2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship in Fribourg
Welcome to the home of Christoph Bertschy
Welcome to the home of Christoph Bertschy
Fribourg: His land. His passion.
Our World Championship.
Few players will have such a home advantage as Christoph Bertschy at the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The HC Fribourg-Gottéron striker, who grew up in the neighbouring town of Düdingen, is now more conscious than ever of the strength of his Fribourg roots.
His region has shaped him, and the legendary support of HC Fribourg-Gottéron fans continues to fuel his passion for hockey today. During the World Championship matches, Christoph Bertschy hopes to give back a little of everything his region has given him.
He is happy to share some tips and a few favourites, as well as the places that inspire, refresh and energise him, with both his team-mates and fans who have come from all over the world for the Championship. Perfect spots for a break before, between or after World Championship matches.
About Christoph Bertschy
“I’m from here!” says Christoph Bertschy, the 32-year-old professional ice hockey player, with pride. Born in Düdingen, just six kilometres from the BCF Arena, where the host city of Fribourg will play, HC Fribourg-Gottéron’s winger and Swiss national team player is deeply attached to his roots.
Competing in four World Championships, two Olympic Games and three seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) in the United States has strengthened this talented hockey player’s values of teamwork and commitment, as well as his love for his region. The city of Fribourg inspires him, while the mountainous panorama of Lake Schwarzsee provides a moment of calm and the chance to recharge his batteries.
When Christoph Bertschy introduces sporting friends from all over the world to “his Fribourg”, he takes them to the Old Town. It is famous for its many Gothic façades on medieval buildings, including the emblem of the city: St. Nicholas Cathedral. Once you have climbed its 365 spiral steps, you reach the top of the tower and are rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the city, nestled in the meanders of the Sarine river. You almost feel you could reach out and touch the Fribourg Pre-Alps. Those who wish to explore the Middle Ages in more detail can continue the visit by walking around the city walls, which are freely accessible.
After the effort, a chance to relax: one of Christoph’s favourite establishments is the Café du Belvedere, whose terrace offers stunning views of the Old Town. In fact, there are also many other traditional restaurants that regularly attract Fribourg’s supporters back to the town! And they no longer serve just the Fribourg Region’s specialities, which are now famous, such as the “moitié-moitié” fondue or, for dessert, meringues with La Gruyère double cream. For food lovers with a little time between two matches, the culinary trail “Taste my Fribourg” offers five tastings in the region’s kitchens and cafés, to delight your taste buds and fill up on new discoveries!
Christoph Bertschy’s mother tongue is Senslerdeutsch, the dialect spoken in the German-speaking Sense district. A way of speaking that is renowned for its pleasantness… but not always easy to understand, even for the Swiss!
Those who know the Sense region immediately think of Lake Schwarzsee. Located at an altitude of 1,000 metres and surrounded by an impressive mountain panorama, the lake exudes a unique serenity. The area is very popular with nature lovers, who in summer enjoy beautiful hiking and mountain-biking trails, authentic Alpine restaurants, wild swimming or simply a relaxing setting for a mountain holiday.
In winter, the Riggisalp ski area is the favourite playground for the people of Fribourg. It was here that Christoph Bertschy learned to ski and took on his first speed challenges. Like the other inhabitants of the region, he rejoiced when the frozen lake turned into one of the most beautiful natural ice rinks.
Fribourg, host city: match schedule, events and tickets
The world of ice hockey will have its eyes on Switzerland and on the host city of Fribourg from 15 to 31 May 2026! The BCF Arena will host a total of 30 matches, including two quarter-finals. Fans will be able to watch live stars from the greatest hockey nations, such as Canada, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Slovakia, Norway, Slovenia and Italy in the home of the legendary HC Fribourg-Gottéron.
These important events will embed Fribourg, the smallest host city of the 21st century, in the history of the IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship. The whole city will vibrate to the rhythm of the competition thanks to a wide range of entertaining events. The Official Fan Walk, for example, will connect the Fribourg Welcome Spot on place Georges-Python to the BCF Arena on match days. At the ice rink, the Official Fan Zone promises a festive and bubbly atmosphere for supporters.
