Tamina Gorge
Overview
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Hint
Intro
Bringing the history to life in the Tamina Gorge. This is the source of the 36.5° C warm thermal waters that have made Bad Ragaz world famous.
In 1240 two hunters from nearby Pfäfers Abbey discovered the healing waters of the Tamina springs. Thus, people have known of the healing properties of the spring waters of Pfäfers for many centuries. At first, people who were ill would bathe in depressions in the rocks, but from 1350 there were wooden bath houses built right across the thundering Tamina River. But access to the gorge was difficult: those who were able climbed down ladders. Everyone else let themselves be lowered down in baskets with a blindfold so they wouldn't become frightened.
Today it is a lot simpler to visit the Tamina Gorge. From Bad Ragaz it is a pleasant one-hour walk to Altes Bad Pfäfers. This part takes you under the largest arch bridge in Switzerland, the Taminabrücke. If you'd rather not walk, then take the PostBus or a carriage ride with Rössliposcht. Right behind the historical structure is the entrance to the mystical gorge. A 450-metre tunnel leads through the rock interior to spring-fed water grottos. The springs continually gush from the rock, day and night at a warm 36.5 °C, pumping out 8,000 litres per minute.
If you're interested in history, then the convent and bath museum with its changing exhibitions are worth a visit. From June to October the gorge puts on a fabulous light show in the evenings.
Getting there: By car or public transport to Bad Ragaz, then walk for about one hour, or take the PostBus to Altes Bad Pfäfers, where the entrance to the gorge can be found.
General information
| Season |
April - October
|
|---|---|
| Time required |
2 to 4 hours (half day)
|
| Suitable for children with age |
6 to 9 years, 10 to 13 years, 14+ years
|
| Suitable for |
Children, Families, Groups, Individual, Couples
|
| Accessible |
Partially wheelchair accessible
|
| Difficulty |
Low
|
| Weather |
Outdoor
|
| Category |
Adventure, Nature
|
