This trip was a first on many levels. First time to Switzerland to get a sense of what a well maintained old city looks like – check. First stay in a hotel without air conditioning or heating – check. First transatlantic flight…in the middle bulkhead seat – check. And the list goes on. Here’s a walk around of the small town that is Fribourg, Switzerland.
After landing in Geneva from what will end up being one of the longest flights in my life due to the bulkhead coach seat on a United wide body jet, I hopped on a train to traverse around Lake Geneva, beyond Lausanne to Fribourg, Switzerland.
The train ride took about an hour and a half and was just enough time to catch up on work.
The destination, while not on everyone’s map of places to visit, was a pleasant surprise of old city charm mixed with a young crowd from the college in town.
I stayed in one of the nicest hotels in town I was told. The hotel didn’t have air conditioning or heating and I didn’t mind. An open window with a cool breeze is enough to cool down any room. But an open window creates another problem in this small town, early wake up calls from the town clock tower and someone’s pet rooster. Here is the view from the hotel window.
Each day before and after work was another chance to explore the town. It was easy to walk around and only once or twice did I feel the need to take a taxi.
The Old City on the rocky hill above the valley of the Sarine.
I could have spent hours just walking around the streets and people watching.
After a few refreshing days in Fribourg, it was time to head back to the train station. Drinks by lake Geneva were waiting.
An early wakeup, then another long flight home, in coach, again.
While I wouldn’t say this was my favorite small town, it was a nice unexpected visit. If I had more time I would have taken more time to explore the surrounding areas. What was your favorite small town to ever visit?
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Garmish-Partenkirchen, Germany. Lovely small town with bike and hiking trails everywhere. Tallest peak in Germany (the Zugspitze) right in town. Great bakeries.