Round trip Guggenkogel via Santenbachalm

We start the hike at the middle station of Westendorf’s mountain lift.
Below the mountain restaurant, Sonnalm, we initially walk along the forest road, steadily uphill.  At a sharp right-hand bend, we follow the signpost which leads us to the left onto the hiking trail to Kasbichlalm and subsequently to the Santenbach Hochalm.  Shortly before the Santenbach Hochalm, we keep to the right of the fence and now go steadily uphill along a winding path.  Part of the trail leads under the gondola lift, which is not in operation in Summer.  At an old stone wall, the path leads through a relatively steep and sparse mountain forest, after which we arrive at the expansive Alpine Choralm pastures.  This area is also a popular starting place for paragliders.  After another short climb we reach the mountain restaurant, Choralpe, and the “Skiwelt’s Choralmbahn” mountain-top lift station.  Keeping to the left, we continue to the “Chor Chapel” and hike along the “Alpinolino Himmelsteig” to the Guggenkogel summit. The Himmelsteig is part of Westendorf’s mountain lift Alpinolino discovery park.
For the descent we can begin our return along the same trail.  At the first dip, we follow the Himmelsteig path to the right towards the Alpenrosenbahn mountain-top station/ Talkaser.
Alternatively, we can hike from the summit in a south-westerly direction over the ridge and follow a non-marked but yet very obvious track, descending to the Alpenrosenbahn mountain-top station/ Talkaser.
Instead of the further descent, you can of course enjoy the journey to the valley, in comfort, in the Alpenrosenbahn gondola.
One of the possible descent options is as follows:
Between the mountain-top lift station and its neighbouring restaurant “Talkaser”, follow the wide tractor track, later along the small hiking trail, continuously downhill to the Alpenrosenhütte.   From here, we remain on the forest / meadow track until we reach, once again the middle station of Westendorf’s mountain lift.  If you want, at the last section, you can take the nice trail which branches off to the left, leading to the mountain restaurant Sonnalm / middle station.