River hike for the whole family

There are hardly more attractive destinations near Bern with so much adventure potential for young and old. Accordingly visited are the Grasburg, this elongated complex built by the Staufer dynasty between 1220 and 1240 high above a loop of the Sense, and the river itself – namely where the Schwarzwasser flows in. Connecting both excursion destinations via the Sensegraben guarantees fewer excursionists and dry feet.

From the station in Schwarzenburg a short distance westwards, then northwards on the main road until a paved side path with the hiking route branches off to the left. Over a hill. The path to Grasburg leaves the road, goes as a field path over another hill and descends west of the Schlössli farm to the start of the Grasburg area. Up the stairs to the eastern outer castle (with a tower) and further to the main castle, which was built right at the front on the sandstone spur 70 meters above the Sense. Back to the castle entrance and then to the right down into the Sensegraben and towards Harrisstäg.

The official hiking trail follows SwitzerlandMobil route 381 to Albligen and over the Höhi back to the Sense. Along the river, crossing the hanging footbridge over the Sense, you soon reach the Schwarzwasser bridge and there the restaurant and station. Adventurous hikers can turn right after Harrisstäg through the floodplain forest and along the rocky riverbank upstream. There is no official trail marked on this section and walking in the stream bed is at your own risk. Those who do not mind wet feet, mostly only knee-deep water, or who seek cooling on warm days, will find the Sense certainly a welcome change.

Bernd Jung