Freiburg, Switzerland

   Freiburg is a town to be experienced.  Drinking a cup of coffee in a leisurely fashion, admiring the old facades and beautiful fountains, listening to two local languages or gazing from the 243 foot spire of the Cathedral on to the countryside.  The medieval old town area, would be the perfect movie set for a 007 thriller.

   Freiburg, nestled on a rock promontory, is surrounded on three sides by the Saane River. It is one of the largest medieval towns in Uechtland. Over 200 unique Gothic facades from the 15th century impart incomparable medieval charm to the Old Town.

   Ramparts that are over two kilometers long used to protect the city in the past. Remnants of the walls, turrets and bastions have been preserved. Most impressive, however, is the Cathedral of Freiburg with its extraordinarily beautiful stained-glass windows. Construction started in 1283 and continued in several stages. Dedicated to St. Nicholas, it boasts a 243 foot-high tower that offers a fantastic panoramic view.

   Another good viewpoint is the Italian-style early Baroque Loreto Chapel. From the Neuveville district, a funicular railway takes you up to the pedestrian area of the Upper Town. Fribourg is a lively university town, with students from all over the world, making this a cosmopolitan, multi-faceted mini-metropolis. In the narrow alleyways are tightly packed rows of little boutiques, antique shops, student caf�s and restaurants, offering local and international delights.

   One of the favorite destinations for art-lovers is the "Espace Jean Tinguely et Niki de Saint Phalle", housed in a former tram depot. More works by the two artists can be found on the Sculpture Trail through the town centre. Modern art is on display in the Fri-Art Gallery. Children  love the Puppet Museum and the highly educational Natural History Museum.

   NOTE:  It is well worth making a side trip to Hauterive Abbey, the Cistercian abbey founded in 1137, and once a stopping place on the pilgrims' route to Santiago de Compostela.