Delightful hike from Schwarzsee to Jaun with stuning views of the Gastlosen mountain range
From the delightful teal blue waters of the Schwarzsee lake, over a dramatic limestone landscape, to end at Jaun villages’ tumbling waterfall. This point to point route is part of the Alpine panoramic trail and offers unobstructed views of the magnificent Gastlosen mountain range, known as the Swiss Dolomites for its dramatic limestone face.
| Location | Schwarzsee, Fribourg |
| Start | Schwarzsee, Gypsera |
| End | Jaun, Dorf |
| Distance | 17.4 km |
| Ascent | 930 m |
| Decent | 950 m |
| Difficulty | Medium |
| Season | Late Spring, Summer |
| Time | 6 hours |
Getting there
It’s an easy train and bus ride to the hike start at Schwarzsee. Total journey time is around 3 hours.
Take the train from Geneva to Fribourg. Then switch to the 123 bus to the Schwarzsee – Gypera stop.
The journey back from Jaun is shorter, taking around 2 hours 30 mins depending on the route taken.
Hike description
This hike is stage 20 of the Swiss Alpine Panorama trail, with an extension to take in the full breath of the jagged limestone landscape of the Greyerzer Alps. The route takes you from the shores of lake Schwarzsee, over the rocky mountainous landscape, and winds down to end in the picturesque village of Jaun. There’s plenty of idyllic alpine huts for a drink or a food break along the hike.
Schwarzsee is a miniature resort that offers a perfect spot for a coffee at the lake edge before setting off on the hike. Enjoy the lake nestled at the foothills of the Friborg Alps with paragliders swooping overhead. The route starts by meandering along the lake shores before gently climbing through the forest and entering the Brecca Valley.
As you enter the valley, take a right turn to head towards the Alphutte Marbach-Brecca – an alpine hut with fantastic views from the terrace of the imposing cliff-like mountains. This is a great place to stop for a cooling drink to reward the climb before venturing along the Brecca valley.
Wind gently uphill deep into the valley to be engulfed by steep mountains on either side. The path bends back on itself at the Alphutte Cerniets to offer views of the other side of the valley. In mid-May there was still some snow on this section of the path. If you’re lucky, you might glimpse some chamois scampering on the rocky slopes or spot eagles soaring overhead.
As you continue you get a clear view down to the Schwarzsee lake below before winding around the base of the imposing Spitzflue peak towards the Euschelspass. The path gently climbs, framed by the Chällihorn and the Chörblispit peaks either side.
When you reach Ritizilp you are rewarded with incredible views of the iconic Gastlosen mountain range. The vertical limestone rock face has earnt Gastlosen its reputation as the Dolomites of Switzerland.
Descend down through the alpine pastures towards the steeples of Jaun village. When you arrive, cross the valley river to visit Jaun’s waterfall, or enjoy it from the terrace of the Wasserfall hotel.
The route
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