Bad Ragaz: A Swiss Spa Town with Thermal Waters and Alpine Charm
Experience relaxation and rejuvenation in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland, with its famed thermal springs, stunning alpine scenery, and world-class wellness.
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.
Local tips
- Visit the Tamina Therme for a relaxing experience in the thermal waters.
- Explore the Tamina Gorge and the historic Old Bad Pfäfers spa.
- Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in Pizol and golfing at Golf Club Bad Ragaz.
- Take a wine tour in the Bündner Herrschaft and Heidiland region.
- Check out the local restaurants, some of which have earned Gault Millau points.
A brief summary to Bad Ragaz
- Bad Ragaz, CH
- Visit website
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the Bad Ragaz train station, take bus no. 456 towards the Grand Resort. The bus runs hourly, and the ride to the 'Tamina Therme' stop takes only a few minutes. A single ticket within the local zone (382) costs approximately CHF 3. Alternatively, the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is a pleasant ten-minute walk from the train station.
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Walking
From the Bad Ragaz train station, exit and walk south along Bahnhofstrasse. Continue onto Bernhard-Simon-Strasse, following signs for the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and Tamina Therme. The walk is approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) and takes about 10 minutes.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are available in Bad Ragaz. A short taxi ride from the Bad Ragaz train station to the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz typically costs between CHF 15-25. Check the Uber app for current pricing and availability.
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Driving
From the A3 motorway, take the Maienfeld exit and follow signs towards Bad Ragaz. Continue driving in the direction of Bad Ragaz, it will lead you directly to the resort. The Grand Resort Bad Ragaz offers underground parking with valet service for CHF 32 per night (price as of 2025, increasing to CHF 35 in 2026). Limited short-term parking is available in the town center, with hourly rates of CHF 1.00 during the day and CHF 0.50 in the evening.
