Summary

On 22 April 2026, the Federal Council adopted an update to the Federal Inventory of Worth-Protecting Townscapes of Switzerland (ISOS). In the canton of Fribourg, this is the third revision stage since 2022; in the canton of Graubünden, the sixth since 2019. The update includes changes to the townscape list of national significance as well as updated photographs. The new geodata and PDF files will be available on federal geoportals from 1 June 2026 onwards.

Persons

  • Federal Council (collective)

Topics

  • Monument preservation and townscape protection
  • Spatial planning and settlement development
  • Cultural heritage of Switzerland

Clarus Lead

The systematic review and update of the ISOS strengthens the planning law basis for protecting architectural heritage in the cantons. Through regular revision, it is ensured that only townscapes with current national significance remain in the inventory – a quality mechanism that guides authorities in planning decisions and obliges cantons and municipalities to take it into account.

Detailed Summary

In the canton of Fribourg, the districts of Greyerz, See, Saane and Vivisbach were revised. Twelve existing townscapes retained their status; Fräschels was newly added. Six townscapes (Broc-Vieille Cure, Châtel-Saint-Denis, Jaun, Neirivue, Prayoud) were removed because they no longer meet the required criteria.

In Graubünden, the revision work affects the regions of Moesa and Surselva. Fourteen townscapes remained in the inventory due to their architectural heritage qualities. Cons and Santa Domenica were newly added; Degen was removed. In total, 29 updated townscape photographs were created (13 Fribourg, 16 Graubünden).

The ISOS is based on the Federal Law on Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection and serves as a basis for high-quality settlement development. The Federal Council decides on additions and removals after consulting the cantons; cantons and municipalities must take the inventory into account in their planning.

Key Points

  • The Federal Council regularly updates the ISOS to secure architectural heritage in the long term
  • Fribourg and Graubünden receive updated townscape lists with additions and removals
  • The new geodata will be publicly available on federal geoportals from June 2026 onwards

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence: According to which specific criteria is it reviewed whether a townscape still meets the required standards? What data bases (photographs, building condition, changes) underlie the removal decisions?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: How are conflicts between townscape protection and local development interests (construction projects, infrastructure) resolved? What influence do cantons and municipalities have on inventory decisions?

  3. Causality: Does inclusion in the ISOS demonstrably lead to better preservation? Are there differences in development between protected and unprotected townscapes?

  4. Feasibility: How are cantons and municipalities supported in the practical application of the ISOS in their planning? What sanctions exist for non-compliance?

Bibliography

Primary Source: Federal Council – Update of the Federal Inventory of Worth-Protecting Townscapes (ISOS) – https://www.news.admin.ch/de/newnsb/rXJQMC6uIa2BxO-SwMTcF

Supplementary Resources:

  • Federal Law on Nature and Cultural Heritage Protection (NHG): https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/1966/1637_1694_1679/de
  • Federal Geoportal: map.geo.admin.ch
  • ISOS Geoportal: gisos.bak.admin.ch

Verification Status: ✓ 22.04.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-check: 22.04.2026