A walk through the Tamina Gorge is a great option, especially on a hot day. The high rocks provide shelter from the sun and the sound of the Tamina River has a relaxing effect.
The oldest baroque bathhouse
At the end of the gorge is the oldest baroque bathhouse in Switzerland, which was built in 1630. It underwent a comprehensive renovation between 1983 and 1995.
It is worth stopping here for a while and finding out a little more about the place. In the cellars of the building you can see the former bath rooms. The old kitchen and a small chapel have also been preserved. The Monastery Museum and the Paracelsus Monument are open to visitors.
Paracelsus was a famous naturalist, physician and philosopher. In 1535, he became the first spa doctor in Bad Pfäfers. He also wrote a book about the medical properties of the local waters.
Just a few metres from the old bathhouse there is an entrance to a very narrow part of the gorge, which leads to a cave with 36,5°C thermal water. This place makes an incredible impression. It is twilight and the air is humid. The sky is visible only through a small gap between impressive rock walls about 70 m high.
Healing properties of hot springs
The hot springs were discovered here quite accidentally by local hunters in 1240. Quite quickly, it was noticed that these waters had unique healing properties and began to be used en masse.
However, getting to the hot springs was not as easy then as it is today. Sick people would descend several interconnecting ladders or be lowered on ropes into a narrow gorge. In these rocky crevices, in almost complete darkness, they spent many days hoping for healing.
It was not until 1839 that the road through the gorge was opened. And a year later the thermal water was brought to Bad Ragaz, where a world-famous spa was established.
Second stage of the route
After leaving the cave, there are several ways back. One of them is to take the bus, which stops right at the old bath house.
For those who prefer to walk in the shade and prefer rather flat terrain, I recommend going back the same way through the gorge.
The trail continues several hundred metres up and there are numerous stairs to climb.
Above the ravine there is little protection from the sun, but the view of the mountains and the surrounding area is beautiful. After Pfäfers the route leads through small, romantic vineyards and the final section of the route follows the Rhine.
