Tamina Gorge - everything you need to know for your visit

6 Highlights in the Tamina Gorge

• In the Tamina Gorge, 36.5°C warm water springs from the source, which takes over 10 years to reach the surface in the gorge.
• Every day, between seven and ten million liters of thermal water flow from the source.
• Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels lead through spectacular nature into the depths of the gorge.
• The Tamina Gorge is a car-free zone; you can only reach it on foot or by postbus.
• The Old Bath of Pfäfers is the oldest Baroque spa and today serves as an exciting museum, cozy restaurant, and cultural venue.
• The event “Light Ragaz” is a special light spectacle that tells a heartwarming story about happiness through interaction and enthusiasm.

What Awaits You in the Tamina Gorge

In the Tamina Gorge, seven to ten million liters of thermal water flow each day. That’s about 8,000 liters per minute. An impressive number, yet the source of this water remains somewhat unclear to this day. It is believed that the water takes over ten years to make its way to the surface in the Tamina Gorge. Once it bubbles forth from the source, it has a temperature of 36.5°C.

In the Tamina Gorge, you can visit this source and dip your hand into the warm thermal water. Additionally, there’s the Old Bath Pfäfers, which is the oldest remaining Baroque spa in Switzerland. Today, it serves as an exciting museum, a cultural venue, and a lovely restaurant. In the museum, you’ll gain insights into the history of bathing. To dive even deeper into the subject, you have the option to participate in guided tours. These tours will give you a closer look at the centuries-old bathing culture and the origin of the source.

The gorge also regularly hosts interesting events. One particularly fascinating event is “Light Ragaz.” In the midst of the Tamina Gorge, a heartwarming light spectacle tells a story about happiness.

Swiss Activities Tip:

If you want to visit the Tamina Gorge and also enjoy the healing thermal water at the spa, the Wine tour, spa, and Tamina Gorge is just right for you. In the morning, you’ll visit the gorge, at noon you can experience the winemaking craft of the region up close, and in the evening, you can relax in the dreamy Tamina Spa.

Hikes to the Tamina Gorge

The Tamina Gorge and its surroundings are a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. There are both easy and more challenging routes, all leading you into the heart of the gorge right to the spring.

Valens - Tamina Gorge:

The hike starts in the dreamy village of Valens and leads you directly into the gorge. As you descend, you'll walk through peaceful forests, accompanied by the sound of the Tamina. Once you reach the bottom, you can dip your hand into the warm thermal water and visit the Old Bath of Pfäfers. The return route is the same as the way there.

• Difficulty: easy
• Distance: 3.5 km
• Duration: 01:30 h
• Ascent / Descent: 307 m

Bettlerweg at Pizol - Tamina Gorge:

This hike begins in Pardiel on the famous Bettlerweg. The trail takes you through a stunning mountain landscape over the Zanuz gorge to Alp Tristeli. Along the way, you'll enjoy impressive views over the Tamina Valley. The destination of the route is the Tamina Gorge, where you can hold your hand in the warm spring water and visit the old Bath of Pfäfers.

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 8.7 km
• Duration: 03:00 h
• Ascent: 189 m
• Descent: 1112 m

Tamina Gorge Loop:

This hike takes you from Bad Ragaz to the Tamina Gorge and back. You'll reach the Old Bath of Pfäfers in about an hour. From the entrance to the spring grotto, it's another 450 meters to the grotto, where you can marvel at the warm spring water. Then, it's back up to Pfäfers. The trail leads you over a beautiful natural bridge and through breathtaking landscapes. From there, you'll return to Bad Ragaz.

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 14 km
• Duration: 04:20 h
• Ascent / Descent: 493 m

Route of Wonders Tamina Gorge:

This hike starts at the train station in Bad Ragaz and first takes you through the beautiful spa park of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz. A highlight of this park is the spectacular giant sequoias. Then, you will continue along the Tamina. After a while, you'll enter the rocky terrain, where you will reach the spring grotto. The same route takes you back. Alternatively, you can take the gorge bus back to Bad Ragaz.

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 11 km
• Duration: 03:00 h
• Ascent: 190 m
• Descent: 189 m

Warm Water in a Gloomy Gorge:

This hike starts at the former monastery of Pfäfers and first takes you through the village of Pfäfers. After crossing the village, it goes into steep terrain, where you need to be sure-footed. Once you've overcome the steep section, you'll come to the road leading to the Old Bath, taking you underneath gigantic rock overhangs. This path will lead you to the spring.

• Difficulty: medium
• Distance: 6.9 km
• Duration: 02:00 h
• Ascent: 70 m
• Descent: 372 m

Getting to Taminaschlucht

Driving to Alten Bad Pfäfers in the Taminaschlucht is not allowed for cars, scooters, and bicycles. You can choose one of the hiking paths to reach your destination on foot. Alternatively, the post bus or the Rösslipost is available for you.

If you're driving to Bad Ragaz, there are several parking options. You can park at the Allmend parking lot near the train station, the Zentrum multi-storey car park, and Tamina Therme/Casino, as well as Park&Rail.

Opening Hours Taminaschlucht

You can only visit Taminaschlucht and Alten Bad Pfäfers in the summer, between mid-April and mid-October. The season runs from May to October. During this time, the following opening hours apply:|Date|Time| |:---:|:---:| |May to August|10:00 AM - 5:15 PM| |September - October|10:00 AM - 4:15 PM|

Who is Taminaschlucht Suitable For?

Taminaschlucht is a special experience for all nature and culture lovers and should be high on your bucket list.

Visitors with mobility impairments will need to cross a gravel area from the parking lot to the entrance of Taminaschlucht. While this part can be challenging, the gorge itself is easily accessible by wheelchair. Alten Bad Pfäfers is a historic building with many stairs, making it unfortunately inaccessible to visitors with mobility issues on the upper floors. However, the restaurant, kiosk, chapel, and garden terrace are all wheelchair-friendly.