Le Moléson with return by ski lifts
1663 Gruyères
Forest
Today, we are going to the Moléson, in the region of Fribourg. With a summit at 2002 meters of altitude, we can tell you that there is quite a lot to admire. You will be able to contemplate the whole of Western Switzerland, from Lake Geneva to the peaks of the Bernese Oberland, from Mont Blanc to the Jura and the 3 lakes region. This time, we propose you a particular itinerary because we decided to reach the top of the Moléson by foot, but to come back down by ski lifts to enjoy the landscape fully.
The beginning of our walk starts from the free parking of the funicular. You can also get there by public transport, as there is a bus stop Moléson sur Gruyère, nearby.
Go towards the funicular and follow the sign "le Moléson" (picture n°1). After about 850m, there will be again a sign "Le Moléson" indicating a road on your left (photo n°2), continue however straight ahead. Stay on this road for about 900m. Be careful, because you will have to pass by a cow pen (photo n°3). At the intersection, turn right towards Plan Francey (photo n°4). Once you are at the top, follow the sign " Le Moléson ", the path on the right which goes down (photo n°5). Continue on this path for about 600m and, at the crossroads, take the path on the left (photo n°7). From there begins a nice climb of about 500m of elevation gain for 2.2km. There is no real risk of taking the wrong path. Follow the sign " Le Moléson " and the colored arrows (photo n°9). During this ascent, take the time to stop and admire the different lakes like the Lake of Neuchâtel or the Lake of Geneva. Once at the top, you can have a meal and enjoy the view from the restaurant's terrace or inside. There is also a picnic area (photo n°14), but be careful, the floor is made of grating, so it's not ideal for the dog (you might bring a small blanket for him).
For the return trip, we chose the cable car variant to Plan Francey, then by funicular to Moléson-sur-Gruyère. There are several possibilities: you can also take the cable car back down to Plan Francey, then finish the trip by walking. If you are motivated, you can also walk down from the other side of Moléson following Gros-Moléson, then Moléson-sur-Gruyère.
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General info
Itinerary proposed by: dogfriendly swiss
Member nearby: No
Circular Itinerary: No
Duration/length/height: 2h46 / 5.49 km / +935 m -41 m
Best period: May-November (ski lift opening times to be checked)
Public transport nearby : Yes
Parking nearby : Yes
Restaurant nearby: Yes
Stroller accessible: No (yes, with the option of going up and down by ski lift)
Picnic area: Yes
Bench: Yes
Didactic panel: No
Viewpoint: Yes
Others:
From Plan Francey, you will follow a mountain trail (white and red signs). In some cases, this may mean going through paths that are difficult to walk on (narrow, passages with chains, etc.). It is recommended to have safe feet and to be in good shape. Being aware of the dangers of the mountain is also a must (quick changes in weather, rock falls, etc.). Concerning our walk, the path is sometimes a bit stony, especially on some parts of the final ascent of Moléson.
The funicular and the cable car are free with the Magic Pass. Otherwise, the price for an adult from 25 to 63 years old for the descent to Moléson-sur-Gruyère is CHF 22.-.
Info for the dog
Poop bag dispenser: No
Water (for the dog) on the way: Yes, there is a river near the start and small water sources along the way.
Itinerary with shaded area: No, extremely limited
Indication about the dog (signs or notices visible on site): At the beginning of the climb, there is a sign "Keep dogs on a leash".
Other:
The ski lifts are free for dogs.
The picnic area at the top has a grated floor = not very pleasant for the dogs' paws.
Depending on the season, you may have to pass through a cow pen.
Did you know?
It is in Moléson that the only “télébenne” (in French) in Switzerland was put into service. It is a kind of cable car, but completely open and where it is not possible to sit.
What we particularly liked
We appreciated the fact that the summit is accessible to all (strollers and people with reduced mobility) with the lifts. The descent by funicular was particularly nice (we were able to be right in front 😊). Without forgetting the panoramic view which is also splendid and the possibility to eat at the start, halfway to Plan Francey, but also at the top of the Moléson.
What we liked least
Because of the lifts, it can be quite crowded. So choose your time and day carefully.