Best natural monuments around Malans offer diverse landscapes in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. This region features picturesque mountain settings, unique ecological features like fens, and significant geological formations. Many sites are accessible via popular hiking trails Malans, providing opportunities to explore the area's natural beauty.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
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Another wonderfully beautiful experience. Encountered various crevasses, which you can safely step over. Using crampons is highly recommended, the glacier is like a mirror. People without crampons were stumbling, we walked right over safely. We were here 9 years ago too, but the glacier has shrunk so much. Another beautiful piece of Austria that is disappearing
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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 Tamina Gorge is located above Bad Ragaz in the northern part of the Tamina Valley in the canton of St. Gallen. Between Valens and Bonadivis, the water of the Tamina has dug itself up to 200 meters into the rock for 15,000 years. The narrowest part of the crevices is 750 meters long and 75 meters deep. It is covered at the natural bridge. In the rear part of the Tamina Gorge is the thermal spring, which has water at a temperature of 36.6 degrees. From 1350 to 1969, the thermal water was used in Bad Pfäfers, in the Valens medical clinic and in the thermal baths in Bad Ragaz, for example to cure rheumatism. The water was piped there via long pipes.
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The glacier was good to cross with normal mountain boots and hiking poles
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You have to look closely as the poles had fallen over and the rope was also lying on the ice. Sticks or crampons are recommended as it is very slippery, especially on the ascent.
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The Brandner Glacier, or rather its sad remnant, is easily and crevass-free walkable in the snow-free months with appropriate equipment. Crampons are recommended. The path is marked with poles and equipped with a fog line. The glacier is a visible example of the effects of constantly increasing temperatures. It used to be the third largest glacier in Vorarlberg. As late as the early 1980s, there were plans for a summer ski resort. The disappearance of the Brandner Glacier, also known as Brandner Ferner, will continue progressively in the coming years until its complete melting. With major impacts on the surrounding alpine pastures and waters (e.g. Glingabrunnen https://www.komoot.de/highlight/858439 ). For tours over the increasingly rapidly shrinking ice surface, this means correspondingly longer travel times or the routes will become impassable.
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Augstenberg / Schafälpler 2358 m above sea level The Augstenberg, also called Schafälpler, is a 2358 m above sea level mountain in the western Rätikon on the southwest edge Text / Source: bing.com https://www.bing.com/search?q=Der+Augstenberg%2C+auch+Schaf%C3%A4lpler+genannt%2C+ist+ein+2358+m+%C3%BC.+M.&form=ANNTH1&refig=1de68adcd8914445a09b259945a32df0
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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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Malans is home to several unique natural features. You can discover the Fen of National Importance, a vast and untouched moorland on the high plateau above the Malanser Älpli, known for its scenic beauty and unique energetic qualities. Another highlight is the Sieben Brünnen (Seven Springs), a 'place of power' offering views, gentle slopes, and a waterfall, believed to have restorative energy. Additionally, a Healing Spring west of the Ruchenberg is considered an intense place of power with high energies.
Yes, Malans offers several natural monuments with impressive water features. The Fläscher Seen (Fläsch Lakes), including Oberst See, Mittler See, and Unterst See, provide picturesque lake views, with Oberst See maintaining water year-round. The famous Tamina Gorge is where the Tamina River carves its way up to 200 meters into the earth, known for its thermal spring. You can also visit the Tamina Thermal Spring itself, a source of healing thermal water.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Augstenberg Summit offers a demanding ascent to its 2,359-meter peak, rewarding you with a wonderful panoramic view. The Ellhorn Summit, a prominent 758-meter mountain, also features many mountain hiking trails that lead to its summit, providing great views of the Gonzen, Alvier, and the valley. Additionally, the Brandner Glacier, though a sad remnant, can be explored in snow-free months with appropriate equipment, offering a challenging and poignant experience.
The natural monuments around Malans are excellent starting points for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive cycling tours, such as those found in the Cycling around Malans guide, which includes routes through vineyards and along the Rhine. For those who prefer higher altitudes, the Mountain Hikes around Malans guide offers challenging mountaineering routes to various peaks and viewpoints. There are also numerous Running Trails around Malans, perfect for jogging along the Rheindammweg or through local biotopes.
While specific 'family-friendly' categories are not listed for all natural monuments, many areas around Malans offer accessible experiences. The path to the Tamina Thermal Spring is suitable for prams and wheelchairs, making it a good option for families. The Malanser Älpli, accessible by cable car, provides a stunning hiking area with gentle slopes and springs, which can be enjoyed by families looking for less strenuous walks. Always check specific trail conditions for younger children.
The best time to visit the natural monuments around Malans largely depends on the activity you plan. Spring and summer are ideal for hiking to the Fläscher Seen, Malanser Älpli, and its springs, as the weather is pleasant and the landscapes are lush. Summits like Augstenberg and Ellhorn are best tackled in warmer months when trails are clear of snow. The Tamina Gorge and Thermal Spring can be visited year-round, offering a unique experience even in cooler weather.
The Malanser Älpli, a stunning hiking area, is conveniently reached by the Älplibahn cable car. This cable car was originally built for military purposes and is now operated by volunteers, offering a unique way to access the high plateau. Once there, you can explore features like the Sieben Brünnen (Seven Springs) and the Fen of National Importance.
Visitors to Malans frequently appreciate the diverse and picturesque landscapes, from high mountain peaks to unique fens and thermal springs. The region's natural monuments are praised for their scenic beauty, the opportunities for immersive hiking experiences, and the sense of tranquility they offer. The komoot community has shown significant appreciation, with over 370 upvotes and more than 570 photos shared, highlighting the visual appeal and memorable experiences these sites provide.
Yes, Malans features natural monuments believed to possess special energetic or healing properties. The Fen of National Importance is described as a place of power with both constructive and destructive qualities, making it a unique and almost magical site. Additionally, the Sieben Brünnen (Seven Springs) is considered a 'place of power' with restorative energy, and a specific Healing Spring west of the Ruchenberg is noted for its extraordinarily intense, high energies and healing qualities.
The terrain around Malans' natural monuments is quite varied. Trails leading to summits like Augstenberg often involve narrow paths between alpine flowers and crags, requiring a good level of fitness. The Ellhorn Summit also features steep, sometimes alpine-like edges. In contrast, areas like the Malanser Älpli and the Fläscher Seen offer more gentle slopes and ridge walks. The Tamina Gorge involves walking through a narrow rock crevice, while the path to the Tamina Thermal Spring is generally accessible and suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Absolutely. Many natural monuments in Malans double as excellent viewpoints. The Augstenberg Summit, at 2,359 meters, offers a magnificent panorama. Similarly, the Ellhorn Summit provides wonderful views of the Gonzen, Alvier, and the valley. The Fläscher Seen, accessible via a ridge from the Malanser Älpli, also reward hikers with a magnificent panorama of the surrounding landscapes.


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