ogoz, know that it is reached by paddle or kayak with a rental, never by swimming.
• Bring all your supplies: there is no kiosk on the beach.
• Take your rubbish home, the beach has open access and is maintained by the municipality.

Useful information

• Address: Route du Marais, 1643 Gumefens (municipality of Pont-en-Ogoz)
• Official website: https://www.pont-en-ogoz.ch/
• Opening hours: open access all year, swimming in summer
• Access (transport): by car from Bulle or Fribourg, parking along the Route du Marais; public transport connections to be checked on cff.ch

Why we recommend it

Because this is the beach on Lake Gruyère where you can breathe the most: room for everyone, a car park two steps away, no entry fee and a view of the Île d'Ogoz that gives the day a hint of somewhere else. Ideal when several families come together.

In a nutshell

A vast free lawn on the shore of Lake Gruyère, facing the Île d'Ogoz, with parking right beside it: the spot for big family gatherings.