How long is Schönhalden Guscha?

Schönhalden Guscha is 4.8 km (3.0 mi) long. Most walkers complete it in about 1 hr 3 min, not counting stops.

How hard is Schönhalden Guscha?

It is rated moderate. The effort is honest but manageable, and the hardest section is over quickly.

How long does Schönhalden Guscha take?

Allow around 1 hr 3 min of moving time. Add a further 30 to 60 minutes for breaks, photographs and lunch.

Can you bring dogs on Schönhalden Guscha?

Dog access is not formally recorded for this route. Local rules usually allow dogs on a lead, but check signage at the trailhead before you commit to the walk.

Is Schönhalden Guscha suitable for children?

It is a stretch for younger children. At 4.8 km with 36 m (118 ft) of ascent, it suits teenagers and confident young walkers rather than a family stroll.

Is Schönhalden Guscha a loop?

No. It runs point to point, so you will need transport at the far end or a plan to walk back.

Schönhalden Guscha

Name: Schönhalden Guscha
Address: St. Gallen, Switzerland

ModerateSt. Gallen · Switzerland

GPX

Distance: 4.8 km (3.0 mi)
Elevation gain: 36 m (118 ft)
Typical time: 1 hr 3 min
Difficulty: Moderate
Route type: Point to point
Highest point: 2,109 m (6,919 ft)

About Schönhalden Guscha

Schönhalden Guscha is a 4.8 km hiking route in St. Gallen, Switzerland. The profile is close to flat, so the distance is the only real variable. Most people take around 1 hr 3 min at a comfortable pace, plus stops. Expect a steady effort with a few sustained climbs, well within reach if you walk regularly.

There is no one famous view here. The appeal is the sustained quality of the walking and the fact that you are unlikely to share it with a crowd.

It runs point to point, so arrange transport at the far end or plan a return leg before you set off. The route is waymarked and marked on the ground with its own symbol, so navigation is straightforward in good visibility.

The route usually comes into condition in June and stays good until the first serious autumn weather.

In short, Schönhalden Guscha suits regular walkers who want a full day without technical ground. Dog access is not formally recorded here, so check locally before bringing one.

Route map

Moderate4.8 km36 m

Route line from OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL. View the source relation

Elevation profile

Ascent: +36 m
Descent: −656 m
High: 2,109 m (6,919 ft)
Low: 1,486 m (4,875 ft)

The route in detail

The route is normally walked in the direction described below. The gradient is spread evenly, so there is no single section that dictates your pace. The steepest pitch runs at roughly 46 percent, short but enough to slow most people to a crawl. Because the finish is away from the start, check return transport before committing to the second half.

Highlights

High point of 2,109 m (6,919 ft)
Waymarked route
Waymarked and signposted

Know before you go

Best season: June to October
Waymarked: Yes, signed on the ground
Surface: Mixed natural surface
Dogs: Not recorded, check locally
Wheelchair access: Not accessible
Entrance fee: No fee recorded
Camping: Not recorded
Drinking water: Carry your own
Toilets: Not recorded
Mobile coverage: Patchy on the upper sections
Parking: Park at the trailhead, arrive early in high season
Emergency: 112 in Europe, 911 in North America

How this trail scores

Computed from distance, ascent, terrain features, surface and access data.

Scenery: 45/100
Adventure: 16/100
Difficulty: 12/100
Accessibility: 82/100
Family: 45/100
Dogs: 62/100

Tips from the trail

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and the quietest paths.
Aim for june to october for the most reliable conditions.
Leave nothing behind, including fruit peel, and stay on the marked line to protect the ground either side.

Warnings

Some sections are steep enough to be awkward in the wet, particularly on the way down.
At this altitude the weather can turn in under an hour, and temperatures drop fast once cloud arrives.
Outside the main season expect snow, ice or closed access on the higher sections.

Safety

Emergency services in Switzerland are reached on 112. Tell someone your route and expected finish time before you set off, particularly if you are walking alone. Mobile coverage in the upper sections is patchy at best, so do not count on being able to call for help from the summit. If the weather deteriorates, descending the way you came is almost always the safer option.

What to bring

Comfortable, broken-in hiking shoes or boots
Weatherproof jacket
At least 1.5 litres of water
Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
Small first aid kit including blister plasters

Photography

Overcast light suits this route better than harsh midday sun, especially under tree cover. Take the shot on the way out. Conditions rarely improve by the time you come back past. A wide lens captures the scale, but a short telephoto is what turns a good view into a photograph.

Frequently asked questions

Reviews

No one has reviewed Schönhalden Guscha yet. Be the first.

Trails near Schönhalden Guscha

Other routes within a short drive, ranked by distance from this trailhead.

Moderate