The village of Plaffeien (French Planfayon) is situated on a small rise surrounded by forested pre-Alpine hills and mountains. The municipal district extends from the village over hills to Schwarzsee and the first 2000m summits of the Fribourg pre-Alpine range, e.g. Kaiseregg (2185 m).

In May 1906 almost the entire village of Plaffeien was destroyed by fire. The Catholic parish church was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1910, and is the largest neo-Romanesque church in Canton Fribourg. In rebuilding the village, the former typical structure of a cluster of buildings with winding lanes and shingled roofs was abandoned. Thanks to such farsightedness, today’s Plaffeien is an attractive village entered on the Inventory of Listed Swiss Villagescapes.

The Sense-Oberland Strohatelier (straw atelier) is a special Plaffeien attraction. The main activity is working straw into traditional hats for the national costumes of all regions of Switzerland, but the female employees also make trendy hats and gift articles, thus fostering the cultural asset of straw processing. A visit to the straw atelier is an insiders’ tip for groups and company outings. Plaffeien’s touristic attractions – apart from the Schwarzsee area – also include an educational nature trail and a small skilift in winter.

The first spa with a sulphur spring was built in Schwarzsee as early as 1750. The holiday and excursion resort of Schwarzsee (1050 m) with the lake of the same name is encircled by limestone mountains e.g. Kaiseregg, Spitzfluh and Schwyberg. Schwarzsee has been awarded the «Families Welcome» seal of approval for its child-orientated events, wheelchair accessible hiking paths, children’s and nature playgrounds, picnic spots, theme trails and winter-sport facilities.