The Hauterive–La Souche circular trail begins just a few metres from the main gate of Hauterive Abbey. The link between the abbey’s history and the trail provides a fitting introduction to exploring La Sarine, with religious history, pilgrimage connections and nature at its heart.
Hauterive Abbey and pilgrimage routes
Hauterive Abbey is a Cistercian abbey in the Sarine district, founded in 1138. It welcomes people seeking a place for prayer and spiritual retreat. Its oak choir stalls are another distinctive cultural feature: they are considered a masterpiece of medieval sculpture in Switzerland.
The Hauterive–La Souche circular trail is the first themed trail in the Sarine Trails network. It opened on 30 August 2025 and is open to the public. The Sarine Trails access points are near bus stops and car parks. Their themed trails are intended for families, children, adults and people with reduced mobility.
Another hiking route runs for two days between Rossens and DĂĽdingen along the Sarine. It connects varied landscapes, cultural heritage and themed circular trails. The Pont Saint Apolline has its own pilgrimage connection, as it is significant for pilgrims travelling the Way of St James.
The Sarine, landscapes and outdoor activities
The Sarine district is one of the seven districts of the Canton of Fribourg and takes its name from the Sarine River. The river flows through Fribourg and the artificial lakes of PĂ©rolles and Schiffenen. Between Rossens and Fribourg, the Sarine is a floodplain of national importance. The river and lakes offer different perspectives on the waterscape.
The forests and the seasons also shape the experience of exploring the area. The Sarine district and Haut-Lac region offer opportunities to relax and take walks in the forest. The forests of the 1st Forestry District, which covers the Sarine district and Haut-Lac, provide habitats for fauna and flora. The Sarine district also has official mountain biking routes for all ability levels; check the conditions on the relevant route before setting out. In winter, snowshoe trails lead through forests and across fields. Their availability depends on winter conditions.
Discover the night sky and culture
During night visits to the Épendes Observatory, telescopes are used to identify constellations and observe the Moon and, depending on visibility, various planets. Visits must be booked during the week before the event; a maximum of five people are allowed per booking. Check these requirements before your visit.
In Fribourg, the Natural History Museum presents the natural heritage of Fribourg and other regions through temporary exhibitions and events. The permanent exhibition covers geology, regional fauna, the history of the Earth and mineralogy. Its layout may change during the planned museum move. Also in Fribourg, Espace Jean Tinguely – Niki de Saint Phalle is housed in a former tram depot dating from 1900. It displays important works by both artists and offers guided tours and audio guides.
L’Atelier’s year-round cultural programme includes exhibitions, concerts, conferences and creative workshops. It is open to anyone interested, including visitors passing through. For the monthly Menu de L’Atelier, Fribourg artisans prepare a savoury dish, a sweet dish and a drink; check the current programme if you are planning your visit around it.
Kaeserberg offers a very different perspective: this model railway world, built to a scale of 1:87, features day and night modes. Its construction took 17 years, and the layout includes more than two kilometres of track, 87 trains and 6,500 figures. A journey through the region’s themes brings together spiritual history, landscapes and very different forms of cultural discovery.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Fribourg, Givisiez, Rossens, Ependes Fr, Le Glèbe, Marly Fr, Belfaux, Avry Fr, Treyvaux, Le Mouret.
Back to the main travel overview: Fribourg.
