Ladder Trail to Gonzen – Gonzen Summit View loop from Sargans

Hiking trails & Routes

Ladder Trail to Gonzen – Gonzen Summit View loop from Sargans

Hard

4.7

(32)

257

hikers

Ladder Trail to Gonzen – Gonzen Summit View loop from Sargans

07:45

18.9km

1,300m

Hiking

Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 26, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that may be dangerous

A part of this route comprises technical, difficult, or hazardous terrain. Specialist equipment and prior experience may be required.

After 4.46 km for 1.02 km

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.97 km

Wild Boar Family Wood Carving

Highlight • Structure

You can always find beautiful craftsmanship everywhere.

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5.05 km

So, off we go, following the direct white-blue-white marked path and climbing the ladders. The paths in the forest climb pleasantly and steadily, solidly built with dry-stone walls. This is because ore was once mined here. In fact, you even pass the ruins of a former miner's house. Miners who worked underground were called "Kappen" (miners). After that, the two key sections are in sight: a short, extremely exposed section over a steep slope, secured with chains, immediately followed by two ladders that help you over a rocky outcrop. Soon you emerge from the forest and reach Älpli (mountain pasture).

Source: schweizer-wanderwege.ch/de/wandervorschlaege/1739/Auf-direktem-Weg-auf-den-Gonzen

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5.41 km

Älpli

Alpine Hut

9.30 km

Gonzen Summit View

Highlight • Summit

The Gonzen is a mountain peak in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland, at 1,830 m above sea level. It stands at the southeastern end of the Alvier Group, north of Sargans, like a wedge between the Seez and Rhine valleys, both of which are at the same altitude, making it an exposed vantage point. To the north, the Gonzen extends into the plateau, which lies on the west side in front of the chain of peaks from the Gauschla to the Gamsberg, and is only 160 m above sea level, making it easily accessible.

Source: Gonzen - Wikipedia share.google/evgmT6oDZQn6pwvRJ

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13.4 km

View of the Rhine Valley with Bench

Highlight • Viewpoint

When going up or down, just stop and enjoy.

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13.5 km

Skihaus Lanaberg

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The municipality of Sargans is always worth a visit.

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14.1 km

Maienberg Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Simply great, beautiful to look at.

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15.9 km

Viewpoint

Highlight • Viewpoint

Nights Break Spot

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17.6 km

Sargans Castle

Highlight • Castle

Sargans Castle
The Sarganserschloss was first read in a document as early as 1282. In 1386 its owner, Count Johann I (called "Count Hans" for short) fought on the side of Austria near Sempach against the Confederates. Two years later he planned to take part in the battle against the Glarus people at Näfels, but luckily he did not appear with his people on the Kerenzerberg until the meeting had already been decided.
After the Old Zurich War, Sargans became subject to the Confederates. From then on (from 1459 to 1798) they administered this property as a common rule. 181 bailiffs replaced each other one after the other in the Sarganserschloss (each after a two-year term of office). The order of their appearance can still be read on the coat of arms that adorns the city side of the mansion: Zurich, Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Obwalden, Nidwalden, Zug and Glarus. (After the Villmerger Wars, from 1712, also Bern.)
The castle has belonged to the local community of Sargans since 1899. Architect Eugen Probst renovated it sensibly at the turn of the century. In 1969/70 the facade, the ring walls and the retaining walls were subjected to another renovation with the help of Heimatschutz and the federal government and the canton of St. Gallen. A visit to the old manor house and the Sarganserländisches Heimatmuseum in the tower are worthwhile!
Text: Pedagogical Publishing House LLZ

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18.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

12.4 km

3.15 km

1.02 km

981 m

619 m

530 m

155 m

Surfaces

6.61 km

3.28 km

3.19 km

2.97 km

1.61 km

1.08 km

141 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (1,750 m)

Lowest point (480 m)

Weather

Monday 5 October

22°C

11°C

39 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

October 20, 2024,Hike

Beautiful autumn tour. Hike on a sunny slope. You need a head for heights when climbing the ladder. The summit section is very difficult as there is little sun. But the destination makes up for it with a great view.

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April 29, 2025,Sargans nach Gonzen übers Leitere

It's been on my list for a long time... Mount Gonzen, towering majestically above Sargans. Unfortunately, there was still a lot of snow on the last few meters, some of it reaching knee-deep. Unfortunately, there was no trail to the summit cross either 😬 So, no risk... common sense prevailed here. Next time, I'll take my mountain bike up to …

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June 13, 2023,Über Leiterliweg zum Gonzen

It is easy to do via the Leiterliweg to Gonzen, but be sure-footed, but only with the ladders, then a good hiking trail to the summit.
Battery empty too early. Were about 15.50km and 1,050 HM

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November 6, 2022,Gonzen

why does the mountain name make me think of the muppets? 😆
Really nice mountain with a view 👍 the path through the forest at the beginning is not marked and it's not really a path either. Here you have to be careful not to get lost. Trails criss-cross here. But luckily you have the friendly Komoot voice in your …

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