Region of Fribourg

The tourist region of Fribourg offers you unforgettable experiences... Lake, city or mountains, discover a real land of values!


Fribourg Meeting offers you the possibility to comfortably organize your future seminars or congresses.

Choose a region

La Gruyère
Fribourg
Estavayer-le-Lac
Region
Region
Murtensee
Schwarzsee -
Senseland
Romont Région
Les Paccots
- La Veveyse

What are you looking for?

Choose a region

Welcome to the website of Fribourg Region and its tourist regions. Please select on the map the region you wish to discover and browse through its offers. We wish you a lot of fun!

swiss map
La Gruyere
Fribourg
Estavayer-le-Lac
Region
Région Lac
de Morat
Schwarzsee-
Senseland
Romont
Les Paccots
You are in the region
Search

Tour of Lake Montsalvens

Properties of the itinerarie

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 03:00

Distance: 9 km

Ascent/Descent: +319m / -324m

Altitude min./max.: 792m / 982m

This is an enchanting walk around the man-made Lake Montsalvens, a classic family route that runs between the banks of the lake, the forest floor and the hills, culminating with a stunning view over the Dents Vertes.

Your route begins on the way to Charmey. Head down towards the peninsula, as far as the bridge that crosses the section of the lake that drains water from the Javro. Continue along the footpath along the banks (which can be slippery if wet weather) until you reach the Montsalvens dam, a magnificent architectural structure dating from 1920-1921. This was the first double-curvature (vertical and horizontal) arch dam in Europe. You may see the Dents Vertes peaks, which rise above Charmey, reflected in the waters of the lake.

From there, walk back up the southern arm of the lake until you reach the start of the Motélon valley, walking along the river of the same name. Follow the river until you reach the sign for La Monse. Leave the forest briefly and climb up to the chapel, which is four hundred years old. Don’t forget to take a look at the chalet alongside, which is one of the oldest in the canton. The path that takes you to the chalet and the little chapel is bordered by a stone wall listed by Pro Natura. Head back down towards the lake along the path that borders the marshlands and then climb back up to the peninsula.

Tip: after your walk, there’s nothing better than relaxing in the warm waters of the Bains de La Gruyère in Charmey.

Accessible by public transport: yes | Nearest bus or train stop : Châtel-sur-Montsalvens, Rest. or Charmey, Corbettaz
Accessible by car: yes

Difference in height: + 319 m / - 324 m

Discover all the hiking trails in La Gruyère.

Information

La Gruyère Tourisme, Les Charrières 3
Les Charrières 3
Case postale 25
1637 Charmey

Properties of the itinerarie

Difficulty: Easy

Duration: 03:00

Distance: 9 km

Ascent/Descent: +319m / -324m

Altitude min./max.: 792m / 982m

Download files

External links

Report an error

More information

We use cookies to provide you with a better experience.

By browsing this site, you accept the Data Protection Policy, as well as the use of cookies to collect statistics for the purpose of continually improving the website.

Close