Discover Düdingen: Nature, Culture and Hotels

Düdingen between history and activity

Düdingen lies east of Lake Schiffenen in the German-speaking Central Plateau of the Canton of Fribourg and is a political municipality in the Sense District. The area offers points of interest in history, nature and outdoor activities to help you choose a destination: these include the Magdalena Hermitage, trails on a variety of themes and a trip on an excursion boat. If you are looking for a hotel in Düdingen, you can plan your stay around whichever of these aspects interests you most. The transport routes can also be placed in their geographical context: the Fribourg–Bern railway line, the A12 motorway and the Fribourg–Bern cantonal road cross Düdingen from southwest to northeast.

Rock hermitage and excursion boat

The Magdalena Hermitage is located in Räsch near Düdingen, carved into the cliffs above the Schiffenen reservoir. It consists of several rooms and is 120 metres long in total. The hermitage was mentioned as early as the 15th century; its documented history goes back to 1448. Its present-day structure took shape between 1680 and 1708. This brings together an early historical mention and a later construction phase. Those interested in the site can explore it through two different points of reference: its setting in the rock and the sequence of dates in its history.

The excursion boat «d’Grandfey» offers a different perspective. It runs a pleasure cruise from Schiffenen (Düdingen) to Freiburg (Neigles) and back, powered by electric solar energy. The round trip therefore connects the two named locations, while its power source is a distinctive feature of the boat. If you plan to take this boat trip, check the departure times in advance.

Trails by theme and length

The Botanical Trail is a circular route approximately five kilometres long. Along the trail, you can discover 60 native plants found in bogs, fields and forests. The route combines a stated distance with a clear focus on nature. The Senses and Sounds Trail has a different focus: it features 15 sensory and sound installations that visitors can try out and play. At the same time, it combines a walking path along the shore of Lake Schiffenen with a cultural experience. The two trails differ both in theme and in their described format: a circular route focused on plants on the one hand, and a walking path with interactive installations on the other.

The well-signposted Düdingen village walk covers approximately 4.5 kilometres, passing through the old and new village centres as well as local recreation areas. Several information panels along the route provide information about buildings and places of interest. The walk therefore focuses on the village centre and its buildings, while the Botanical Trail explores plants in bogs, fields and forests. The approximate distances give you a concrete comparison between the two circular routes, without implying a walking time.

For outdoor exercise in Brugeraholz, the Municipality of Düdingen has a Vita Parcours fitness trail. It is 2.7 kilometres long and starts at the forest entrance to Brugeraholz on Alfons-Aeby-Strasse. Brugeraholz is also home to a 400-metre Finnish track. The distances distinguish the longer fitness trail from the shorter track. You can choose which activity suits your stay based on its stated length and format.

Culture and seasonal activities

«Culture in the Church» aims to provide an offering for the whole community in the new Reformed Church in Düdingen. The seating can be rearranged for events. This flexible layout is one specific feature of the venue. If you are interested in this cultural programme, you can take the event and the seating arrangement that suits it into account when planning.

Self-Pick Farm Schiffenen also offers a seasonal experience: from March to November, visitors can pick their own vegetables, fruit and flowers. The farm shop also sells vegetables, fruit, bread and eggs on a self-service basis. Picking your own produce and shopping at the farm shop therefore offer two different ways to get products: harvesting them yourself or buying them there. As the pick-your-own offer is available only during a specific period, it is worth checking the season before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Schmitten, Bösingen, Ueberstorf, Schwarzsee, Tafers, Wünnewil-Flamatt, Saint Antoni, Plaffeien.

Back to the main travel overview: Sense.