Tamina Valley
The Tamina Valley offers impressive buildings and nature experiences. The largest arch bridge in Switzerland connects Pfäfers and Valens. Hikers and nature lovers appreciate the region, which is also home to the highest mountain in the canton of St. Gallen.
From the world-renowned spa town of Bad Ragaz, a road leads up into the Tamina Valley. Here, Switzerland’s largest arch bridge connects the two villages of Pfäfers and Valens. Pfäfers is famous for its former monastery and the Alte Bad Pfäfers at the Taminaschlucht (Tamina Gorge), where people once bathed in the healing thermal waters from the Taminaschlucht (Tamina Gorge) . The sun terrace on St. Margrethenberg is popular with hikers in the summer and cross-country skiers in the winter. Near Vättis, a side valley of the Tamina Valley branches off: the Calfeisen Valley. Here, you find yourself in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Sardona Tectonic Arena.” At the far end of Gigerwaldsee, an artificial lake dammed by a 150-meter-high wall, lies the over 700-year-old Walser settlement of St. Martin. Today it is home to a restaurant and also offers various lodging options in the historic houses. The Tamina Valley is popular with hikers and nature lovers; it is also home to the Ringelspitz, the highest mountain in the canton of St. Gallen.
Location
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Vättis
The Walser settlement of Sankt Martin in the Calfeisen Valley offers a historic atmosphere with small wooden houses and a restaurant. The journey via the Gigerwald reservoir is an experience. Piz Sardona marks the end of the valley.
Pfäfers/Bad Ragaz
Taminaschlucht (Tamina Gorge) , near Bad Ragaz, offers a 450-meter-long, safe path to the spring water grotto. Here, 8,000 liters of thermal water per minute gush from Europe’s most abundant akratothermal spring at a constant temperature of 36.5 °C.
Pfäfers
The Pfäfers monastery church is a historic site with a special geographical location. It served as a hospice for monks and is known for its energetic atmosphere. A legend tells of a dove that determined the location of the monastery.
Pfäfers
The ruins of Wartenstein Castle in Pfäfers, built in 1206, contain the remains of the residential tower and the cistern. It is a place of wonder and historical significance. Take care on unpaved paths in wet weather.
Bad Ragaz
The Tamina Bridge connects Pfäfers and Valens at the entrance to the Tamina Valley. With a span of 260 meters, it is the largest arch bridge in Switzerland. A guided tour offers insights into its impressive construction.
Pfäfers
The Alte Bad Pfäfers, Switzerland's oldest surviving Baroque spa, is located at the entrance to the Taminaschlucht (Tamina Gorge). It features historic rooms, museums, and a restaurant, and is known for its thermal water, which is 36.5 °C.
Vadura
The Windegg lookout point in the Tamina Valley offers a unique view of the Glarus Main Thrust and the Taminaschlucht (Tamina Gorge). It is a popular spot to stop and relax, featuring informational signs and rock-climbing walls.
St. Margrethenberg
The Pizalun viewing platform on the St. Margrethenberg offers an impressive panoramic view of the mountains of St. Gallen and Graubünden. It can be reached in less than an hour from the valley station of the Tristeli ski lift.
Vättis
The Drachenloch Museum in Vättis displays finds from the Drachenloch, including Palaeolithic cave bear bones and documents from the 1917-1923 excavation period. A collection of minerals, Roman coins and a model of the Walser settlement of St. Martin complete the exhibition.