Säntis Hike via T4 white-blue path: Top Highlights & 7 Essential Tips (June Edition)
DETAILS*
Duration: 6h 30min including all breaks
Difficulty: 
Distance: 10.25 km point-to-point
Incline: 1834 m
Decline: 471 m
The highest point: 2483 m above sea level
OUR EXPERIENCE:
Starting Point:
We took the 797 bus from Buchs SG, Bahnhof to Wildhaus, Dorf (35 minutes; it runs twice per hour on Sundays).
End Point:
We descended from Säntis via the Säntis-Schwebebahn (cable car) to Schwägalp, where we caught bus 792 from Schwägalp to Nesslau-Neu St. Johann, Bahnhof.
TIP #1: The last bus from Säntis-Schwebebahn departs at 18:30 on Sundays. This is why we opted to take the cable car down instead of hiking down. A one-way ride cost us 19 CHF per person (we both have the Swiss half-fare travelcard).
TIP #2: The cable car departs every 30 minutes (twice per hour), so make sure to check the schedule to avoid long waits.
Itinerary:
The full ascent to Säntis from Wildhaus (2,502 m above sea level) via the red trail is estimated to take between 5h 50min and 6h 10min, most likely assuming the 951 Gamplüt–Säntis Weg route. We chose the middle option, taking the blue trail via Schafberg.
The route began with a continuous incline, first through the forest, then across a scenic valley with open fields, and finally transitioning into a rocky path.
TIP #3: Along the uphill section before reaching the white-blue trail at 1,404 m above sea level, we passed two water fountains. They’re not frequent, but enough for a quick refill.
As you approach the white-blue trail, you are rewarded with a clear view of the 951 Weg, the route that most hikers take. Turning back, you can admire the Seven Peaks by Walensee and a stunning panoramic view.
The white-blue trail started gently but soon required the use of hands for scrambling through longer sections. For me, it was a perfect combination of physical challenge and easy technical climbing. After reaching 2,000 m above sea level, we encountered snow covering parts of the trail.
TIP #4: There is no water refill point along the entire white-blue section, plan accordingly.
We were tempted to continue and reach the summit of Altmann (2,292 m above sea level) as an extension of the blue trail. Although it's marked as white-red on the map, the trail signage shows white-blue. In reality, there are no clear labels or signs for the climb, and we noticed some hikers using helmets and climbing gear. That’s why we decided to take a break and head back toward Säntis instead.
TIP #5: Altmann is not an easy peak to reach, please consider your own skills and fitness level before doing it. However i you do make it, please share your photos with us! For me, it was beyond my capabilities.
The hike towards Säntis begins with a descent to Rotsteinpass at 2,124 m above sea level. This section is secured with ropes and trail protections, making it very safe and manageable. In good weather, there is nothing to worry about. However, in rainy conditions, it can get slippery, and when the trail is busy, hikers should let each other pass carefully. We were lucky to have the path mostly to ourselves.
From Rotsteinpass, the trail continues with a gentle and steady incline, also secured with ropes, until you reach Säntis. This section follows the official 951 trail and is estimated to take around 1 hour and 35 minutes.
This part of the hike is amazing, offering views of Seealpsee and a stunning mountain panorama. It truly feels like you are in the Swiss Dolomites!
TIP #6: Be cautious when crossing snow-covered sections.
Our food (ca. 1850 kcal): we usually eat as we would on a normal active day, but we are always prepared with high-carb snacks like cashews, peanuts, and protein bars. We are vegetarians.
Breakfast (400 kcal): eaten on the train and finished during the white-blue incline: oats with protein powder, a small spoon of chocolate, banana, and apple. Piotr also added croissant from the train station.
Snack (200 kcal): One banana per person.
Lunch (800 kcal): After leaving the white-blue trail, we had lunch with a view of Altmann: baked aubergine stuffed with grains and vegetables (pepper, courgette, onions, and aubergine).
Snack (460 kcal): A protein bar and ice cream at the top of Säntis.
Our drinks:
Coffee on the train and another at the Säntis summit (Basler Drip Coffee).
TIP #7: In warmer months, we add Isostar Fast Hydration Tabs to prevent salt loss.
We carried 3.2 L (4x 0.8 L bottles) and refilled 2x 0.8 L once, giving us in total 4.8 L for two people.
What we packed:
This time, learning from our last experience (see the Niederhorn hike post), I brought my crampons, but they weren’t needed, even though we had to cross snow-covered sections a few times.
We wore shorts, t-shirts (Piotr wore a very thin long-sleeve), and hats, which turned out to be perfect for the weather conditions. We also carried an extra top layer and long pants, which we wore during breaks.
Specific season conditions:
We did the hike in the first week of June, and there was still snow covering parts of the trail, not only on the white-blue route but also along the 951 path leading to the Säntis summit.
Highlights:
The white-blue path is not technically demanding, but it does require more endurance and strength. Some sections are quite steep, and you’ll need to use your hands to climb. The trail is not always clearly marked, especially in rocky areas where it can be difficult to follow. However, it provides great training for handling higher exposure, even though there is no ridge exposure here.
The 951-path leading to Säntis is absolutely incredible! It offers a sense of adventure while still feeling secure and safe throughout!
The views are stunning. This type of mountain landscape is quite different from the typical Swiss Alps, it strongly resembles the Dolomites, with dramatic and rugged beauty that’s truly breathtaking.
Let's sum up our TIPs:
TIP #1: The last bus from Säntis-Schwebebahn departs at 18:30 on Sundays. This is why we opted to take the cable car down instead of hiking down. A one-way ride cost us 19 CHF per person (we both have the Swiss half-fare travelcard).
TIP #2: The cable car departs every 30 minutes (twice per hour), so make sure to check the schedule to avoid long waits.
TIP #3: Along the uphill section before reaching the white-blue trail at 1,404 m above sea level, we passed two water fountains. They’re not frequent, but enough for a quick refill.
TIP #4: There is no water refill point along the entire white-blue section, plan accordingly.
TIP #5: Altmann is not an easy peak to reach, please consider your own skills and fitness level before doing it. However i you do make it, please share your photos with us! For me, it was beyond my capabilities.
TIP #6: Be cautious when crossing snow-covered sections.
TIP #7: In warmer months, we add Isostar Fast Hydration Tabs to prevent salt loss.
*supported by Garmin and SchweizMobil