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Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallen
Sarganserland

Bad Ragaz

Top 5 Caves around Bad Ragaz

Best caves around Bad Ragaz offer a diverse range of underground experiences within a region known for its natural thermal springs and mountainous landscape. The area features a mix of natural grottos, archaeological sites, and former mining tunnels. This variety provides insights into both geological formations and human history. The surrounding Tamina Valley and Sarganserland offer a rich natural and cultural backdrop for exploration.

Best caves around Bad Ragaz

  • The most popular caves is Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans,…

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans

Highlight • Historical Site

Der Erzabbau ist ab 200 v. Chr. nachgewiesen. 1315 wurden Schmelzanlagen in Flums, Mels und Plons (heute Gemeinde Mels) urkundlich erwähnt, 1396 das Bergwerk selbst. Diese Urkunde berichtet, dass Graf …

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Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs)

Highlight • Religious Site

Grotto in Buchholz, Wangs
The Wangs Mariengrotto was created on the initiative of Pastor Künzle in 1912/1913, and the bell tower was added in 1916. A cross is located on …

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Tüfels Chuchi

Highlight • Cave

Tüfels Chuchi, Wangs
Interesting cave at an uplifting power spot
The Tüfels Chuchi is a geologically interesting miniature cave. Covered in moss, dripping and dispensing water, the rock opens up. …

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Lourdes Grottoes, Mels

Highlight • Religious Site

The three Mary/Lourdes Grottos in Mels
The first Mary Grotto from 1937
It was built as a place of prayer on the Castels-Böüdeli (Castels-Boden) by Josef Good, Mels.
However, the …

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Thermal Spring Tasting in St. Gallen

Highlight • Natural Monument

In a tunnel just before the thermal spring you can try the thermal water in a small pool.

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Jean-Claude
June 14, 2025, Eisenbergwerk Gonzen in Sargans

interesting and fresh

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Guided tours are only available on certain dates or with pre-registered groups (see website). However, the restaurant and museum are always open; the restaurant in the mine is beautifully designed, with an outdoor terrace in front of the entrance.

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Stations of the Cross to the Grotto, Wangs The grotto and the Stations of the Cross in Wangs are located on a section of the Pfarrer Künzle Weg in the Buchholz area. Starting from the parish church, the path leads left along Dorfstrasse uphill to the fountain with a beautiful wayside cross. Follow the green signposts of Pfarrer Künzle Weg on Fontanixstrasse. To the left, the path leads over the bridge over the "Chlibach," where the first station of the Stations of the Cross is located. Continue along the forest path to the wooden bridge, which must be crossed. The Stations of the Cross continue along the paved Buchholzstrasse to the fountain with the final station. Text / Source: Roman Catholic Pastoral Unit of Central Sarganserland https://www.kath-msl.ch/kirchgemeinde-wangs/kirchen-gebaeude-wangs/#:~:text=The parish church of St. Anthony was built in the, organ, votive candles, open during the day, bell ringing, site plan

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Grotto in Buchholz, Wangs The Wangs Mariengrotto was created on the initiative of Pastor Künzle in 1912/1913, and the bell tower was added in 1916. A cross is located on the vaulted hill in front of the tower. A Pietà (Mother of God with suffering Jesus) in the Nazarene style was placed in the grotto. Text / Source: Roman Catholic Pastoral Unit of Central Sarganserland https://www.kath-msl.ch/kirchgemeinde-wangs/kirchen-gebaeude-wangs/#:~:text=The parish church of St. Anthony was built in the, organ, votive candles, open during the day, bell ringing, site plan

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Paul
March 29, 2025, Tüfels Chuchi

Tüfels Chuchi, Wangs Interesting cave at an uplifting power spot The Tüfels Chuchi is a geologically interesting miniature cave. Covered in moss, dripping and dispensing water, the rock opens up. Energetically speaking, the Tüfels Chuchi is a good, uplifting power spot. The name is quite intriguing, as it demonizes a healthy, strongly vibrating place, which suggests that the place was known and used very early on. Had it been more important, a forest chapel would probably greet us at this location. Important Celtic and pre-Celtic sites have often been Christianized, while less important ones have been demonized. Text / Source: Heidiland Tourismus AG, Graubünden Holidays, Alexanderstrasse 24, Chur https://www.graubuenden.ch/de/ausflugsziele/tuefels-chuchi

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Restaurant Bergwerk, Gonzen / Sargans The Bergwerk restaurant is unique in design and very attractive for individual guests as well as for banquets, family celebrations or business events. A visit after a tour or guided tour of the visitor mine is also worthwhile. The location can be adapted to the size of your event thanks to the stage that can be moved on rails. Performances such as concerts or lectures are possible on the stage. The museum in the back of the restaurant cavern gives you and your guests an insight into ore mining in the Gonzen. Text / source: Pro Gonzenbergwerk Rheinstrasse 22, 7320 Sargans https://www.bergwerk-gonzen.ch/restaurant-bergwerk

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Mine / Iron Mine, Gonzen / Sargans Ores such as hematite, magnetite and hausmannite were mined from a tunnel labyrinth around 90 kilometers long. When the last miners and miners left the Gonzen iron mine in 1966, the roar of the compressors and the rattling of the hammer drills stopped. Since 1983, visitors have had the opportunity to immerse themselves in the exciting world of "underground". The ever-changing colors of the imposing ore deposits fascinate you on the tour through tunnels, over galleries, drives and braking mountains, past deep silos, depressions and hidden corners. Text / Source: Pro Gonzenbergwerk Rheinstrasse 22, 7320 Sargans https://www.bergwerk-gonzen.ch/bergwerk-fuehrungen/geschichte

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Restaurant Bergwerk, Gonzen The Bergwerk restaurant is unique in design and very attractive for individual guests as well as for banquets, family celebrations or business events. A visit after a tour or guided tour of the visitor mine is also worthwhile. The location can be adapted to the size of your event thanks to the stage that can be moved on rails. Performances such as concerts or lectures are possible on the stage. The museum in the back of the restaurant cavern gives you and your guests an insight into ore mining in the Gonzen. Text / Source: Pro Gonzenbergwerk Rheinstrasse 22, 7320 Sargans https://www.bergwerk-gonzen.ch/restaurant-bergwerk

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of underground experiences can I find around Bad Ragaz?

The Bad Ragaz region offers a diverse range of underground experiences, including natural thermal spring grottos like the Tamina Gorge, historically significant archaeological caves such as the Drachenloch, and expansive former mining tunnels like the Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans. You can explore geological formations, ancient history, and industrial heritage.

Are there any natural thermal spring grottos to visit?

Yes, the Tamina Gorge is a notable natural wonder near Bad Ragaz. It's the source of the 36.5°C thermal waters. You can walk through the 450-meter Saint Barbara Tunnel to access the thermal spring grotto, where blue lights illuminate the spring-fed water cave. It's a site of natural beauty and historical healing.

Which caves offer insights into prehistoric times?

The Drachenloch, or Dragon's Lair, located in the Tamina Valley near Vättis, is considered Europe's highest prehistoric site. Excavations revealed over 30,000 cave bear remains and evidence of early human presence, including a bear skull intentionally placed with a femur, suggesting a possible bear cult.

Can I visit a historical mine in the area?

Absolutely. The Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans is an extensive former iron mine with almost 90 kilometers of tunnels. It offers an immersive journey into the region's mining history, with guided tours, a train ride into the mine, and a museum showcasing original equipment.

Are there any religious grottoes around Bad Ragaz?

Yes, the region has several religious grottoes. You can visit the Lourdes Grottoes in Mels, which serve as places of prayer. Another is the Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs), created in 1912/1913, featuring a Pietà and part of a Stations of the Cross path.

What is the Tüfels Chuchi and what makes it interesting?

The Tüfels Chuchi in Wangs is a geologically interesting miniature cave. Covered in moss and dripping with water, it's considered an uplifting power spot. Its name, meaning 'Devil's Kitchen,' suggests its ancient significance, possibly as a pre-Celtic site.

Are there family-friendly options for exploring caves?

Many of the sites, including the Lourdes Grottoes in Mels and the Tüfels Chuchi, are considered family-friendly. The Tamina Gorge walk is also suitable for families, offering an impressive encounter with nature.

What outdoor activities can I do near these caves?

The region around Bad Ragaz offers numerous outdoor activities. You can find various road cycling routes, gravel biking trails, and mountain hikes. For example, explore the 'Mapraggsee – Rock Tunnel loop' for road cycling, or tackle the 'Kunkels Pass – Kunkelsstrasse loop' for gravel biking. Mountain hikers can enjoy routes like 'Wildsee – Schotten Lake loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the respective guides: Road Cycling Routes around Bad Ragaz, Gravel biking around Bad Ragaz, and Mountain Hikes around Bad Ragaz.

Is there a good option for a bad weather activity?

The Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans is an excellent choice for a bad weather activity. As an indoor underground experience, it provides shelter while offering a fascinating historical tour through its extensive tunnels and museum.

Are any of the cave sites dog-friendly?

Yes, the Lourdes Grottoes in Mels are noted as dog-friendly, making them a good option if you're exploring with your canine companion.

What is the best time to visit the Tamina Gorge?

The Tamina Gorge is generally accessible during warmer months. For current opening hours and accessibility, especially for the Saint Barbara Tunnel and thermal spring grotto, it's advisable to check official sources like MySwitzerland.com or VisitGraubunden.com.

Are there dining options near the Gonzen Iron Mine?

Yes, the Gonzen Iron Mine features the Restaurant Bergwerk, which is uniquely designed and suitable for individual guests, banquets, or events. It's a convenient option for dining after a tour of the mine.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bad Ragaz:

QuintenWalenstadtFlumsQuartenMelsPfäfersSargansVilters-Wangs

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