We chose a suggested hike from the lake called Schwarzsee, a trail that required an ascent of 600m into some beautiful meadows, and a descent through the Charmey Valley to Switzerland's only remaining active Carthusian Monastery, founded in 1295. (There are currently only 12 Patres and 15 Brothers living here). The 14-km hike offered us some fantastic vistas once again, and the opportunity to purchase cheese produced at one of the mountain farms.
Walking through the meadows here was a bit hard, because the official trails are not separated from where the cows graze, so when the ground is soft and wet as it's been all spring, the cows quite destroy the meadows and walking becomes difficult.
The Carthusian Order of Monks is an interesting one. They live in a community but each person has his own cell and garden and they live solitary lives within the community. They do not take a vow of silence, but most of their time is spent in silence and solitude. They meet for masses and once a week they do a 4-hour nature walk where they can get to know each other. The monastery cannot be visited, but as we sat in their courtyard waiting for our bus, one of the Brothers came out to give me a beautiful book/brochure which described their lifestyle. It is a special book that I will hold on to.
More information about the Carthusian Order: http://www.chartreux.org/en/carthusian-way.php
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| Lake Schwarzsee, the start of our hike. |
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| As we ascend, this is the view back toward Lake Schwarzsee. |
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| Heading to the Mountain Farm to buy cheese made on site. |
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| This cheese made on site is called "Mutschli". It is a good cheese for melting (like for Raclette). |
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| Heading up from the farm to the highest point of our hike where we will have lunch (fresh cheese!) |
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| Heading up from the farm to the highest point of our hike where we will have lunch (fresh cheese!) |
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| View of the Charmey Valley in Canton Fribourg. |
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| Our picnic spot is perfect: View of the valley and company of the cows. |
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| Our picnic spot is perfect: View of the valley and company of the cows |
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| Alpine Meadows |
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| Alpine Meadows |
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| Ah so very cute! |
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| Heading down the Charmey Valley. |
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| Heading down the Charmey Valley. |
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| At the Valsainte Monastery, founded in 1295 |
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| At the Valsainte Monastery, founded in 1295 |
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| At the Valsainte Monastery, founded in 1295 |
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| Fotos from the Brochure that was gifted to me by one of the Carthusian Monks. |
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| Our 14-km hike from Lake Schwarzsee to La Valsainte Monastery (took just over 4 hours) |
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| We were the only passengers to get a ride out of the valley. |
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Chateau de Gruyère, from the bus back to Bulle.
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| Our train from Bulle was canceled, so we got to visit this town for an hour. |
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