Schwarzenburg is the regional centre of the pre-Alpine Gantrisch region, situated in the triangle between the cities of Bern, Thun and Freiburg. The handsome village is a good starting point for excursions into the diverse and interesting Schwarzenburg and Gürbetal regions.

The village of Schwarzenburg in the municipality of Wahlern lies at the end of the railway line from Bern. Its pretty, characteristic centre is dominated by beautiful houses, handsome inns and a small castle. Crooked alleyways lead to the «Chäppeli», a distinctive pyramid-shaped chapel, constructed in an unusual style with a shingle-roofed spire.

The Wahlern Church is known for its idyllic hilltop situation above the village. The majestic panorama view of the Schwarzenburgerland region, Alps and Jura make it a highly popular wedding venue. The interior has an unostentatious, purist appearance and features a particularly large organ, an asymmetric choir with arched ceiling and a nave with a wooden ceiling.

The whimsical gnome garden is a mystical and amusing sculpture park showcasing oversized concrete sculptures by the artist Jürg U. Ernst.

Close to Schwarzenburg on a rock spur high above the Sense River stands the Grasburg, an erstwhile imperial castle and one of Switzerland’s most beautiful medieval castle ruins. The 140 steps that must be climbed to the entrance are rewarded with tranquillity and wonderful scenic views.

The exhibits at the Schwarzenburgerland’s history museum document regional history. Artefacts from the Route of St. James which leads through Schwarzenburg are displayed next to a reproduction of a typical farmhouse parlour and a plethora of utensils from the «good old days».

Schwarzenburg is an ideal starting point for several excursions into the Gantrisch Region: the Sense and Schwarzwasser Rivers are popular for summer bathing. The Guggershörnli peak is an exceptionally scenic vantage point. The ruined Rüeggisberg monastery on the Route of St. James was in its heyday one of the most significant in Switzerland, and the challenging topography of the hilly terrain appeals to mountain bikers and hikers.

Highlights

• Wahlern-Kirche – unostentatious church and popular wedding venue on a scenic hilltop setting outside Schwarzenburg.
• Grasburg – erstwhile imperial castle and one of the most beautiful medieval castle ruins in Switzerland. On a rock spur high above the Sense.
• Sensegraben and Schwarzwassergraben – Sense and Schwarzwasser streams run through deep and narrow topographical depressions. Ideal for shaded summer bathing. Nature conservation areas.