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Natural Monuments

Espel Biotope

Natural Monuments

Espel Biotope

Highlight (Segment) • Natural Monument

Espel Biotope

Name: Espel Biotope
Rating: 2

Recommended by 32 hikers

This Highlight goes through a protected area

Please check local regulations for:

Schutzgebiet «Ehemalige Kiesgrube Espel»

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Location: Gossau, St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland

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Best Hiking Routes to Espel Biotope

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1. Schwänberg Bridge – Wissbach Gorge Trail loop from Gossau

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2. Schwänberg Bridge – Wissbach Gorge Trail loop from Gossau

13.3km

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270m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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3. Wissbach Gorge Trail – Schwänberg Bridge loop from Flawil

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04:10

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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Tips

Martina

August 8, 2019

The former gravel plant Espel in Gossau is today a diverse nature conservation and recreational area. There is a parking lot right next to the biotope and there are plenty of seats (Bänkli) on the small circular path around the biotope.

In the nature reserve Espel, an amphibious spawning area of national importance, there is the endangered yellow-bellied toad, in addition to other amphibian species. It needs sunny shallow waters for reproduction. The grass snake and the sand lizard also use the structurally rich habitats of the former gravel pit. There are numerous dragonflies flying in the waters in the summer, the gullard or the reed warbler are breeding in the reeds, and butterflies and many other insects fly in the flowery meadows.

In the dry meadows grows the shaggy clapper or the widow's flower. In the border area to the groves one finds the Akelei, in wetter passages the Kuckucks-carnation. Occasionally orchids grow in the area, some the rare marsh root.

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Kitty767

July 28, 2021

In addition to the circular path, there is a large viewing platform with seating on the south side and several benches distributed along the way to linger. The most beautiful of these is located on the north side of the biotope and is slightly elevated. From here you have a very nice view over the small lake and can enjoy the surroundings wonderfully.

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Werner 🚶‍♂️🚵‍♂️🚴‍♂️

August 28, 2019

From the path that leads all the way around you have only a limited or sometimes no view of the biotope ponds (due to vegetation), especially on the east side. The other sides are easier to see; the southern viewing platform offers a good overview.

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Details

Informations

Distance 1.43 km

Uphill 690 m

Downhill 20 m

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Location: Gossau, St. Gallen, Eastern Switzerland, Switzerland

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Espel Biotope

1. Schwänberg Bridge – Wissbach Gorge Trail loop from Gossau

2. Schwänberg Bridge – Wissbach Gorge Trail loop from Gossau

3. Wissbach Gorge Trail – Schwänberg Bridge loop from Flawil

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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