Lac de Schiffenen Monastery

Reservoir near Fribourg in western Switzerland

Schiffenen reservoir near Fribourg provides walking and cycling routes, birdwatching and views across farmland to the city. Locals use its paths for exercise; visitors stop for short nature walks and photography.

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Lac de Schiffenen at a Glance#

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How to Get to Lac de Schiffenen#

From Fribourg city centre take the regional bus toward Tafers/Tafers-Düdingen and alight at the Schiffenen reservoir stop (approx. 15-20 minutes). Driving from central Fribourg is roughly a 10-15 minute journey via local roads (follow signs to Schiffenen/Schiffenensee). There is a small parking area near the dam; paths loop the shoreline for easy walking.

Tips for Visiting Lac de Schiffenen#

  • Approach from the Fribourg side and park at the small lot near the dam-walking the lakeshore clockwise gives the best light for photos late afternoon.
  • Bring binoculars: the reedbeds and shallows attract migrating bird species in spring and autumn.
  • Avoid weekday mornings when waterfowl hunters are active in season; check local Canton hunting notices if visiting in autumn.

Best Time to Visit Lac de Schiffenen#

Best visited in shoulder seasons for wildlife and light; summers bring more local swimmers and anglers.

Late spring
May-June · 8-20°C
Nesting waterbirds, lush green embankments and fewer day-trippers.
Early autumn
September-October · 5-15°C
Migratory flocks and clearer, colder light-great for birdwatching and long reflections.

Weather & Climate near Lac de Schiffenen#

Climate

Lac de Schiffenen's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -3°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (971 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 37 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -3° - 3° -2° 61 mm overcast 90% 2.0 m/s 0.1 low 8.9h
February Poor -2° - 5° -1° 59 mm overcast 88% 2.2 m/s 0.3 low 10.2h
March Acceptable 0° - 10° 3° 63 mm partly cloudy 84% 2.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 11.8h
April Acceptable 3° - 13° 7° 75 mm partly cloudy 80% 2.3 m/s 1.0 high 13.4h
May Good 7° - 18° 13° 98 mm overcast 80% 2.1 m/s 1.4 high 14.8h
June Good 10° - 21° 16° 105 mm partly cloudy 79% 2.1 m/s 1.7 very high 15.6h
July Very Good 13° - 24° 18° 96 mm partly cloudy 76% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 15.2h
August Very Good 12° - 24° 18° 102 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.8 m/s 1.5 high 14.0h
September Good 9° - 19° 14° 85 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.8 m/s 1.0 moderate 12.4h
October Acceptable 5° - 14° 9° 80 mm partly cloudy 84% 1.8 m/s 0.5 moderate 10.7h
November Poor 1° - 7° 2° 77 mm overcast 89% 1.9 m/s 0.2 low 9.3h
December Poor -2° - 4° -1° 70 mm overcast 89% 2.1 m/s 0.1 low 8.5h

Nearby Attractions to Lac de Schiffenen#

Fribourg Cathedral
Fribourg Cathedral
Gothic cathedral in Fribourg with ornate stained glass
Religious Site 5.4 km