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The canoe trip between Fribourg and Lake Schiffenen offers a unique adventure combining urban heritage and unspoilt nature. Spanning some 15 kilometers, this descent of the Sarine river begins in the heart of Fribourg’s old town, then gradually extends into wilder landscapes. In just half a day, paddlers can enjoy a varied experience: from the historic bridges and lush green banks of the city to the quiet wooded areas leading down to the peaceful Schiffenen lake. An ideal itinerary for discovery, relaxation and immersion in nature.
Itinerary
The route from Fribourg to Lake Schiffenen:
The canoe trip begins in the heart of the city of Fribourg, where the Sarine winds its way through the urban landscape before wandering off into wilder, more picturesque areas. The total distance between Fribourg and Lake Schiffenen is around 15km, an adventure that can be completed in half a day, depending on your pace and how much time you wish to spend on the water.
Departure from Freiburg:
The start is usually near the Passerelle des Neigles, an accessible spot where the Fribourg Canoe Club offers canoe rentals. Another starting point is the Pont Saint-Jean in Fribourg’s historic center, the ideal place to begin this canoeing adventure. This iconic bridge, with its view of the old town and the Sarine river, marks the start of your exploration on one of Switzerland’s most beautiful rivers. You set off from this historic bridge, ready to discover a part of the river that leads you to Lake Schiffenen.
The urban section:
For the first few kilometers, you’ll pass under a number of bridges and walk along banks lined with greenery. This urban section is relatively quiet, but it allows you to soak up the unique atmosphere of Freiburg.
Transition to nature:
As you leave the city, the river becomes calmer and you enter wilder areas with wooded hills, meadows and small villages. Here, the water becomes calmer, ideal for leisurely cruising. The flora and fauna around the river are a feast for the eyes: it’s the perfect place to spot herons, ducks and maybe even otters.
The end of the route: Lake Schiffenen
At the end of your adventure, you’ll arrive at the Schiffenen lake, a peaceful and pleasant place to take a break, enjoy the panorama and savor a moment of relaxation. It’s also a great opportunity to swim or enjoy the green spaces around the lake.
Frequently asked questions
Can canoes navigate from the headwaters of the Sarine into Lac de la Gruyère without too much trouble, or are there critical spots (e.g. where there isn’t enough water)?
Canoes can also be used on the upper reaches of the Sarine. However, not directly from the source. Further details are available from “Rivières et Aventures, 1660 Château d’Oex”. In this upper part, the Sarine obviously still doesn’t have as much water as further downstream. No major problems after reaching Lac de la Gruyère.
Where can they leave and of course re-enter when there are roadblocks (are there official exits/entries or not really?).Where can they leave and of course re-enter when there are roadblocks (are there official exits/entries or not really?).
It is possible to leave the water before each barrier and to return to the water after going around the obstacle. There is no official place to exit or re-enter the water. There are, however, easy-to-find paths everywhere. An up-to-date map is recommended. To get the boats out of the water at the Rossens dam, aim for the left bank of Lac de la Gruyère. For launching, this is also the left bank downstream of the dam. In Schiffenen, the water exit is in front of the harbour, on the right bank! To launch the boat, cross the dam to the left bank, go downstream and cross below the dam via the footbridge to the right bank.
How close can canoes get to dams?
There’s no official data on how close a canoe can get to a dam. If this were the case, warning signs would have to be installed, but we don’t find them on our dams. So there’s no great danger, even if you find yourself with your canoe right in front of the dam. The water intakes for the turbines are well below the surface of the water. At Rossens, for example, they are 40 metres underwater, and at Schiffenen 20 metres. That’s why there’s no turbulence.
Practical advice
🦺 Safety: don’t forget your life jacket, which is essential for safety on the water.
👙 Clothing: Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
☎️ Booking: If you wish to hire a canoe during the high season, remember to book in advance as demand can be high.
Level of difficulty
The route between Freiburg and Lake Schiffenen is generally accessible to all levels of paddler. The urban sections offer fairly calm waters, but as you move away from the city, the river can present some moderate rapids. Some experience is therefore advisable. For beginners, we recommend starting out with an experienced guide.
