Fribourg is the capital of the region of the same name in western Switzerland. In the medieval old city above the Sarine River, the Gothic Fribourg Cathedral has art nouveau stained glass and views from its bell tower. The nearby Espace Jean Tinguely–Niki de Saint Phalle displays the namesake 20th-century artists’ sculpture. Occupying a Renaissance palace, the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire showcases medieval art.

Distance: 23 miles

Bern, the capital city of Switzerland, is built around a crook in the Aare River. It traces its origins back to the 12th century, with medieval architecture preserved in the Altstadt (Old Town). The Swiss Parliament and diplomats meet in the Neo-Renaissance Bundeshaus (Federal Palace). The Französische Kirche (French Church) and the nearby medieval tower known as the Zytglogge both date to the 13th century.