Helfenberg Castle Ruins – Espel Viewing Platform loop from Gossau
Helfenberg Castle Ruins – Espel Viewing Platform loop from Gossau
4.6
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29
hikers
Helfenberg Castle Ruins – Espel Viewing Platform loop from Gossau
01:08
3.91km
100m
Hiking
Easy hike. Easily walkable paths.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Schutzgebiet «Ehemalige Kiesgrube Espel»
Waypoints
Start point
941 m
Helfenberg Castle Ruins
Highlight • Castle
The castle was probably built in the first half of the 13th century. It was a residence of the Gielen von Glattbrugg family. In 1244, the castle was part of the foundation of the knight Rudolf Giel von Glattbrugg for the Magdenau monastery. The family continued to manage the castle - probably as a fief - and in 1341 the castle was rebuilt by the family. For knight Rudolf II Giel von Glattbrugg in 1244, who had founded the Magdenau monastery, the estate on which the previous building, the "castrum Helfinberc", had once stood, was part of his foundation. The castle was apparently already dilapidated at that time.
From then on, the imperial monastery had servants manage Helfenberg. By 1388 at the latest, the Princely Abbey of St. Gallen was the owner of the castle complex. In 1401 it was besieged by the surrounding farmers, which ultimately led to the Appenzell Wars, in which the castle was completely destroyed in 1407. The complex fell into disrepair and then largely slid into the Glatt ravine. This was their last act after the Appenzell Wars. The castle complex, destroyed by the rebellious farmers, was then left to decay.
The first excavations were carried out between 1935 and 1937. In 1939 the ruins came into the possession of the Oberberg cooperative in Gossau. Since 1964/1965 the ruins have been secured and preserved to their current state. The ruins are located not far from the Glatt gorge and not far from the Kolumbanshöhle. Access is only recommended on foot and with hiking equipment.
Text / Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Helfenberg_(St._Gallen)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
1.06 km
Glatt Valley near Wissbach Gorge
Highlight (Segment) • River
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Tip by
1.75 km
ford
Highlight • River
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Tip by
1.81 km
Divisionsweg footbridge
Highlight • Bridge
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Tip by
1.83 km
View of the SBB Viaduct and Militärsteg
Highlight • Bridge
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Tip by
1.89 km
Columban's Cave
Highlight • Cave
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Tip by
2.02 km
Pedestrian and rail bridge over the Glatt
Highlight • Bridge
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Tip by
2.42 km
Espel Viewing Platform
Highlight • Viewpoint
In addition to several benches, a wooden observation platform at the southern entrance to the area provides a deeper insight into the area. The water dwellers can be observed from the step-like sandstone footbridge at the former tailings pond in the north.
In order to provide visitors to the Espel conservation area with further information about flora and fauna, various themed boards have been installed along the circular route. Interested visitors can use the QR code shown on it to call up ecological and nature conservation content about the area.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.91 km
End point
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
1.95 km
1.57 km
393 m
Surfaces
1.46 km
1.11 km
718 m
393 m
224 m
< 100 m
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Highest point (670 m)
Lowest point (610 m)
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Tuesday 3 November
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