Pont de Zaehringen

The Pont de Zaehringen is a 246-meter concrete bridge spanning the Sarine River, connecting the Schoenberg district with Fribourg's historic old town quarter. The structure combines arch and suspension elements, creating a distinctive outline that defines the city's skyline.

The structure was built in 1924, replacing an earlier suspension bridge that had occupied the same location since 1834. This new construction marked a shift toward modern engineering methods of the early 20th century.

The bridge shapes the city's appearance through its distinctive concrete structure and serves as a central gathering point where pedestrians move between different neighborhoods. Locals and visitors rely on it daily as a key connection, making it part of Fribourg's visual identity.

Access is via level pathways suitable for pedestrians and cyclists that extend across the bridge's full length. Buses and emergency vehicles can still pass through, so stay alert while crossing.

The bridge features an unusual two-level system where the upper surface serves pedestrians while a narrow passage passes through the supporting piers below. This distinct arrangement separates two types of traffic spatially and makes it a notable example of creative structural design.