Fribourg Canton, Plaffeien.
Distance: 3.96 km.
Elevation gain: 47 m.
Walking time: 1h.
Access: Car or bus, then chair lift to the starting point.
Parking: Parking at Gypsera, next to Schwarzsee lake - 46.670306, 7.288358
Bus: Stop at Schwarzsee, Gypsera.
Chair lift: Riggisalp chair lift takes he hikers to the starting point of the trail. Opening times and prices can be viewed on Schwarzsee website here.
It was a good hike which is close to Fribourg city. We would recommend this trail for older kids and adults. Our son did not accompany us on this route as it seemed too challenging. We met a number of hikers on the last quarter of the route and a few skiers going down on the slopes at the top of Riggisalp.
Riggisalp Restaurant is at the highest point of the hike and offers views on each side. Gypsera is at the main parking. Usually there are also small trucks or booths around the parking / front of the lake selling ice cream, chestnuts or other snacks.
There are a number of winter hiking and snowshoe trails around Schwarzsee. Riggisalp Trail (red) is mostly shaded from the sun, allowing the snow to stay on the ground a little longer.
The base of this edited map is extracted from Schwarzsee website.
The views are beautiful throughout the trail. The first half of the route is more demanding than the rest. During our visit in early February 2021, the warm temperatures started making the snow melt and the snow would collapse very fast under our feet. The trail was not prepared and there were barely any tracks left by other hikers to follow. The signage is good throughout the trail, but we did stop at least 3 times wondering where exactly to go next.
At the top, one can find a few benches facing views at different sides. The start of the trail is relatively flat. Soon, once it starts to descend, it is very steep and this was the most challenging part. The snow was not holding very well and we kept sliding down the hill and deep into the snow. Once we reached the road path around Unter Bödeli, the path was much easier. We really enjoyed walking alongside the lake on an elevated path as the views were very pretty.
Other activities around Schwarzsee
- Ski slopes.
- Kids / beginner ski slopes.
- Kids play areas: one is at the lake front and another one is at the top of Riggisalp.
Photo: Dragon themed play park at the top of Riggisberg.
Riggisalp Trail can be found on Schweizmobil website here or Fribourg Region Tourist website here. More information about Schwarzsee and it's activities can be found on their website here.
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