Piscine de la Motta

Description

Let me tell you about one of Fribourg’s most beloved summer spots – the Piscine de la Motta. As someone who’s spent countless summer afternoons here, I can tell you this isn’t your average public pool. It’s actually one of Switzerland’s oldest outdoor swimming facilities, dating back to 1923, and boy does it have character! The pool sits in a gorgeous setting that’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped into a vintage postcard of Swiss summer life.

What I absolutely adore about this place is how it maintains its historic charm while offering all the modern amenities you’d expect. The main pool is Olympic-sized (50 meters), and the water is always perfectly maintained – trust me, I’m pretty picky about these things! But what really sets it apart is its authentic atmosphere. You’ll find locals mixing with tourists, families setting up picnics on the expansive grass areas, and students from the nearby university catching some rays between classes.

Key Features

• Olympic-sized 50-meter main pool
• Separate children’s pool with gentle slope entry
• Historic art deco buildings and changing rooms
• Expansive sunbathing lawns and shaded areas
• Modern shower facilities
• On-site café serving snacks and refreshments
• Swimming lanes for serious swimmers
• Diving boards for the adventurous
• Dedicated family areas
• Lifeguard supervision throughout operating hours

Best Time to Visit

Having spent many summers here, I can tell you the sweet spot for visiting is either early morning (right when they open around 7:00) or later in the afternoon after 4:00. Mid-day can get pretty busy, especially during July and August. The pool is typically open from mid-May to early September, depending on weather conditions.

Weekends naturally draw bigger crowds, but there’s always enough space to spread out on the lawn. If you’re looking for the perfect swimming conditions, I’d say late June through early August offers the most reliable weather. And here’s a local secret – some of the most magical swims happen during those occasional cloudy days when most tourists stay away but the water’s still perfectly warm.

How to Get There

Getting to Piscine de la Motta is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming by public transport, you can hop on one of several local bus lines that stop nearby. From Fribourg’s main train station, it’s roughly a 15-minute walk – just follow the signs toward the old town and you’ll find it.

For those driving, there’s parking available in the vicinity, though spaces can be limited during peak hours. I usually park a few blocks away and enjoy the short walk through the charming neighborhood. Cyclists will find bike racks right outside the entrance – super convenient if you’re looking to combine your pool visit with a bike ride along the Sarine River.

Tips for Visiting

Let me share some insider tips that’ll make your visit even better. First off, bring your own lock for the lockers – they’re not provided. And while there’s a café on-site, I always pack my own water and snacks because the queue can get long on hot days.

If you’re planning to spend the whole day, definitely bring a beach umbrella or find a spot under one of the trees – the Swiss sun can be surprisingly intense! The grass areas are perfect for picnics, but remember to bring a proper beach blanket or mat.

For families with kids, I recommend bringing water wings or flotation devices as they’re not available for rent. Early afternoon is usually when the children’s pool is busiest, so plan accordingly if you’ve got little ones.

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast – on particularly hot days, the pool can reach capacity by early afternoon. And one last pro tip: they often offer season passes which are totally worth it if you’re staying in Fribourg for more than a few weeks during summer. The morning lap swimming sessions are particularly peaceful – it’s my favorite time to get some exercise while watching the city wake up.

Location

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