Fribourg Region the Leisure Activities and Discoveries Guide Welcoming Delicious Unexpected 2020

FRIBOURG REGION THE LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND DISCOVERIES GUIDE WELCOMING DELICIOUS UNEXPECTED 2020

THE GASTLOSEN, WHERE PASSIONS ARE BORN

A WOMAN CAPTAIN AT THE HELM

TESTED FOR YOU GLASS AS SOFT

AS HONEY www.fribourgregion.ch 2 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 3

IT’S SIMPLY A GREAT CONTENTS PLACE TO BE!

Take your time!...... 4 Local flavours ...... 20 It’s easy to be carried away by the magic of Fribourg Region. Rediscover the force of nature A click away from the Middle Ages ...... 22 The mountains and their varied landscapes make you want in the Gantrisch Nature Park A new attraction opens the doors to explore and set off on an adventure. And whatever the Respectful nature watching...... 7 of history weather, there’s always an Alpine restaurant to warm up Take a walk in the company Artichoke wakes up the walls!...... 26 the walkers. By the water’s edge or on a sunny terrace, the of nature warden José Genoud A bold combination of street art Discover our stories’ videos pleasures of the table delight your taste buds and eyes with Parks and natural areas...... 10 and mediaeval heritage on www.fribourgregion.ch delicious regional products. The history of mediaeval cities, A woman captain at the helm...... 12 Spectacular trees...... 30 their picturesque narrow streets and unexpected attractions Sail away with Corinne Stauffer inspire our imagination. Carefully preserved artisanal or Glass as soft as honey...... 32 The Gastlosen, where passions Thomas Blank works with fire cultural traditions are among the many other treasures to are born...... 16 to the delight of visitors discover. Visitors marvel at the region’s rich assets and the Two mountain lovers share their passion people of Fribourg appreciate the pleasure of sharing them! Don’t miss it !...... 35

Welcome to Fribourg Region!

P.16 P.22 P.7 Publisher FRIBOURG REGION

Layout and illustrations So Graphic Studio, Bulle

Editorial Mélanie Rouiller, Susi Schildknecht

Pictures Pascal Gertschen (p.1-36), Carim Jost (p.10), André Meier/Suisse Tourisme (p.11), Jorgenn (p.11), Aurélie Felli (p.11), Guillaume Débieux (p.11), rawkingphoto.ch (p.15), Pierre Cuony (p.25,35), Upperview Productions (p.34)

Covers Sunrise in Teysachaux, sunset in Muntelier

Fribourg, December 2019/550’000

Printed in Switzerland on FSC certified paper The Gastlosen, where passions are born A click away from the Middle Ages Respectful nature watching 4 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 5

COME... TAKE YOUR TIME! FOR THE FRESH AIR The 404 km2 of the Gantrisch Nature Park are home to numerous attractions. The Sense Gorges are particularly fascinating, as the river winds freely through lush alluvial plains and offers an unspoilt natural setting. Take a walk along its footpaths and be rewarded with some delightful and unforgettable experiences.

One hour, is how long it takes to up for unwanted species such as walk along the Sense from the Japanese knotweed and goldenrod. Guggerbach bridge in Zumholz, to These have no natural enemies and Planfayon. The river, with its habitat are spreading at an explosive rate, still intact, attracts walkers away pushing out rare indigenous plants, from the beaten track. Who would which are an essential food source not be tempted to dip their toes for insects and birds. into the cool, refreshing mountain water on a hot day? Resistance is Fabian ruthlessly pulls out an futile! Barefoot on the gravel or Impatiens glandulifera: "You have sand banks, looking for the round- to get the roots out too. Throw it est pebble, wild flowers or colourful in the bin or leave it on a stone so insects, the glories of nature will that it dries out or dies before it can sweep away all your day-to-day spread even more!” Measures to worries. The undulating river bed eradicate the invasive newcomers stretches to the summits of the Fri- may seem like a Sisyphean task, but bourg and Bernese Alps, including they are successful: the little river the famous Gantrisch (2,175 m). is now free of the weed. This vol- This is the source of the river that untary commitment to maintaining has been declared the most natural the landscape is also an oppor- in the Northern Alps by the WWF. tunity to grasp the importance of Its long and timeless course trans- biodiversity and take advantage forms the rocks into pretty pebbles of the extensive knowledge of the and deposits them at the feet of park’s experts. The days welcome walkers, like Alpine pearls. groups on company outings as well as any interested individuals. Apart As a biologist and head of the from the invasive plants, everyone nature and landscapes division of is welcome in the Gantrisch Nature the Gantrisch Nature Park, Fabian Park. Reichenbach has special respon- www.fribourgregion.ch/mag1 sibility for monitoring biodiversity on the alluvial plains of the Sense. He organises special clearance days to preserve the landscape and protect the indigenous flora and fauna from invasive plants. Time is 6 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 7

SCHWARZSEE Outstanding COME... cuisine TO RELAX Whether it’s for breakfast or a mountain brunch, a grill or a special occasion, the Bärghuus Riggisalp panoramic restaurant at the end of the chair lift is always a good idea. To head back down, borrow an all-terrain scooter and tackle the 4 km route! www.fribourgregion.ch/mag2

SCHWARZSEE Gantrischli Alpine cheese dairy

After a two-hour walk you might well enjoy a fondue, followed by meringues, next to the fire. Bring some Mutschli cheese back down in your backpack. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag3 RESPECTFUL

SCHWARZSEE A gentle trip NATURE Discover the Sense district on the ”Herzschlaufe Sense”. The circular tour runs through an enchanting setting, between lush green hills, for WATCHING 70 km – why not by electric bike! www.fribourgregion.ch/mag4 Nature warden José Genoud offers a few key tips for successful and respectful nature watching. The area around Les Paccots, with its varied terrains (wetlands, mixed forests and Alpine meadows), offers a multitude of possibilities to satisfy your curiosity. 8 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 219

RATHVEL Over 20 years ago, hurricane Lothar The abandoned tree trunks provide In the bushes, the Eurasian wren swept through Switzerland, leaving abundant food and shelter for a hops from branch to branch, too Fun for the a trail of destruction in its wake. Les large number of birds, helping to busy with its own activities to be Paccots region was not spared. In sustain life. The nature warden afraid of walkers. “Just stand still children some spots, the managed forest recommends that walkers dis- for 10 minutes and you’re sure was transformed into unstructured cover the region’s treasures while to see something”, explains the The little train leaves from the Cabane woodland, with a completely differ- respecting the environment. It is warden. The common chiffchaff du Petit Oiseau. Goats, donkeys, ent look where the conifers fell and essential not to leave the way- can be identified by its song, like a pigs and alpacas are all on hand for the light streamed in. José Genoud, marked paths, to avoid disturbing metronome perched in the trees. A visitors to enjoy, along with röstis, who was in charge of the area, ob- the wildlife. “It’s important to leave trumpet sounding in the forest is a the house special. And to finish, why served the changes in the clearings, the animals their comfort zone, black woodpecker warning of our not take a refreshing walk alongside which became an ecological para- like mud baths for stags. If you presence. It can reach a wingspan the marvellous Rathvel pond! dise for a number of species. The find fresh prints, you can learn a of 51 cm, with the male easily iden- www.fribourgregion.ch/mag5 walking trails in Les Paccots bring lot without having to follow them, tified by his red crest. hikers close to this biodiversity. particularly in winter.” A pair of binoculars allows you to observe LES PACCOTS without disturbing. Festi’Rando

Les Paccots throws the spotlight on walking once a year. Festi’Rando features a series of deliciously fun activities to invite you to find out more. While the festival itself takes place over two days late August, the footpaths are accessible for most of the year. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag6

LE NIREMONT Beautiful in any season

Easily accessible from the Alpine restaurant La Goille au Cerf, a walk in the Niremont is a special experience. In spring, walkers marvel at the bright green of the meadows; later in the year, the atmosphere of long summer evenings is far removed from day-to- day life on the plain, while autumn colours create a final warm flourish before the winter. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag7 10 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 11

Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Regional Lake Pérolles La Sauge BirdLife PARKS AND Nature Park nature centre The city of Fribourg conceals a natural gem. Take your pick from a guided tour, a Take a moment to enjoy this remarkable With its hides, interactive events and traditional craft workshop, climbing a nature reserve, which is home to a huge temporary exhibitions, the BirdLife centre mountain peak or an educational trail about range of biodiversity. Its themed trails are is the ideal place to learn about wetland regional cheeses. Make the most of the rich ideal for all the family. wildlife and observe the kingfisher. NATURAL AREAS culture and beauty of the mountains!

WWW.FRIBOURGREGION.CH/NATURAL

Gantrisch Nature Park Vanil Noir Niremont

The wild and romantic nature of Schwarzsee, This wild nature reserve stands out for its The Niremont massif (1,514 m) has plenty of the gentleness of the river landscape or wealth of botanical treasures and impressive surprises in store. Its peat-bog landscapes, challenging hikes in the mountains are a rocky summits. It includes the highest mountain pastures, panoramic views, forests memorable experience for both nature lovers mountain in the canton, the Vanil Noir and restaurant terraces make it the perfect and anyone who enjoys fine food! (2,389 m). place for walkers!

Grande Cariçaie Lake Joncs Dent de Lys

Hiking trails and cycle routes criss-cross Small but very deep, this ancient mountain The Dent de Lys region (2,014 m) is steep, the Lake Neuchâtel nature reserve. lake nestles in the heart of a lush, green uneven and exposed. A group of ibexes has Both provide access to wildlife hides landscape. Easily reached from Les Paccots, found refuge here for decades. A protection or invite you to enjoy a little lakeside its educational trail provides extensive area has been set up all year round to keep relaxation. information on the amphibians’ life. them safe.

Sensegraben Brecca Valley La Berra

According to the WWF, the Sense is one of Formed by glaciers, the valley is full of lush From December to June, La Berra quiet zone the last natural rivers in Europe. Stare into its pastures overhung by steep walls of rock. protects wildlife (including black grouse and depths and feel all the magic of the water. Old drystone walls and imposing sycamores mountain hare) from excessive disturbance. Take a walk beside its meandering course to complete this majestic setting. Staying on the footpaths doesn’t stop you recharge your batteries. from enjoying the breathtaking view! 12 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 13

COME... AND GLIDE ON THE WATER A WOMAN CAPTAIN AT THE HELM

Corinne Stauffer is the first woman captain operating on the Three-Lakes region with a BII/2 certificate, but she takes it in her stride. With two fingers on the joystick, she’s perfectly at home in charge of the 560-seat tourist boat called the “Ville d’Yverdon”. 14 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 2115

LAKE MURTEN REGION Lights in the Old Town

The mystery of the Secret Circuit will be revealed for the first time in October. An interactive tour around seven locations in the historic old town will brighten things up until the Festival of Lights begins. Magical! www.fribourgregion.ch/mag8

LAKE MURTEN REGION Sun Salutation

Iris shares her passion for yoga and love of nature with both locals and visitors. Mats are replaced with paddle boards that become little private islands. Finding their balance, participants anchor firmly in the present. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag9 At 9.50 am, the captain leaves able to take the helm if required. unquestionably demand more Murten on the dot, at the helm After 125 days on the water, plus a attention, as bathers can appear of the “Ville d’Yverdon”. A series of courses and examinations in the waves at any time. After LAKE MURTEN REGION member of the crew brings her under the supervision of the Federal stopping in Praz and Sugiez, the coffee up to the bridge in a sign Office of Transport, she qualified boat sails on to the idyllic La Broye The fun of a cruise of teamwork. It’s an important as a captain BII/2, the highest level canal, where it has to deal with gesture for Corinne Stauffer: “On of licence for motor boats in Swiss lots more inflatables. Downstream A cruise to forget the mad rush of daily the water, we all look out for each waters, in autumn 2018. from the BirdLife nature centre life and enjoy a moment of calm on other.” Supporting and helping in La Sauge, it turns once more Lake Murten and Lake Neuchâtel. The other people are some of the Murten has disappeared from before Lake Neuchâtel comes into gently nostalgic steamboat “Neuchâtel” fundamental qualities of a good the horizon, as a 20km/h breeze view, astonishingly calm and very is the perfect way to step back in time. captain. “My father was a captain blows across the lake. Corinne welcome too! It continues at 19.7 The 75-minute trips from Murten with on Lake Biel. One day, I helped Stauffer is sailing towards the km/h, to the port of Neuchâtel. a meal on the water, or the themed out in the restaurant on board. vineyards of Mont Vully. Just Captain Stauffer takes a moment cruises run by the Dreiseenschifffahrt By that evening, I knew I wanted before Môtier, she gently turns during the cruise to chat to a company, are particularly popular. a career on the water.” After she the 49.6 metre-long boat to colleague who is working to www.fribourgregion.ch/mag10 had finished her apprenticeship as avoid the waves it has created. To become captain of a steam boat. a junior sailor and inspector, she dock, she goes up on deck, which had to complete 75 days on the offers a better view of the jetty. water to qualify as a full sailor. This As soon as all the passengers are training allowed her to become an on board, she sounds the siren to on-board cashier, but also to be signal her departure. Warm days 16 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 17

THE GASTLOSEN, WHERE PASSIONS ARE BORN COME... FOR THE ADVENTURE

Florence Nikles and Sébastien Monney never tire of the Gastlosen massif, known to some climbers as the Swiss Dolomites. The vertiginous limestone walls are perfect for anyone who loves to climb, from beginners to experienced mountaineers. 18 FRIBOURG REGION 21

MOLÉSON-SUR-GRUYÈRES Gaining height

Brave climbers can tackle the Moléson from mid-June to the end of October, weather permitting. The via ferrata covers 1,310 m of cables and a change in altitude of 370 m, as your feet dangle over the void, or almost! There are two routes to the summit, “Le Pilier” or “La Face”, both of which take 3 hours 30. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag11

LA GRUYÈRE challenges. At the age of 16, she learned to climb the limestone All year round walls there. Since then, her passion for climbing and mountaineering An expedition in the mountains with in general has grown steadily. She Sébastien Monney is great in any takes her friends on various climbs season. This mountaineering specialist there, or just out for a walk, all year will take you climbing on rocks or round. The region is less busy in ice, as a family or on your own. All winter and much appreciated for its technical equipment is provided. peace and quiet. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag12 For Sébastien, who is now a mountain guide, the reputation he earned with the SAC Expedition Team gave his career an early boost. “And I also learned Swiss German!”, an unde- niable professional advantage. With contagious enthusiasm, he accom- panies amateur climbers who are keen to know the northern walls of the spot better. There are routes Fribourg residents Florence Nikles condition (cross-country skiing) that are accessible for novices with and Sébastien Monney have both and a bivouac in the snow. It was some basic knowledge but also LA GRUYÈRE been part of the Swiss Alpine both a physical and psychological more challenging ones to satisfy Club’s Expedition Team. The challenge, ending with climbing on seasoned climbers. International La Gruyère three-year course run by the SAC an ice fall. For three years, she went champions regularly run into each trains the next generation of moun- on more and more field trips, ulti- other and attempt new exploits. Its Passport taineers. The seasoned climbers mately finishing the course with an climbing areas, charm, panoramic who take part find it a formative expedition in the Pamir mountains, views and ease of access are all Whether you’re planning a romantic and unforgettable experience. A in Kyrgyzstan, where she put all the factors in making this place a hive stay or a family trip, La Gruyère dream that is only available to a skills she had learned into practice. of activity for mountain enthusiasts. Passport makes visiting the region handful of young men and women. Florence spent part of her child- The Gastlosen massif has sparked a piece of cake. An opportunity Florence, who tried her luck in hood in the village of Jaun, at many passions like Florence and to discover the region through its 2016, embarked on three days of the foot of the Gastlosen. The Sébastien’s, and consistently chal- museums, gastronomy and landscapes. selective training, including a day’s landscape of the Pre-Alps gave her lenges rock-climbers from the local www.fribourgregion.ch/mag13 indoor climbing, a test of physical a taste for adventure and sporting area and elsewhere. 20 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 21

Flavour is ﬁrmly on the menu, whether you’re in the mountains or in town! The famous et From gourmet establishments to Alpine m ments restaurants, chefs in the region will always r sh welcome you with a smile. u li cuChaule AOP... o ab G t s It’s not bread but it’s not brioche either. e Alpine Cuchaule AOP owes its inimitable ﬂavour to the traditional recipe using saron, which VS restaurants also gives it its wonderful yellow colour.

recipe VulLy VulLy LOCAL Tart wines flavours Let’s eat! Enjoy fresh produce from the Lakes Region, legendary mountain dishes or culinary reinterpretations by city chefs! Fribourg Region has plenty to oer to fine There are as many recipes for this delicious tart as there are villages... and perhaps even more. Here’s one of food lovers, whether you’re eating in a them – so get cooking! restaurant, attending one of our popular Recipe for 4 tarts Chasselas, Pinot Noir and specialities such culinary events or out for a hike! Pastry: 1 kg flour, 1 large pinch of salt, 25 g yeast, as Traminer and Freiburger thrive in the mixed with a little warm water, 70 g melted butter, sunshine on Mont Vully. Taste them directly www.fribourgregion.ch/flavours 800 ml milk, 15 g butter, 1 egg, beaten. at a wine cellar or on the terrace of a local Filling: 400 g caster sugar, 150 ml double cream, restaurant. 1 egg yolk, 150 g butter. YumMy chocOlate… Mix the flour, salt, yeast mixture and melted butter into 1/3 of the milk, gradually add the rest of the milk The green pastures of Fribourg Region are well known (warmed) and knead until you have a light, puy, airy for their diverse flora. Lovage, cornflowers and violets dough (around 20 min.). Add the butter and egg as you provide excellent fodder, which in turn produces knead. Grease four tart tins; divide the pastry between top-quality, creamy milk. A unique ingredient that the tins and leave to rise (around 1 hour) in a warm room. ”moitIé-moitIé” FONDUE gives our chocolate its exceptional flavour. Create a decorative finish on the edges by making holes As we know it well, Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP and Le Gruyère AOP with your fingers (or use a pastry wheel to create a combined make the best fondue in the world! lozenge pattern); brush with the cream and egg mixture; place small dots of butter in the holes (where the lozenges meet) and sprinkle the crushed sugar over vacherin LE GRUYèRE AOP the whole surface. Bake in a very hot oven (300°) fribourgeois AOP for 8 to 10 minutes according to taste.

Enjoy a generous portion with a glass of Traminer from the Vully. 22 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 23

COME... AND TRAVEL THROUGH TIME

A CLICK AWAY FROM THE MIDDLE AGES

The engraving by Martin Martini (1606) depicting Fribourg in detail is a marvellous piece of heritage. Cédric Clément, director of Fribourg Tourism, used it as his inspiration for a fabulous, three- dimensional, digital experience, immersing visitors in the medieval life of the Old Town of Fribourg. 24 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 25

FRIBOURG Espace 1606

The Werkhof in the Old Town has risen like the phoenix from the ashes. It is now home to a 52 m2 model, the largest in Switzerland, depicting Fribourg in 1606. Multimedia interactions immerse visitors in the Cédric Clément, why are you day-to-day life of the period, while dressed as engraver Martin temporary exhibitions complete the Martini? cultural experience. Thanks to digital technologies, we www.fribourgregion.ch/mag14 have been able to geolocate the Martini Plan of 1606, i.e. we have used Martin Martini’s engravings FRIBOURG and superimposed them on modern, digital maps to create a At dusk new kind of audio guide. Anyone can download the app or borrow a tablet from the Tourist Office, A knight, fairy tales and stories from wander through the streets in several centuries ago promise an the Old Town and delve into the evening of mystery for a two-hour past. You’ll meet the engraver and walk through the narrow streets of his contemporaries of the past in Fribourg up to the most beautiful person, going about their daily lives. viewing points. Discovering the myths Thanks to virtual reality, we can and legends of the Zähringen in the take you on a journey through time, soft light cast by the lanterns is a so you can be both here and now, fascinating experience. but also there and then. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag15

Is it a modern kind of history For me, it’s much more than a is very popular with groups and lesson? model: in a way, it’s the DNA of our families, for over ten years now. FRIBOURG No, more an invitation to step town and a gateway to another We’ve now developed the City into another time, in other words, world. Six characters from the Game, which echoes the spirit of A unique circular an adventure, in which we follow period appear on life-size screens 1606, but also includes a fun com- walk Marie as she looks for her husband, in a short introductory video: Martin petition... In the end, it all comes Hans. The characters take us to 20 Martini himself, a Lansquenet, down to the temperament of the important places in the town and a patrician, a cloth merchant, people taking part. The whole town Fresh new perspectives! The largest look around them, giving us the a female healer and a street becomes a giant playground. complex of fortifications in any Swiss sense of seeing through their eyes... entertainer. Augmented reality medieval town is open to the public But I won’t say anymore! connects their stories to the model. What are the highlights to visit? during the day. On a walk or during a A visit to Espace 1606, combined Fribourg is a nice town for walkers. guided tour, everyone can fully enjoy Espace 1606 is an unmissable with an individual audio guide, is The ramparts, for example, this unique heritage. place – what’s there? really ideal, while the outdoor trail are open during the day, from www.fribourgregion.ch/mag16 Specialists have reconstructed allows you to see the characters in spring to autumn. The view from our Old Town based on Martini’s their own neighbourhood. the medieval fortifications and plan, on a scale of 1:250, in three discovering the most hidden dimensions, over 52 m2. This new Are there other ways of expe- corners of the Old Town generally attraction in the old Werkhof in the riencing medieval Fribourg? leave people curious and eager to Old Town is unbeatable, for both Yes, of course! We’ve had a lot of know more. Thanks to the Martini visitors and the local population. success with our urban golf, which plan, we’re well placed to respond! 26 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 27

COME... OUT OF CURIOSITY ARTICHOKE WAKES UP THE WALLS!

Héléna Galera, who works with the Tourist Office in Estavayer-le-Lac, has worked with passionate determination to create a street-art trail in the heart of the medieval city. A unique achievement that sheds new light on the main town in La Broye. 28 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 2921

ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC La Grande Cariçaie

Now you can paddle a canoe along the shores of Lake Neuchâtel and admire the nature reserve’s wildlife with the help of a biologist! Might you spot a red-crested pochard or see a great cormorant take off? www.fribourgregion.ch/mag17

ESTAVAYER-LE-LAC Right under the sun

Where did the street-art idea or ten. Then we had to find people about the artists, their inspirations Endless turquoise water! Sunbathers come from? who would agree to comply with and their biographies. You can also and water-sports enthusiasts will Whenever I travel, I look carefully the instructions for each space: book a guided tour – allow 1 hour find beaches and grass all along the at what's on walls and the different no screw here, no colour there, to 1 hour 15 minutes to get round southern shore of Lake Neuchâtel, styles used. Barcelona, New York, a specific size over there, etc. We all the works. perfect for laying out their beach Valencia and Bali are all impressive also had to persuade the owners, towels. It’s all about enjoying life, from and inspiring examples. I wanted to who had to agree without knowing Could you describe the artists’ swimming to picnics to sitting on a create something similarly offbeat exactly what the end result would works for us? terrace. in the town I love. An alternative be. I’m really pleased that people Each one is very different. Some- www.fribourgregion.ch/mag18 project like this can really surprise dared to play the game. times they produce their work visitors. The idea of street art is in their own studio, while others generally not well understood – How have citizens and visitors work directly on the wall. The 788 most people just think of tags or reacted in general? steel origamis by Mademoiselle graffiti. We wanted to show that Now we have property owners Maurice (France) took three long street art can respect walls and contacting us to offer their wall, so days to hang. Raquel Rodrigo’s create real added-value for a town. people clearly like it. The towns- giant cross-stitches at Grand-Rue Other municipalities are also inter- people have taken the works on 40 were produced with four other CUDREFIN ested in the idea. board and most of them think they people in her Spanish studio and enhance the town. I think we’ve took a day to install here. Visitors A sanctuary What were the main difficulties? managed to achieve a respectful who follow the trail will discover To be honest, I didn’t think it was balance between contemporary art there’s more to street art than just for birds feasible, but we have some very and medieval architecture. painting. effective partners. We worked The BirdLife nature centre in La Sauge hand-in-hand with the municipal How do you follow the trail? has an observation trail that respects authorities to reach the necessary It’s been designed like an open-air wild nature. Its activities teach walkers agreements with the Heritage gallery. The map can be download- about wildlife diversity and are Committee and the Department ed from www.artichokefestival.ch accessible to people with reduced of Culture. We first suggested or www.estavayer-payerne.ch. The mobility. Numerous rare or threatened 90 locations where artists could town’s Tourist Office has produced species of birds come here to breed express themselves. By the end of a paper version and you can pur- or rest. the discussions, there were eight chase a booklet to find out more www.fribourgregion.ch/mag19 30 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 31

LE PROTECTEUR Treyvaux EICHENÄTtI LE DANSEUR Staatswald Galm Noréaz PUMmEL LE DOUGLAS DU BOIS CONRAD Überstorf OBÉLIX Hauterive Wallenried LE SURVIVANT LE PROTÉGÉ Pont-en-Ogoz Belfaux

1 10 Spectacular

LE BOITEUX Haut-Intyamon GROSsVATER 6 TREeS Schwarzsee 10 1 They were here before us and will 11 outlive us by a long time. 1 The 22 spectacular trees in the canton 16 16 1 of Fribourg are a priceless asset. 1 1 1 0 1 1 The di erent species represented LE GRINGALET by these exceptional specimens are all Echarlens LE RÉGULIER 1 gifts of nature. From the Protector 1 Vuisternens-devant-Romont to the Dancer, the Survivor or the Hydra, each name evokes a little of their history, and ours. MOoSIGER LE GARDIEN www.fribourgregion.ch/trees Schwarzsee Broc

1 1 1 1 0 1 DREHLING LE TRIPLÉ Jaun Pionierin St-Martin L'HYDRE PRÄSIDENT Schwarzsee LE SIAMOIS LE VAINQUEUR St-Martin Schwarzsee Gruyères La Verrerie SÄULE Jaun 32 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 33

Demonstrations by the glassmaker Thomas Blank at the Swiss Museum of Stained Glass and Glass Art offer a glowing insight into glassmaking techniques. Participants have the chance to get close to the magical feeling of molten materials.

Thomas Blank is a craftsman and I’m going to have a try at mastering glassmaker with an educational this traditional craft. The four ovens bent. He was trained in Venetian are producing lots of heat, the air is techniques in the famous studios heavy and you have to move slowly on the island of Murano and now and calmly. Thomas passes me the shares some of his knowledge in blowpipe, whose tip is covered with demonstrations and workshops a ball of reddish molten glass. I sit at the museum in Romont. His down to roll the rod on the trestle, fascination for working with fire clumsily trying to stop the ball has not dimmed in over 20 years. from falling to the ground. Using The job demands endurance and my right hand, I grab a long pair of perseverance but it is enormously tongs. For the first few seconds, TESTED FOR YOU satisfying to see his efforts the glass can be shaped easily but rewarded when a piece is finished, it quickly pales and hardens. I’m after hours of hard work. The much too slow. While the original glassmaker’s tools have remained idea was to produce a figurative almost unchanged for 500 years. piece, I dial down my ambition GLASS AS SOFT The blowpipe, a long, metal rod, in a second. The material can be is plunged into the furnace to pick reheated as often as necessary. I’m up the mass of molten glass. Tongs no more successful the second are used to stretch, twist, flatten time and I won’t be making a flower and shape the glowing bulb. As for or even a recognisable shape, AS HONEY the block, a sort of large, wetted but the pleasure of trying out an wooden ladle, Thomas uses it as ancient art is unforgettable! the glassmakers of the past did, to shape the mass of crystal into a Fancy a go? Register here: ball before blowing it. It starts with www.vitromusee.ch a pocket of air, blown dry, which he gradually expands to produce several sizes of glass. To remove the piece, he uses a drop of water – the difference in temperature cleanly slices off the foot that held it onto the blowpipe. 34 FRIBOURG REGION FRIBOURG REGION 3521

ROMONT To do list Don't miss Glassmaking trail anything. Keep up to date with The ramparts of the town of Romont the latest stories, reveal some of the secrets of the vast world of glass. From production news and tips from to recycling, the walk combines our Instagram relaxation with some interesting insights along the way. community www.fribourgregion.ch/mag20 @fribourgregion

Bains de la Gruyère, St-Nicholas Cathedral, Charmey Fribourg ROMONT Whether it’s raining or the sun is Experience the Gothic beauty of What they say shining, it’s always good to visit the St. Nicholas Cathedral before you Bains de la Gruyère. Relax weightlessly climb the 365 steps to reach the top about Romont in the warm water, then cast an eye at of the bell tower. The panoramic the panoramic views after a chocolate views over the city from the top are body treatment! fascinating. There are some delicious anecdotes @brunomaltor @carim_jost and memorable sayings about Romont. This guided tour promises to be an unexpected delight. www.fribourgregion.ch/mag21

MÉZIÈRES

La Maison du Gruyère, Pringy Papiliorama, Kerzers Wallpaper @dominique_haldemann @lorenz.weisse

Museum Le Gruyère AOP, the famous cheese The humid atmosphere of the made from raw milk, has been mangrove swamp is home to 1,001 produced in the region for nine butterflies and many other exotic The castle of Mézières is home to the centuries. An interactive trail reveals the discoveries, while nocturnal animals Wallpaper Museum. Twelve restored secrets of this delicious product, which are tempted out in the Nocturama. An period rooms offer the perfect you can taste at the end of your visit. adventure for all the family. setting for this collection of fine wallpapers. The oldest papers in this rare treasure-trove of decorative art dates from the end of the 18th century. @marionkaelin @noberson The diverse range of decors makes this an unmissable place. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary and applied art are organised regularly in this timeless venue. Maison Cailler, Broc Gruyères Castle www.fribourgregion.ch/mag22

Maison Cailler is one of the most The sheer eclecticism of Gruyères popular attractions in French-speaking astonishes visitors. The choice is vast, Switzerland. Chocolate lovers come from plunging into the mediaeval lair of @tirzaseierlein @twintheworld from all over the world to discover this the castle to trembling before the Aliens temple of chocolate-making. at the H.R Giger Museum or learning about Buddhist art at the Tibet Museum. FRIBOURG REGION facebook.com/fribourgregion Rte de la Glâne 107 flickr.com/fribourgregion Case postale 1560 twitter.com/fribourgregion 1701 Fribourg, Switzerland blog.fribourgregion.ch T. +41 (0)26 407 70 20 pinterest.com/fribourgregion [email protected] youtube.com/fribourgregion www.fribourgregion.ch instagram.com/fribourgregion

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