A refuge in the heart of the Fribourg Pre-Alps
A must-visit buvette in both summer and winter, the Cabane du Petit Oiseau welcomes you in a preserved natural setting, ideal for relaxation and convivial moments. Enjoy generous dishes with local flavours, including the moitié-moitié fondue (Gruyère AOP & Vacherin Fribourgeois AOP), the Niremont rösti (ham & cheese), as well as meringue with double cream.
The Cabane du Petit Oiseau is ideally located for hiking and nature lovers. Several trails lead to the hut and allow you to explore the surrounding area.
In summer
Enjoy the sunny terrace, a ride on the little train, or the mini-zoo, where goats, Hérens cows, pigs, donkeys and other animals delight visitors of all ages.
In winter
Ideally located in the middle of the slopes of the Rathvel ski resort, the hut becomes a cosy refuge after a day of skiing, snowshoeing or ski touring. The mini-zoo is also accessible in winter during the buvette’s opening hours, for the enjoyment of visitors.
In winter, the buvette adapts its opening hours according to visitor numbers and the schedule of the ski resort. Feel free to check the timetable on Google, updated daily.
Reservations
- Possibility to book outside opening hours, except on Tuesdays, for groups of more than 30 people.
Little Train & Zoo
- The little train operates only in summer during the buvette’s opening hours.
- The mini-zoo is open in both summer and winter, only during the buvette’s opening hours.
Winter opening hours (December to March)
- In winter, the buvette adapts its opening hours depending on visitor numbers and the ski resort’s schedule. Feel free to check the timetable on Google, updated daily, or contact the hut before your visit.
- The opening is planned no later than December 20, unless early snow conditions allow an earlier opening as soon as the ski lifts are running.
- The buvette is open 7 days a week, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- During night skiing, the buvette remains open until 11:00 p.m.
Cabane du Petit Oiseau
Route du Moléson
1618 Châtel-St-Denis
Opening hours
From 20 Dec 2025 to 31 Mar 2026
Monday - Sunday
08:30 - 18:00
From 1 May to 13 Jul 2026
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday - Saturday
09:00 - 22:00
Sunday
09:00 - 18:00
From 14 Jul to 17 Aug 2026
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Saturday
09:00 - 22:00
Sunday
09:00 - 18:00
From 18 Aug to 12 Oct 2026
Monday
09:00 - 18:00
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday - Thursday
09:00 - 18:00
Friday - Saturday
09:00 - 22:00
Sunday
09:00 - 18:00
