Panoramic multi-day hike in the Gantrisch Nature Park from Schwarzsee to the Gurnigel Pass

Our rucksacks are already packed when we get up on the first day of hiking and strengthen ourselves for the day. We take it easy, as we will only need around 3 hours for the day's 8 km and 660 vertical meters, making it the perfect start to our multi-day tour.

First of all, we travel by public transport to Schwarzsee in the Fribourg Pre-Alps. Out of the city and into the countryside. The area becomes increasingly rural and hilly until we arrive at the mountain lake in the middle of the wild and romantic natural scenery. As we have plenty of time, the first thing we do is make a thirty-minute detour to the Seeweidbach waterfall. If you still need refreshments for the tour, you can buy some at the “Fäschtus Biohüttli” farm store right next to the Schwarzsee Campus bus stop, the starting point of the hike.

We cook our own dinner, but those arriving from Tuesday to Sunday can also enjoy delicious home-made rösti, tarte flambée, fondue, cheese slices or other traditional delicacies in the restaurant of the alpine hut before taking a quick shower and then heading to the tent early to recharge their batteries for the next day.

It's worth getting up early. If the weather cooperates, a magical sunrise with far-reaching views awaits you. We can also see most of our second day's route from the tent. It is the longest section of our tour with 19 km and 1000 meters of altitude. We set off straight after breakfast.

We start the descent across green meadows and through small woods to the Gurli mountain restaurant and then further down until we reach the customs house and the Sense. We take a short break by the river to recharge our batteries before beginning the ascent on the Gantrisch panoramic trail.

Shortly after the footbridge, we deviate from the signposted panoramic trail and walk down towards Schwefelbergbad to our second camp “Übernachten im Naturpark Gantrisch”. After the long hike, we cook our dinner over the fire and drink a local beer from the camp store. If you book in advance, you can also use the sauna at the camp or relax your muscles in the hot tub before making yourself comfortable in your tent, tired and content.

Alternative option: If the 19 km and 1000 vertical meters with luggage are too much for you, you can also walk only 5 km to Zollhaus and take the bus up to the Schwefelbergbad from there. However, this only runs twice a day. If you have deposited your luggage at the camp, it is also worth taking a leisurely hike from there, or you can enjoy the nature on site.

The new day dawns and brings thunderstorms with it. We take our time and eat breakfast under the covered seating area. Actually, we would now hike another 6 km, up to the serviced Birehütte, to the Gantrischseeli and finally to the mountain hut on the Gurnigel Pass. However, we decide to take the bus directly from Schwefelbergbad due to the weather and make our way home.

Our team colleague from the region can still recommend the rest of the route and if you want to spend a third night outside, you can hike further to the “Schlössli Süd” or “Schlössli West” camps. From the Gurnigel Pass, follow the panoramic trail to Gurnigel Bad. Due to a landslide, it is best to take the bus there for one stop or hitch a ride with someone for 5 minutes.