Schwarzsee between the lakeshore, moorlands and the Fribourg Alps

Schwarzsee is a village on the lake of the same name, within the municipality of Plaffeien in the canton of Fribourg. The lake and tourist region are located in the Fribourg Alps.

Landscape between lake and Alps

The lake lies in Gantrisch Nature Park. Nearby peaks include Kaiseregg (2,185 m), Schafberg and Spitzfluh. The ancient Breccaschlund landscape was shaped by glaciers more than 10,000 years ago; limestone cliffs, alpine pastures and sycamore maples define its scenery. The area around Schwarzsee also includes moorlands and alpine pastures. Cottongrass and reeds grow there, and coots and dragonflies are among the species found here. Walking and nature observation are possible in this moorland and alpine pasture landscape.

Trails around Schwarzsee

The Schwarzsee lakeside walk starts at the Gypsera bus stop in Schwarzsee and passes through meadows and along the lakeshore. The Schwarzsee Kneipp trail adds seven Kneipp experiences to the routes around the lake. It is 4 km long; walking time alone is about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Use is free of charge and open to visitors to the region from spring through autumn. Check local information about seasonal access before your visit.

For a longer hike, the Schwarzsee high-altitude trail leads from Riggisalp towards Schwyberg. Along this trail, new views of Schwarzsee open up without the route gaining altitude; including the descent to Schwarzsee, the route is 18.9 km in total. Two hiking trails also lead from Schwarzsee into the ancient Breccaschlund landscape. The shorter hike takes about 2.5 hours and is particularly suitable for families and occasional hikers. The area around Schwarzsee can be reached by hiking trails and by chairlift to Riggisalp. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

The lake and seasonal experiences

Swimming and stand-up paddleboarding are among the leisure activities at Schwarzsee. Boards in various sizes are available for stand-up paddleboarding, making it suitable for the whole family. The SUP service includes a staffed station and a self-service station at the Gypsera wooden jetty. Equipment can be reserved in advance and collected at the stations. As this is a seasonal water activity, it is advisable to check current visitor information in advance.

In summer, the path around Schwarzsee is also called the “Witch Trail.” Interactive stations share local legends and fairy tales. The winter edition of the “Häxewääg” tells the story of the missing winter sparks. On the circuit around the lake, participants solve tasks and riddles and collect letters to form a secret solution word.

Winter activities and toboggan run

The Ski and Snowboard Schwarzsee ski area has two chairlifts, two ski lifts and 22 km of pistes. The ski and snowboard school offers lessons for visitors who want to improve their skills. The winter sports report provides information on which ski lifts are open when snow conditions are adequate. If you are planning a day of skiing, you can check the reported lift openings there.

The Schwarzsee toboggan run is about 1,000 m long and includes an uphill ride on the ski lift. In summer, it operates on a route used in winter to pull skiers up the mountain. Check the current operating conditions for this seasonal attraction before your visit.

Dragon motifs and alpine cheese

Riggisalp is home to Dragonland Kaiseregg, which can be reached by chairlift. It features a large dragon play structure with climbing, swinging and sliding elements. Another dragon motif appears in the “Schwarzsee Dragon” sculpture: a local metal artist made it from iron and sheet metal, and it rises from a 20 m-high rock.

At the alpine cheese dairy on Riggisalp, visitors can watch cheese being made over an open fire. Demonstrations may depend on seasonal alpine operations. The La Balisa alpine cheese dairy is also open to visitors, and various types of cheese can be sampled there. Check visitor and tasting options in advance.

Discover more destinations: Schmitten, Düdingen, Wünnewil-Flamatt, Plasselb, St. Ursen, Plaffeien, Bösingen, Oberschrot

For the broader travel overview: Sense.