The Sense shows its distinctive character most impressively along the water: the Gorges de la Singine form a canyon more than 100 metres high, carved over centuries into horizontal layers of molasse. The Sense is one of Switzerland’s last large natural rivers and provides a habitat for numerous plants and animals. The Gorges de la Singine nature reserve offers opportunities to observe nature and relax; the gorges are also listed in the Federal Inventory of Floodplains of National Importance.
River landscapes, lake and trails
The Schwarzsee-Senseland hiking area brings together gentle mountain landscapes, a mountain lake, and diverse flora and fauna. Its network of hiking trails covers around 200 kilometres and leads as far as Schafberg, the region’s highest mountain, at 2,239 metres above sea level. Alongside this extensive network are individual, clearly defined options: the Schwarzsee Kneipp Trail is four kilometres long and features seven Kneipp experiences around the lake. It is free to use from spring to autumn; the seasonal period may vary.
The ViaJacobi stage from Schwarzenburg to Fribourg also follows the Sense and the Saane rivers. You can distinguish between the routes by their length and course: a regional hiking trail network, a four-kilometre Kneipp trail, or a stage along two rivers. The trails and their conditions vary; trail conditions on the ViaJacobi may change.
Riggisalp is a starting point for further mountain hikes and bike tours. The detachable two-seater chairlift operated by Kaisereggbahnen takes visitors there; the high-altitude trail also starts at Riggisalp. As schedules may change, it is worth checking the latest information before planning your trip.
History and pilgrimage routes
Englisberg Castle in Ueberstorf was built at the beginning of the 16th century. Its architectural significance also lies in its design: military considerations were no longer the main focus. In Tafers, a medieval pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela runs directly through the village. St James’s Chapel is on the Way of St James; its exterior fresco, dating from 1769, depicts the legend of the miracle of the gallows and the hen.
The Sensler Museum is housed in a typical Sensler timber house dating from 1780 and tells the story of life and culture in the region over the centuries. Guided tours and other appointments are available for groups of eight or more by prior arrangement. Strohatelier Rechthalten offers a different glimpse of local craftsmanship: old hats are restored there, and other products are made from straw. Traditional costumes hats are made for every region of Switzerland. Guided tours explain every step of the process; tours and other visits are available by prior arrangement.
Language is also part of everyday regional culture: Senslerdeutsch is the everyday language in the Sense District and has around 30,000 speakers. Together with the pilgrimage routes, architecture and craftsmanship, it offers more than a look at individual buildings: visits reveal different aspects of regional culture, from language and craft production to history and religious tradition.
Cheese, farm visits and events
At the Riggisalp Alpine Dairy, visitors can see how cheese is traditionally made over an open fire. From late May to mid-August, Gruyère AOP d’alpage and Riggisalp Mutschlis are produced there; production dates may change. Once matured, the cheese can be sampled and purchased at the on-site restaurant. As restaurant operations may change, check in advance whether it will be open during your visit. Raemy’s goat farm offers a different bookable experience: families spend time in the barn, feed young goats and sample regional products. Availability may depend on the season.
At the Plaffeien Alpabzug, the herds return to the lowlands, decorated in colourful finery, after spending four months grazing in the mountains. The event is centred on the village centre, where up to 1,000 animals arrive over the course of the day. The event date may change and should be checked before your visit. The Schwarzseeschwinget, the only alpine wrestling festival in southwestern Switzerland where wrestlers can earn a wreath, also features folk entertainment, performances by the yodelling club and stone throwing. Event dates may change here too.
Discover more destinations: Schwarzsee, Düdingen, Plaffeien, Bösingen, Plasselb, Schmitten, Oberschrot, Ueberstorf, Wünnewil-Flamatt, St. Ursen, Tafers, Saint Antoni.
Return to the main travel overview: Fribourg.
