Schmitten between Wetlands and Architectural History
Accommodation in Schmitten
Schmitten is in the Sense District of the canton of Fribourg, around 9 kilometres northeast of Fribourg. The terrain is gently rolling, characterised by meadows, fields, and small areas of woodland. Wetlands, a hike through the Zirkelsgraben gorge, and historic churches and chapels give the area a varied landscape and cultural character.
Wetlands and a hike along the Ledeubach
Weiher Bergmoos (FR575) is an amphibian spawning site of cantonal importance and is home to common frogs. Franislismoos is a fen of national importance. This means that Schmitten’s natural landscape includes both a significant spawning site and a fen.
A hike from Schmitten first leads over Zirkelshubel to MĂĽhletal, then through the Zirkelsgraben gorge to Ledeu. A newly created hiking trail runs along the Ledeubach through an idyllic ravine in the Zirkelsgraben. Over time, the stream has cut ever deeper into the sandstone. In this section, the stream and the sandstone landscape shaped by the water come together. Check current trail conditions before setting out.
In MĂĽhletal, an old mill, a historic restaurant, and several other buildings form a charming ensemble. A small chapel stands on the crest of Zirkelshubel above MĂĽhletal. The route thus leads from Schmitten over the hill to MĂĽhletal and on through the ravine to Ledeu; the landscape and village setting can be seen as different facets of the same hike.
Churches and chapels
The Church of the Finding of the Cross is a columned basilica in the Lombard-Romanesque style. Its exterior was modelled on the medieval church of San Zeno Maggiore in Verona. The present church, whose patron saint is Saint Joseph, was preceded by a medieval chapel dedicated to Saint Othmar, a new building dating from 1412, and a larger chapel inaugurated in 1754. The present church was built at the end of the 19th century and solemnly inaugurated on 8 November 1898.
The Lourdes Chapel in Berg is among Schmitten’s protected immovable cultural assets. Its choir contains a Lourdes grotto; the stained-glass windows are by Jean de Castella. Berg Chapel is wheelchair accessible. If particular access requirements are important to you, check the conditions on site.
The MĂĽhletal Chapel also has a distinctive artistic connection: Yvonne Chapallaz from Charmoille created its stained glass. It depicts four mysteries from the life of the Mother of God. The various chapels and the parish church therefore offer different points of interest for anyone interested in religious architecture, history, or stained glass.
Getting around and staying
Schmitten has a railway station, with regional bus routes complementing the public transport network. Trains from the station connect to Fribourg, Bern, and Zurich. If you plan to travel by train and bus, check the current timetables before your trip.
Schmitten has been documented in written records since the 12th century; historically, the area was strongly shaped by agriculture. The landscape is suitable for walks and cycling tours. Along with the hike over Zirkelshubel and through the Zirkelsgraben, this offers more than just a single view of the area: you can get to know Schmitten through its open, gently rolling landscape, its wetlands, or the architectural history of its churches and chapels.
Discover more destinations: Schwarzsee, Ueberstorf, Düdingen, Tafers, Oberschrot, Plaffeien, Bösingen, Wünnewil-Flamatt
Back to the regional travel guide: Sense.
