Intro

The “Funi” (funicular railway), which overhang the Old Town and the river Sarine, is a “technical engineering marvel”, listed as a cultural asset of national importance. This nostalgic railway has been running since 1899 – with no exhaust fumes.

It is the last wastewater railway in Switzerland. No motor powers the funicular instead wastewater from the upper town. A very special fragrance lingers in the air when the water tank beneath this vehicle is once again filled at the station - and the "Funi" has certainly earned its place on the list of cultural treasures of national importance.

Ascending a total 56.4 climb in altitude, the upper carriage uses filtered wastewater from the city in a 3000 liter tank (weight) to power it - and the driver regulates speed with the aid of cogwheel.

It's worth making a detour to hear the clanking and creaking of this century-old green railway, still running today thanks to the support of the Fribourg population – just a few minutes' walk from Fribourg station.
Altitude: 605m
Accessibility:
On the Bern–Lausanne train route; the Funi is reached in just a few minutes from the station
View: from the upper station, view over the Old Town and over the river Sarine.
Attractions: the funicular is a genuine experience; Old Town round tour to the cathedral
Culinary aspects: Speciality restaurants in the Old Town
Overnight stays: Hôtel de la Rose in the lower town (Old Town)
Groups: Urban Golf in the Old Town
Winter: The "Funi" also runs in winter
Special comments: The over century-old funicular was subject to total renovation and shines today in its original green colour

General information

Show Technical information content
Season
All year
Time required
Less than 1 hour
Suitable for
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
Weather
Outdoor
Category
Education, Urban

Discover the surroundings

Contact

Transports Publics Fribourgeois
Case postale 1536
1701  Fribourg
Switzerland

Phone  +41 (0)26 351 02 00
Fax +41 (0)26 351 02 90
tpf@tpf.ch
tpf.ch
Show Route

Overview

Hint

Overview
Fribourg
Region of Fribourg
Show on map

Contact

Transports Publics Fribourgeois
Case postale 1536
1701 Fribourg
Phone  +41 (0)26 351 02 00
tpf.ch
Show Route

Travel information: Fribourg

  • Fribourg Urban Golf in Fribourg

    Discover the city of Freiburg in a special way. Across the city, mini golf courses are distributed,... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 14.03.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Urban Golf in Fribourg
  • Fribourg Taste My Fribourg

    A small backpack from Fribourg Villars chocolate (made in the city of Fribourg)Fribourg City Card... from CHF 75
    Offer details


    valid: 19.03.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Taste My Fribourg
  • Fribourg Urban Golf

    With a 3-faced golf club, a ball and a road map in your hand, point out, shoot and totalise the... from CHF 10
    Offer details


    valid: 14.03.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Urban Golf
  • Fribourg Rock'n'Sleep

    - 1 overnight stay in the Hotel Alpha*** , Breakfast buffet - 1 entry at Fri-son - 1 Urban Golf... from CHF 152
    Offer details


    valid: 10.05.2025

    Learn more about Rock'n'Sleep
  • Fribourg Public guided tour of Fribourg

    A one and a half hour guided tour of the Old Town of Fribourg. from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 05.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about Public guided tour of Fribourg
  • Fribourg "Beat the bride" in Fribourg: action-packed hen party

    This fun city rally takes you and your bridal party through Fribourg to see the bride off into... from CHF 299
    Offer details


    valid: 03.04.2025 - 13.03.2026

    Learn more about "Beat the bride" in Fribourg: action-packed hen party
  • Fribourg Public guided tour of the old town of Fribourg

    Discover the medieval city of Freiburg with an experienced guide on this public tour. Admire the... from CHF 20
    Offer details


    valid: 05.04.2025 - 25.10.2025

    Learn more about Public guided tour of the old town of Fribourg
  • Fribourg Culinary Tour in Fribourg self-guided

    Let yourself be taken on a culinary journey on this gourmet tour “Taste My Fribourg” through... from CHF 75
    Offer details


    valid: 19.03.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about Culinary Tour in Fribourg self-guided
  • Fribourg Related story of Fribourg at dusk

    At nightfall, let you be guided by a noble knight and a clumsy gossip through the Old Town of... from CHF 40
    Offer details
    Learn more about Related story of Fribourg at dusk
  • Fribourg City Game: The Secret of Auge

    1 game set with parchments per group from CHF 45
    Offer details


    valid: 14.03.2025 - 31.12.2025

    Learn more about City Game: The Secret of Auge