Gonzen, Mountain summit in canton St. Gallen, Switzerland.
Gonzen is a mountain in the Appenzell Alps located in canton St. Gallen that rises to 1,830 meters. It sits at the southeastern end of the Alvier group above the Sargans valley.
Iron ore was extracted from this mountain over many centuries, playing a key role in supporting the region's economy and Swiss industrial growth. The mining work left lasting impacts on both the landscape and the nation's development.
The mountain contains remnants of iron ore extraction that shaped how people have interacted with this landscape for centuries. Visitors walking the slopes can observe the marks and changes left by past mining work.
The mountain is accessible by foot through various routes, with the northern trail offering the most direct path to the summit. Proper hiking equipment and reasonable fitness are needed for a safe and comfortable climb.
The summit stands out from its neighboring peak, Gamsberg, by about 162 meters of vertical separation, making it a distinct geographic feature in its own right. This prominence gives the mountain its own identity rather than being considered merely an extension of nearby summits.
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