Fribourg

Where history meets modernity

As the smallest Host City of an ice hockey world championship in the 21st century, Fribourg is ready to make history in May 2026. Supported by the passionate fan base of the “Gottéron Dragons”, a new type of alliance between the state, the city and the venue is doing everything it can to make the tournament an unforgettable event. Fribourg's size is also its strength: large enough to host the prestigious sports tournament and at the same time able to create a personal experience for all fans in a unique atmosphere.

Nestled in the picturesque meanders of the Saane, the city of Fribourg delights with its medieval charm and multicultural flair. The imposing cathedral, over 200 Gothic facades and winding alleyways invite you to explore. As a lively university city, Fribourg combines history with innovation and creative diversity. Art, culture and culinary specialties such as the famous fondue moitié-moitié make the city on the Franco-German language border unique. During the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship, Fribourg welcomes visitors with a perfect blend of tradition, hospitality and sporting passion.

The old town of Fribourg – an exceptional heritage

With its incomparable charm, the old town of Fribourg with its rich historical and cultural heritage is best discovered on foot. No fewer than 200 Gothic facades frame the walk through the lower town, where you will also discover Fribourg's sacred heritage, magnificent churches and abbeys. Bridges covered in wood or built in stone and historic fountains depicting symbolic historical figures still bear witness to the impressive history of the Zähringen town. 

St. Nicholas Cathedral – a true masterpiece

Fribourg Cathedral in the heart of the Burg quarter is a true masterpiece of Gothic art. Dedicated to St. Nicholas and built from 1283, the city's landmark features a bas-relief of the Last Judgement on the main portal, magnificent stained glass windows, wonderful old organs and the 74-metre-high observation tower – and a lot of history! 

A paradise for gourmets

The city and region of Fribourg is a paradise for gourmets. The canton boasts no fewer than 6 AOP products, including the famous Gruyère AOP and Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP cheeses, which are combined to create the traditional fondue moitié-moitié. Of course, the finest chocolate is also a trump card here. With this rich culinary offering and several renowned restaurants, Fribourg has been part of the UNESCO network of creative cities in the field of gastronomy since 2023, a sign of its innovative strength.

Discover the region

Visitors to the canton of Fribourg will find a pleasantly varied world, with cool and impressive Alpine foothills in the south and warm lakes in the north. In between lies the central region with the capital Fribourg, which acts as a bridge between linguistic, cultural and geographical areas. From there, it is only a stone's throw to the “Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism” of Murten and Gruyères.

Shared values, traditions that are still practiced today and a rich culinary heritage are lived and passed on by all Fribourg residents in equal measure.

Transportation

• The city of Fribourg is very well connected to the Swiss rail and road network and is therefore easily accessible by public transport as well as by car. 
• Zurich, Geneva and Basel airports are each around 1.5 hours away from Fribourg by train or by car.
• By train, Fribourg station is served by the intercity line St. Gallen - Zurich (airport) –  Bern –  Fribourg – Lausanne – Geneva (airport). From the station or the ice hockey arena, the various sights of the city can be easily reached by bus, train or on foot. 
• By car, the “Fribourg-Nord” exit on the A12 freeway to reach the ice hockey arena and the city center.