Top 13 Lakes around Malans

Siechastuda – Jenins For a long time, Siechastuda has served as a refuge. Until around 1700, lepers lived here in a plague house, separated from the other villagers. Today, plants and animals that depend on wetlands seek refuge here, as these are now scarce in the intensively farmed Rhine Valley of Graubünden. But it's not just water-loving creatures like the beaver that feel at home in this protected habitat of national importance. Well over 200 plant species, butterflies, bats, hedgehogs, martens, snakes, deer, and many other animals appreciate this near-natural island in the agricultural area. Deadwood is an important component of a naturally developed forest. Standing and fallen deadwood in various stages of decomposition and diameter classes provides a vital habitat for a vast number of creatures. Around 6,000 animal, fungal, and lichen species found in Swiss forests depend on deadwood. Many of these are on the Red List because their habitat has shrunk considerably due to a lack of naturally aged forests with decay phases. According to the guidelines of the Canton of Graubünden and the Federal Office for the Environment, 2-3 deadwood islands should be maintained for every 100 hectares of forest area. Text / Source: Zweckverband Falknis, Werkhofstrasse 14, 7304 Maienfeld https://www.zweckverbandfalknis.ch/naturschutz

Beautiful quiet area

Pracavalls Pond, Pfäfers Repair and Improvement of the Surrounding Area of Pracavalls Pond The pond has a capacity of approximately 3,200 m³ and is up to 4.50 m deep. The stability of the dam poses certain risks due to vegetation growth, seepage, etc. A GG 200 diversion line (built in 1910) leads from the pond toward the clinic. This line feeds hydrant No. 17. Upstream of the pond is a concrete basin including a sand trap, which formerly served as a firewater reservoir for the psychiatric clinic. The concrete basin will be dismantled and replaced in the same location with a natural channel as an inlet to the pond. The pond will be partially filled, the waterside slopes flattened, and then resealed. The existing bottom outlet and the GG 200 diversion line will be closed or dismantled. The maximum water depth in the newly designed pond is 1.20 m. This will also increase safety for users of the nearby "Schweizerfamilie Feuerstelle" (Swiss Family Fireplace). Hydrant No. 17, which previously fed water from the pond, will be relocated and connected to the Pfäfers water supply network. Client: Building Construction Office of the Canton of St. Gallen Text / Source: wlw Bauingenieure AG, Zurich / Mels https://www.wlw-ingenieure.ch/projekte-detail/214.html

The Saar Falls, cascading into the pond in front of it, are worth a detour (assuming there's enough water...). The view from the back to the front, with the Gonzen in the background, is also very beautiful.

Away from the busy road, nice view of the reservoir. As there is some coarse gravel, good tires are required (so not suitable for racing bikes).

Mapraggsee The Mapraggsee is located in the Tamina valley at an altitude of 865 meters above sea level. Located in the St. Gallen municipality of Pfäfers, the Mapragg reservoir is operated by the Sarganserwald power plants, just like the Gigerwaldsee upstream. In addition to the Tamina, which also flows out of the reservoir, the Mapraggsee is fed by the Bschissnenbach, the Läuibach and various other streams. The Mapragg reservoir is located in the middle between the villages of Vättis and Pfäfers. This stretch is also covered by a post bus service. On the east side of the Mapraggsee, a road runs slightly above the shore. Text / Source: schweizersee.ch https://www.schweizersee.ch/mapraggsee/

The trail along the lake is a better choice than the paved cantonal road

Large picnic area by the pond with fireplace, shelter, toilet and plenty of seating ... a nice place to take a break.