Discover Plasselb: Nature, Hiking and Village History

Plasselb combines village history with trails through forests and pastureland, as well as the landscape along the Ärgera. When choosing your destination, you can base your plans on the activities you have in mind: there are several circular walks near the village, while hikes such as the tour to Schwyberg take more time and involve greater elevation gain. The church, the grotto and the Pont du Höllbach also give the village a historical and cultural dimension.

Circular Walks and Hikes from Plasselb

The Plasselb tourist association maintains several circular walks near the village. Except for the Neuhaus circular walk, they are marked with white signposts and coloured dots. The Flue–Ärgera circular walk runs right along the edge of the village; a short detour leads to the grotto. The Alte Reservoir circular walk climbs at first in the shade of the forest. From the Alte Reservoir, the view extends as far as the Jura; there is also a viewpoint for watching the sunset.

Other circular walks offer different highlights: the Militärwääg follows the dam path along the Ärgera before climbing uphill on a forest trail; you can finish with a Kneipp bath in the Ärgera. The Neuhaus circular walk goes via the Guglera to the hamlet of Neuhaus and offers views of the peaks of the Gantrisch region. The Müli circular walk follows the Flueweg to the Roggelibrücke, then continues to a narrow water crossing before the Allmetten and on to the Mülibächli.

For a longer hike, compare the stated durations and elevation gains: Plasselb–Muschenegg–Ärgera covers 450 metres of elevation gain and takes three hours. The Plasselb–Schwyberg hike is listed as having 850 metres of elevation gain and taking four hours and 40 minutes. It follows a forest trail to Taafela, a peaceful place with a statue of the Virgin Mary, then continues via Lehmas Bärgli to Gross Schwyberg. The return route follows the western side of Schwyberg and a forest trail back to Plasselb. Forest trails, pastureland and viewpoints shape the route; the views include the Ärgera, the Sense and the peaks around Schwarzsee, the Bernese snow-capped mountains, Lake Murten, Lake Neuchâtel and the Jura.

The Schwarzsee Höhenweg also passes through Plasselb. Other municipalities along the route include Jaun, Charmey, Cerniat and Plaffeien; several descent options and its suitability as a day hike can help with planning. If you are cycling, allow about five to ten minutes to push your bike on the Plasselbschlund–Schwyberg cycle route between point 1383 and Auta Chia.

The Ärgera, Floodplains and Natural Environment

There is a floodplain on the Gérine near Plasselb, used for barbecuing, walking and swimming. A floodplain area extending as far as Marly is listed in the Federal Inventory of Floodplains of National Importance. One hike follows the Ärgera through the Plasselbschlund to the floodplain areas near Plasselb. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider trails along the river and time spent in the floodplain landscape as distinct activities.

The regional setting also includes the La Berra wildlife sanctuary, which extends towards the Plasselbschlund. In winter and spring, it is intended to limit disturbance, when wild animals are particularly in need of peace and quiet. This seasonal aspect is a useful consideration when planning the timing of your visit to the region.

Church, Grotto and Local History

Plasselb has been mentioned in documents since the 13th century; in 1339, the settlement was explicitly referred to as a village. The Catholic church in the centre dates from 1814 and is dedicated to Saint Martin. Its present appearance is Baroque. At the same time, parts of medieval masonry may have survived in the choir and nave—a carefully qualified possibility that points to the older origins of the church building.

The Pont du Höllbach was built in 1939 and, together with the forester’s house, is considered a historical symbol of the reforestation of the Plasselbschlund. From 1941, the Hölli forester’s house served as a base for forestry workers. After the bridge was destroyed by an arsonist in 2013, it was rebuilt. Together, the two structures bear witness to different periods in local history.

The Plasselb grotto is a sacred place in nature. In 1995, volunteers established an oratory there, which was blessed in 1997. The figures of the Virgin Mary and Saint Bernadette, along with the large wooden cross, were made by the local sculptor and woodcarver Ernest Ruffieux. Every year on 24 December, the Plasselb theatre company performs the Nativity scene at the grotto with live animals. For a visit focused on culture, both the artworks and the annual tradition are worth seeing.

Discover more destinations: Oberschrot, Schwarzsee, St. Ursen, Schmitten, Saint Antoni, Plaffeien, Bösingen, Düdingen.

For the regional travel overview: Sense.