The Tamina Gorge near Bad Ragaz is one of the top places to visit in the region and attracts many Swiss and tourists every year.
Tamina Gorge – a long history
The gorge did not acquire an important presence only today. As early as the 13th century, hunters discovered a spring with a temperature of around 36.5 degrees celcius and around 7,000 to 8,000 liters of bubbling water per minute. It quickly turned out to be a healing spring. That’s why ladders and ropes were used to bring the sick people to the spring. Even the famous physician Paracelsus examined the Tamina thermal spring. Then, in the 17th century, inns were built, as well as a chapel and a few other facilities. This heralded the era of the Old Bath Pfäfers and the Tamina Gorge, where sometimes up to 300 guests stayed.
Unfortunately, during the French Revolution a few buildings were destroyed. Then, in the 19th century, a road was built and the thermal water was piped to Ragaz. The spa and wellness resort Bad Ragaz was born.
Late spring, summer and autumn
The Tamina Gorge is open from late spring to fall (approx. end of April to mid-October). Here you can find out everything you need to know about the hike through the gorge and the Old Bath Pfäffers.
According to geologists, the Tamina Gorge is about 15,000 years old, where the river has worked its way more and more into the rocks. The narrowest part after the old bath Pfäfers is about 750 meters long, where you have rocks up to 70 meters high. It couldn’t be more impressive, because the rushing of the water combined with the echo of the rock walls make a visit to the Tamina Gorge an unforgettable experience. In the gorge you can reach a thermal water fountain through a tunnel. The water is 36.5 degrees Celsius because, according to researchers, it reaches about 1000 meters into the earth and is in the rock for about 10 years before it comes out again.
The gorge is free of charge up to the Old Bath Pfäfers. After that you pay 5 CHF entrance fee to experience the most exciting and beautiful section. You can buy the tickets at the vending machine of the Old Bath Pfäfers or even online. The gorge is open from 10 am to 4.15 pm. In the high season in summer the opening time is even until 17.15 o’clock.
In the gorge takes place the so-called Light Ragaz. This is a light shine event, which illuminates the rock walls in different colors.
Those who want to walk the Old Bath Pfäfers can do so with a free audio guide. The tour of the house takes about 50 minutes.
Hike through the Tamina Gorge to the old bath Pfäfers
In about an hour you can hike through the Tamina Gorge to reach the Old Bath Pfäfers and the narrowest parts of the gorge. This is because the front part of the gorge, about 5 kilometers long, is relatively wide. Even if you could take the bus, we recommend hiking at least one way. Because the sound of the water, the fresh air and the wilderness just feel so good. After about 30 minutes you will see an impressive arch bridge, the so-called Tamina Bridge. With 200 meters, it is the longest arch bridge in Switzerland.
The hike is family friendly and could even be done with a stroller. If you want to avoid waiting time at the ticket machine, then plan your hike so that you arrive before the bus at the old bath Pfäfers.
Afterwards you can take the bus back to Bad Ragaz or hike in the direction of Pfäfers.
Arrival by public transport
During the opening hours of the gorge, a bus runs from Bad Ragaz train station to the destination. You have the first connection at about half past nine (as of 2022). This is offered hourly until 5:30 p.m. with the exception of a lunch break at 12:30.
Winter
In winter the Tamina Gorge and the Old Bath Pfäfers are closed. Therefore, the seasonal opening hours from about the end of April to mid-October should be observed. Due to the steep rock faces with possible rock falls and avalanches, walking in the gorge is prohibited in winter.
