Schwarzsee combines a lakeshore setting, alpine scenery and a range of ways to enjoy active days. The village is located on the lake of the same name in the municipality of Plaffeien, in the canton of Fribourg. When choosing a hotel in Schwarzsee, you can take your planned excursions as a guide: trails around the lake, hikes into the natural landscape of the Breccaschlund or seasonal activities on Riggisalp.
Lakeshore, wetlands and trails
Schwarzsee and its tourist region lie in the Fribourg Alps. The lake is part of Gantrisch Nature Park; nearby peaks include the 2,185-metre-high Kaiseregg, Schafberg and Spitzfluh. The surrounding area includes wetlands and alpine pastures with cotton grass and reeds. Coots and dragonflies are also among the species found there; walks and nature watching are possible in the wetlands and alpine pastures.
The Schwarzsee lakeside loop starts at the Gypsera bus stop and crosses meadows as well as following the lakeshore. In summer, the trail around the lake is also called the Witches’ Trail: interactive stations introduce local legends and fairy tales. Some installations may be maintained seasonally. The winter edition of Häxewääg tells the story of the vanished winter sparks. Along the trail around the lake, participants solve tasks and puzzles and collect letters to form a secret solution word.
The Schwarzsee Kneipp Trail adds seven Kneipp experiences around the lake to the lakeside trails. It is 4 kilometres long, with a walking time of about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Guests staying in the region can use it free of charge from spring through autumn. As this is a seasonal offering, it is worth checking local information before your visit.
Hikes with different time and distance details
Two hiking trails lead from Schwarzsee into the natural landscape of the Breccaschlund. The shorter route takes about 2.5 hours and is particularly suitable for families and occasional hikers. Check the latest trail conditions before setting off. The natural landscape itself was formed by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago. Limestone cliffs, alpine pastures and sycamore maples shape the scenery.
Another option is the Schwarzsee High Trail: it leads from Riggisalp towards Schwyberg and is 18.9 kilometres long in total, including the descent to Schwarzsee. The high trail from Riggisalp to Schwyberg opens up new views of Schwarzsee without losing altitude. This provides different details for planning: an approximate duration is given for the shorter Breccaschlund hike, while the high trail is described by its total distance, including the descent.
Riggisalp: play equipment, cheese and winter activities
The Schwarzsee area can be reached via hiking trails and by chairlift to Riggisalp. This is where you’ll find the Kaiseregg Dragon Land. The large dragon-themed play structure includes climbing, swing and slide elements and can be reached by chairlift. On Riggisalp, visitors can also watch cheese being made over an open fire at the alpine cheese dairy; such demonstrations may depend on seasonal alpine operations.
In winter, the Ski and Snowboard Schwarzsee ski area has two chairlifts, two ski lifts and 22 kilometres of pistes. The ski and snowboard school offers lessons for guests who want to improve their skills. The seasonal winter sports report provides information on which ski lifts are open when snow conditions are sufficient. If you’re planning a day on the slopes, you can check this information in advance.
The Schwarzsee toboggan run is another seasonal activity: it is about 1,000 metres long and includes an uphill ride on the ski lift. In summer, it operates on a track used in winter to pull skiers up the mountain. As operations depend on the season, check the current conditions before visiting.
Plan your trip around the season and your interests
Stand-up paddleboarding on Schwarzsee is another option in the warmer months; the service offers paddleboards in various sizes and is suitable for the whole family. At the Gypsera wooden pier, there is both a staffed station and a self-service station. Equipment can be reserved in advance and collected at the stations. As the service is seasonal, it is advisable to check the current arrangements beforehand.
The information on duration and distance helps you compare the excursions without having to combine them into a fixed itinerary.
Discover more destinations: Oberschrot, Plasselb, Bösingen, Plaffeien, Ueberstorf, St. Ursen, Saint Antoni, Schmitten.
Back to the regional travel overview: Sense.
