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Bridge · Fribourg, Fribourg
Berne Covered Bridge (Pont couvert de Berne)
A covered wooden bridge over the Sarine in the lower Auge district of Fribourg, in one of the oldest sections of the city, among medieval houses and old fortifications.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Berne Covered Bridge (Pont couvert de Berne)
The Pont de Berne is a covered wooden bridge, about 40 m long, that crosses the Sarine in the Auge district in the lower part of Fribourg. The route to Bern used to pass over it, which is where the name comes from.
The Auge and La Neuveville, in the lower town, are the oldest districts of the city, with medieval houses, fountains and small squares. From the bridge you can see the slopes and what remains of the walls and towers that protected Fribourg.
The city preserves one of the largest ensembles of medieval fortifications in Switzerland, built between the 13th and 15th centuries. A route along the towers and walls passes near the lower districts and offers views of the Sarine meander.
From the Auge, steep streets climb up to the cathedral, and from La Neuveville a funicular takes you back up to the upper town.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour, including a walk through the lower districts.
Best time
By day, at any time of year; at late afternoon the light on the river and the old houses is pleasant. Some wall towers are open only from spring to autumn.
How to get there
In the Auge district, about a 10-minute walk downhill from the cathedral; there are also city buses to the lower districts.
Tip
Walk down from the cathedral and return to the upper town by the funicular from La Neuveville.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Berne Covered Bridge (Pont couvert de Berne)
What is the Pont de Berne?
A covered wooden bridge over the Sarine in the Auge district, in the lower part of Fribourg.
How do you get to Fribourg’s lower districts?
On foot, descending from the cathedral, or by city bus. To return, the funicular climbs from La Neuveville to the upper town.
Does Fribourg have medieval walls?
Yes — one of the largest complexes of medieval fortifications in Switzerland, with towers that can be visited from spring through autumn.