Bad Ragaz: A Swiss Spa Town with Thermal Waters and Alpine Charm

Bad Ragaz, situated in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley at the foot of the Pizol, boasts a long and rich history as a health spa. The town's fame stems from its thermal springs, discovered in the Tamina Gorge in 1242. Legend says that Benedictine monks stumbled upon the warm, 36.5°C (97.7°F) waters, which have since drawn visitors seeking their healing properties. From the middle of the 13th century, pilgrims journeyed to the Abbey of Pfäfers to bathe in the thermal waters. In 1535, the doctor and philosopher Paracelsus testified to the healing powers of the springs, marking the beginning of spa tourism. In 1716, the earliest baroque bathhouse in Switzerland was built below the Benedictine Monastery in Pfäfers. The thermal water was piped down to the village of Ragaz in 1840, leading to its rapid growth as a health resort. Today, Bad Ragaz is a wellness destination with top-class hotels, including the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz, thermal baths like the Tamina Therme, and golf courses. The Tamina Therme, established in 1872, was the first indoor thermal water pool in Europe. The town also offers a range of medicinal and wellness packages. Visitors can explore the Tamina Gorge, hike in the Pizol region, and enjoy the open-air sculpture exhibition Bad RagARTz. The area is closely connected to the Heidi story, adding a cultural dimension to the spa experience.