Switzerland – the Fribourg Pre-Alps and Schwarzsee Cow (and Goat! )Parade

SUMMARY

Dates: Friday 24th September  to Friday October 1st 7 nights with 5 days hiking and the chance to experience the very special event when the cows are brought down from the mountains after the summer. Time to thank them and protect them for the winter. There will be one free day and Karin will recommend options.

Guide: Karin,our local english speaking guide

Walking Grade: 2 Goats . You are in the lower Alps in Fribourg so the walks are gentler than the high Alps and we will be doing lots of varied walking to share the joys of this area.

Maximum distance: up to 8 miles (13km)

Maximum Ascent: 2000ft ( 600m)

Terrain: Good varied paths

To hear more about our Goat 2 level please watch this YouTube Video GOAT 2 Explanation

In Switzerland they use a T rating system and on this trip you have mostly T1 -T2 hikes . Read more here Swiss Hiking Rating System

Base:  Fein & Sein Pensione and Restaurant, Schwarzseestr, Schwarzee

Owned by Raphaela and another great find as we seek out women run hotels. We love this cosy pensione with 10 modern,double bedrooms (all with showers) which will be filled by WalkingWomen – the place to ourselves . The restaurant serves local Swiss cuisine, gorgeous homemade cakes and is excellent for vegetarian/vegan and allergy friendly options. We will have our breakfasts and 5 evening meals ( two will be in other local restaurants)

Highlights: 

• Experience traditions like the cow parade and cheese making the natural way
• Varied hikes around the lake, up to a high valley with very old trees, to mountain huts and a river walk
• Yoga and Massage on offer at our hotel to start or end your days Activities at the hotel
• Discovering stars in this dark sky area

Arrival: MEETING POINT 16.00 at Pensione and Restaurant Fein & Sein

THE NEAREST AIRPORTs ARE ZURICH OR GENEVA. Or from the UK or within Europe overland by train would be a beautiful option (trains are very efficient ) Both Airports are approx 2 hours and you take a direct train from either airport to Fribourg.  From Fribourg it is a short bus ride to Schwarzseestr.

As women are travelling from all over the world there may be many different travel plans so we meet at the hotel. We can advise on travel and we also recommend staying to enjoy more of Switzerland and using the Swiss Train Pass we purchase for you that lasts a month.

Departure: After breakfast approx 11am

Price: £ COMING SOON  per person for solo occupancy fully inclusive of :

• Ensuite accommodation in solo occupancy double/twin rooms
• Welcome drinks
• All breakfasts and 5 evening meals  at the hotel restaurant and 2 in other local restaurants.
• Packed lunches on your 5 hiking days
• Local transport if required to and from walks which includes cable cars.
• English speaking guide
• Swiss Pass for half price travel from your point of arrival in Switzerland to your hotel. This also gives you half price travel for a month so do stay on to travel around Switzerland by train if you can.

If you bring a friend/partner and share a room there is a discount.

Not included:

• Travel to Switzerland – we can help with train travel from Zurich or Geneva ( this will be half price for you as we provide you with a Swiss Passport for 1 month half price travel)
• Additional drinks from the bar
• Lunch on your free day.

We can help you extend your trip to have a few more days to explore Interlaken, Zurich or any other destination you are interested in Switzerland. Or to help you if you are spending time travelling in Europe.

DETAILS

The Schwarzsee area in Switzerland is a lesser known area being in the pre Alps rather than the Alps. It is known as a mystical and tranquil alpine destination.

We are located in the Fribourg Pre-Alps. Known as “Black Lake” in German (or Lac Noir in French), it is a popular spot for local nature lovers with  stunning mountain scenery and, according to local legend, a touch of magic. We at WalkingWomen will give you a magical experience!

We have picked this area of Switzerland as it offers a peaceful retreat away from the tourist crowds. The Black Lake is also something unusual to see with its dark-water surrounded by  limestone peaks .

The area is steeped in local folklore, including legends of dragons—specifically the “Schwarzsee Dragon”—who, according to stories, created the dark lake’s colour.

The Fribourg canton is an area speaking both french and German and with the influence of both parts of Switzerland. The region prides itself on local traditions, including alpine dairy farming. 

We will have the pleasure of seeing the traditional annual Cow Parade in Schwarzsee – full of colour and celebration as the cows return from the mountains to their winter pastures.

ITINERARY

Itinerary may change depending on the weather and at the discretion of our guide. There are options and we can vary hiking depending on the group.

Hikes you can expect on your holiday – the order will depend on the weather. Be assured we will show you the diverse hiking available in the area. All are options and if you prefer to stay and relax at your hotel or stroll around the local area that is ok too!

You will be briefed each evening about the options.

• The Lake Path (sometimes known as the Witch’s Path) an easy 4 km, 1-hour 15-minute walk circling the lake – aim for this to be our first walk to test your alpine legs 
• Alpine Panorama Trail starting in Schwarzee – wonderful pre-alpine landscape.
• Breccaschlund Panoramic Trail ( Riggisalp – St.Anton Brecca ) a unique glacier-formed valley with steep limestone cliffs. We will start by taking a chairlift from Schwarzee to begin our hike.
• Schwyberg – we hike up to the Schwyberg. We have a fine view of the lake and the varied landscape around Schwarzsee. On a clear day, we can also see the Jura Mountains and the Mittelland plateau in between.
• La Patta –  this hike takes us up to the gentle summit of La Patta. Once again, we are treated to a 360° panorama. We look back to the early days of tourism at Schwarzsee, experience a moor with all our senses, and uncover the secrets of the Spielmannda Alp. We make our way back to the lake along varied paths.

  And of course, a stop at a mountain hut is a must.