Top 20 Natural Monuments around Pfäfers
Natural monuments around Pfäfers include significant geological formations and panoramic viewpoints. The region is characterized by deep gorges, thermal springs, and elevated summits offering extensive vistas. Key natural features include the Tamina Gorge, known for its thermal waters, and various viewpoints overlooking the Rhine Gorge. These natural landmarks provide diverse opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Best natural monuments around Pfäfers
- The most popular natural monuments is Tamina Gorge, a gorge that is carved up to 200 meters deep by the…
Last updated: May 14, 2026
Tamina Gorge
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Source of our thermal water
The Tamina spring is not only the namesake of our thermal spa, but …
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Il Spir Viewing Platform – Rhine Gorge
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View of the Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge)
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Dreibündenstein Monument
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Cresta Lake
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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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The Dreibündenstein in Graubünden is a hill at an altitude of 2,156 metres south of the city of Chur and the Furggabüel mountain, which is at an altitude of 2,174 metres. They are only separated by a 15-metre-high saddle and a distance of 500 metres. The point is not a mountain peak, but a historical place. It was the only triple border point of the former Free State of the Three Leagues. The original stone from 1722 is on display in the Rätschen Museum in Chur. The replacement stone from 1915 bears the three coats of arms of the Three Leagues. The Three Leagues included the Grey League with the judicial community of Rhäzüns, the Church League of Ortenstein Castle and the Ten Courts League of Churwalden.
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The platform was designed by the Chur architect Corinna Menn on behalf of the municipality of Flims and inaugurated in September 2006. It consists of a single pillar that is anchored in two places. The pillar, held back by a traction cable, protrudes into the gorge. On the pillar lies the triangular platform made of larch wood, which gives the structure the shape of a swift. (Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Il_spir)
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Mountain hike from Brambrüesch to Dreibündenstein and on to Feldis
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A dream of a view of the Rhine Gorge and little visited.
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The thermal water that rises in the Tamina Gorge is routed to the Grand Resort in Bad Ragaz.
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“Il Spir” viewing platform From the Il Spir viewing platform, you can marvel at the impressive Rhine Gorge / Ruinaulta!
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Ruinaulta Rhine Gorge The Ruinaulta or Rhine Gorge is a gorge up to 400 meters deep and around 13 kilometers long in the Vorderrhein between Ilanz and the mouth of the Hinterrhein near Reichenau in the canton of Graubünden in Switzerland. The Romansh name 'Ruinaulta' is composed of the two words Ruina (scree slope, quarry) and aulta (high). The Ruinaulta was created after the Flims landslide almost 10,000 years ago. At that time, over 10 billion cubic meters of rock broke off between the Flimserstein and the Piz Grisch and buried the Vorderrheintal between today's villages of Castrisch and Reichenau under a mass of rubble several hundred meters thick. Since the Vorderrhein could no longer drain, a lake was dammed over a length of around 25 km. Over time, the river cut deep into the landslide masses and the resulting lake was able to drain completely. What remained was the Ruinaulta with its steep limestone rubble cliffs in impressive erosion formations. Text/Source: Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruinaulta
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Frequently Asked Questions
What unique natural features can I explore in the Pfäfers region?
The Pfäfers region is rich in diverse natural features. You can explore the mystical Tamina Gorge, known for its thermal spring, or enjoy panoramic vistas from the Pizalun Summit. The area also offers stunning views of the impressive Rhine Gorge (Ruinaulta) from various viewpoints, and the serene Cresta Lake.
What makes the Tamina Gorge a significant natural monument?
The Tamina Gorge is significant as the source of Europe's most abundant thermal spring, continuously gushing 36.5°C warm water with known healing properties. The gorge itself is carved up to 200 meters deep by the Tamina River, offering a unique and mystical atmosphere. A secured path allows visitors to experience the power of the water up close.
What kind of views can I expect from the Pizalun Summit?
From the Pizalun Summit, situated at 1,478 meters, you can expect unparalleled panoramic views. These include the St. Gallen and Chur Rhine Valley, Prättigau, Bündner Herrschaft, Sarganserland, and even the Principality of Liechtenstein. You can also clearly see the Falknis and the sharp peaks of the Churfirsten mountain range. Informative panels on the summit help identify the surrounding mountains.
Are there any historical sites associated with the natural monuments in Pfäfers?
Yes, the Old Bad Pfäfers, located at the entrance to the Tamina Gorge, is the oldest preserved Baroque bath in Switzerland. It now houses museums and a restaurant, offering insights into centuries of bathing culture. Additionally, the Dreibündenstein Monument is a historical site marking the former triple border point of the Free State of the Three Leagues, commemorating the freedom fighters of Graubünden.
Are the natural monuments around Pfäfers suitable for families?
Many natural monuments in the Pfäfers region are family-friendly. The Tamina Gorge features a secured, accessible path. Cresta Lake is ideal for families, with a stroller-friendly hiking trail leading to it and a natural pool for swimming. The Il Spir Viewing Platform – Rhine Gorge also offers breathtaking views that can be enjoyed by all ages.
How accessible is the Tamina Gorge for visitors?
The Tamina Gorge is quite accessible. A secured, 450-meter-long path leads visitors through the rock interior to the spring water grotto. There is an entrance fee, and visitors should have change for the automat. Parking is available, and the path is generally manageable for most visitors.
Can I swim in any of the natural monuments around Pfäfers?
Yes, Cresta Lake is a beautiful spring-fed lake with crystal-clear water that invites swimming. It has a natural pool area, a kiosk, and a restaurant. Admission to the natural pool is charged during the summer season (mid-May to mid-September).
What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?
The Pfäfers region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Pizalun round tour' or the 'Tamina Gorge – Tamina Gorge Thermal Spring loop'. For road cyclists, there are routes like the 'Mapraggsee – Rock Tunnel loop'. Runners can explore trails like 'Alpöhi's Long Trail'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guide, road cycling guide, and running guide for Pfäfers.
Are there specific hiking trails to experience the Rhine Gorge views?
While the Rhine Gorge itself is not directly in Pfäfers, several viewpoints in the broader region offer spectacular perspectives. The Il Spir Viewing Platform – Rhine Gorge and the View of the Ruinaulta (Rhine Gorge) are popular spots. Hiking trails in the vicinity often incorporate these viewpoints, allowing you to marvel at the deep gorge, sometimes referred to as the 'Swiss Grand Canyon'.
What is the best time to visit the Tamina Gorge and Old Bad Pfäfers?
The Tamina Gorge and Old Bad Pfäfers are generally accessible and impressive throughout the warmer months. The gorge path is open seasonally, typically from spring to late autumn. Visiting during this period allows for comfortable exploration of the gorge and the historic bathhouse. The healing thermal water flows year-round, making the nearby Bad Ragaz a destination at any time.
What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Pfäfers?
Visitors particularly enjoy the breathtaking views, such as those from the Il Spir Viewing Platform, and the unique experience of the Tamina Gorge with its mystical atmosphere and thermal spring. The clear waters of Cresta Lake are also a favorite for swimming and relaxation. The combination of dramatic landscapes, historical significance, and opportunities for outdoor activities makes the region highly appealing.
Are there any easy walks among the natural monuments in Pfäfers?
Yes, there are easy walks available. The path through the Tamina Gorge is a secured and relatively easy walk. The trail leading to Cresta Lake from Trin Mulin is also described as stroller-friendly, making it suitable for an easy family outing. These options provide a gentle way to experience the region's natural beauty.
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