Canyons near Sargans Switzerland are characterized by deep river gorges and unique geological formations within the canton of St. Gallen. The region, known as Sarganserland, offers a landscape shaped by the Tamina River and other watercourses. This area provides opportunities to explore natural rock crevices and thermal springs. The municipality of Sargans serves as a base for accessing these natural features.
Last updated: June 24, 2026
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A beautiful stream with clear water, flowing down over polished rocks and through glacial mills.
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"The Blue Tunnel" - blue-lit part of the fee-based (5.-) final section of the Tamina Gorge (with hot water).
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Several comfortable staircases lead down into the gorge.
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Fire pit at this location
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Tamina Gorge near Old Bad Pfäfers - 36.5°C, 8,000 liters per minute. Source of our thermal water The Tamina spring is not only the namesake of our thermal spa, but also the source of our healing spring water. Europe's most abundant thermal spring rises in the Tamina Gorge near Bad Ragaz and was discovered in the early Middle Ages (in 1242). Mysterious Tamina Gorge In the Tamina Gorge between Valens and the hamlet of Bonadivis, the water of the Tamina River carves its way up to 200 meters into the earth. The narrow rock crevice of the Tamina Gorge is approximately 750 meters long and 70 meters deep. Near Old Bad Pfäfers, the gorge widens, and a road now connects Old Bad Pfäfers with the town of Bad Ragaz. Deep within the mystical Tamina Gorge beats its heart: the inexhaustible spring from which healing, body-temperature thermal water has bubbled for centuries. Among others, the physician and alchemist Paracelsus praised the healing properties of the spring water in the 16th century, which is considered an acratotherm due to its low mineral content and temperature of 36.5°C. Text / Source: TAMINA THERME AG, Hans Albrecht-Strasse, Bad Ragaz https://www.taminatherme.ch/thermalwasserwelt/taminaschlucht-thermalwasser
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Sevelen Gorge Trail / 3.5 km circular hiking trail On this approximately 3.5 km circular hiking trail, you can experience nature and the environment in a different way. Is a glacial mill a type of coffee machine or a chicane in downhill skiing? Why is Liechtenstein actually African? And how can more than 1,300 different animals live on a single piece of wood? Bring your spirit of discovery and enjoy the mysterious atmosphere in the Geissberg Gorge or the magnificent views of our unique mountain world. The circular trail can be started from either the Glat parking lot or the town center near the civil defense installation. Simply follow the "Gorge Trail" markings and stay on these trails in the interest of nature and wildlife. The two other hiking trails, marked green and blue, offer a varied alternative to the adventure trail. Text / Source: Sevelen Municipal Administration, Hauptstrasse 54, 9475 Sevelen https://www.sevelen.ch/naturwanderungen/26930
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The mysterious atmosphere in the Geissbergtobel ravine or the magnificent views of our unique mountain world. The special climate in the Geissbergtobel, namely cool, humid air, little sunlight, and barren soils, leads to a strict selection among the potential inhabitants.
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Once you have reached the thermal spring inside the gorge, which can be admired through a display window, you have to leave the spring and can walk back through the Tamina Valley to Ragaz or take the bus. Or you can walk west around the spring gorge over the natural bridge, which is at an altitude of 820 metres, and over several wooden steps that lead to the eastern altitude of 920 metres, and hike back to Ragaz via Pfäfers.
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The region offers diverse natural wonders. The Tamina Gorge is famous for its deep rock crevice and Europe's most abundant thermal spring, which emerges at 36.5°C. In the Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen), you'll find a unique microclimate fostering distinct plant and animal life. The Saarbach Pools and Wooden Bridge feature clear water, polished rocks, and glacial mills.
Yes, several options are suitable for families. The path to the Tamina Thermal Spring is accessible for prams and wheelchairs. The Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen) is also described as an impressive walk that is easy to do with children, featuring steps and bridges.
The Tamina Gorge is historically significant as the source of Europe's most abundant thermal spring, discovered in 1242. Its healing properties were praised by physician and alchemist Paracelsus in the 16th century. The thermal water, emerging at 36.5°C, has been used for centuries.
The Sargans region offers a variety of hiking trails. For instance, the Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen) features a 3.5 km circular hiking trail. You can also find numerous other hiking routes around Sargans, ranging from moderate to difficult, which can be explored on the Hiking around Sargans guide.
The Tamina Gorge is accessible near Bad Ragaz. A post bus (or horse-drawn carriages on request) runs to Alt Bad Pfäfers. From there, the path to the Tamina Thermal Spring is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, though you may need to request for a large gate to be opened for access. There is an entrance fee, and an automated system requires change for payment.
While specific seasonal recommendations vary, the Tamina Gorge is known for its warm thermal spring, making it a comfortable visit even when it's cooler outside. Generally, spring to autumn offers pleasant weather for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the gorges.
Yes, the canyons are rich in geological features. The Tamina Gorge showcases a river carving its way up to 200 meters into the earth, creating dramatic narrow rock crevices. The Saarbach Pools and Wooden Bridge area features polished rocks and glacial mills, formed by the powerful flow of water over time.
Beyond hiking, the Sargans region offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous road cycling routes, including challenging tours like the 'Chlus Gorge – Cycle Path Along the Landquart River loop'. For more options, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Sargans guide or the Running Trails around Sargans guide.
The Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen) is special due to its unique microclimate. It features cool, humid air and limited sunlight, which leads to a distinct selection of plant and animal life. This environment offers a chance to observe how specific climatic conditions influence local flora and fauna.
Yes, the Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen) features a waterfall that has carved its way through pure rock. It's an impressive sight, especially after a summer storm when the brook can swell significantly.
Yes, the Geissbergtobel Gorge (Schluchtenweg Sevelen) offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountain world. Additionally, within the Tamina Gorge, elevated wooden walkways provide impressive views of the rock formations and the rushing river.
The Steep Wooden Staircase in the Tamina Gorge is part of an alternative route for returning from the thermal spring. After visiting the spring, you can walk west around the gorge over a natural bridge and then ascend several wooden steps, leading back to Ragaz via Pfäfers. This section offers a unique perspective of the gorge.


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