River hike in the “Röstigraben”

At the Schwarzwasser Bridge station, you cross the cantonal road. Past the Schwarzwasser Bridge restaurant, you then descend into the Schwarzwasser Gorge. Upon reaching the old Schwarzwasser Bridge, a look down is worthwhile: the water has left clear marks in the rock there. On the left bank, follow the river to the confluence with the Sense. Shortly afterwards, you reach the Hanging Bridge, where you can cross the Sense. This also crosses the cantonal border and continues on Freiburg soil with a splendid riverside hike through floodplain forests. If the "Röstigraben" between the German- and French-speaking Switzerland lies here, it makes itself invisible. Instead, shallow riverbanks invite you again and again to linger and play by the water. Past the Hundsflue and the Sensenau, the route continues toward Thörishaus. At Sensematt, opposite the Scherlibach, it flows into the Sense. Via the Riedern Bridge, you reach the other side of the river and return to the canton of Bern. Further along the Sense, the railway viaduct soon comes into view. After passing underneath it, follow the course of the now straightened Sense via Flamatt to Neuenegg.

Background: The canyon-like gorges of the Schwarzwasser Gorge were shaped by glacial meltwater rivers. The old Schwarzwasser Bridge was once the only connection between Bern and the Schwarzenburg region. The Sense is a tributary of the Saane and separates the cantons of Bern and Fribourg. It originates from the Cold and the Warm Sense and is known for its gorges, gravel banks, and great biodiversity. The natural riverbank zones are valuable habitats for special flora and fauna.