Moléson

Moléson is the emblematic mountain of the Gruyère district, its limestone summit rising to 2,002 metres and dominating the view south from the medieval town. A cable car and gondola system runs from the village of Moleson-sur-Gruyères (about 4 kilometres from Gruyères town) to within easy walking distance of the summit, making it accessible even for those without serious hiking experience. The views from the top on a clear day are extraordinary: the Jura range to the northwest, the Bernese Alps including the Eiger and Jungfrau to the east, and the patchwork of dairy farms in the valley below.

The mountain is popular for skiing in winter, with a small but well-maintained ski area, and for hiking in summer. Several walking routes lead back down to the valley through Alpine meadows full of wildflowers in July and August. The summit refuge serves simple mountain food and is a good place to stop and appreciate the panorama.

things to do sight
A story
The summit of Moléson has been used as a signal post and watchtower since at least the 16th century. When political trouble threatened in the lowlands, fires lit on its peak could be seen all the way to Fribourg and beyond — a primitive but effective early warning system for the region.