The Gantrischli snowshoe trail runs a short distance away from the Schwarzsee, in a side valley that has remained in its natural state. The route crosses the superb Muscherntal. People in the region say that you sometimes meet the legendary gnomes of the Schwarzsee along the way.
The trail runs right through the heart of nature. It winds along the Muscherntal, passes alongside thick forests, crosses small bridges, and straddles tree trunks and snow-covered rocks. The flanks of the Ättenberg and peaks of the Mära then open up in front of you.
With a bit of luck, you might even see one of the Schwarzsee gnomes. But don’t panic: they’ve just come to welcome you. Otherwise, it’s very rare to meet other people in the valley. But at about the halfway point, you will suddenly notice signs of human habitation, as the smoke rises from the chimney of the very popular Gantrischli refuge. From mid-June to mid-September, the Gantrischli becomes an alpine cheese factory, processing milk from the entire Muscherntal valley. The winter stores are enough for all the snowshoe walkers who stop by. Once you are refreshed, the descent is easier and offers a clear view over the valley once you get back to the starting point.
This is a circular route and the starting point close to the free car park in Murenstöck is only accessible by car, but it can be extended to Sangernboden, which is accessible by bus. This lengthens the walking time by about 1.5 hours. The walk can also be done by moonlight and there is a variant that only takes two hours.
Ascents: 400 m
Descents: 400 m
Properties of the itinerarie
Type of activity: Sports
Difficulty: Moderately difficult
Duration: 03:40
Distance: 7 km
Ascent/Descent: +500m / -500m
Altitude min./max.: 1133m / 1436m
