Top 6 Caves around Sargans
Best caves around Sargans are found in a region characterized by its geological formations and historical industrial activity. The area features both natural cave formations and man-made underground structures. Sargans is known for its connection to the Gonzen Mine, a significant historical site. The landscape around Sargans offers diverse underground experiences.
Best caves around Sargans
- The most popular caves is Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans, a historical site that operated as an iron ore mine until 1966. Visitors can explore its tunnels and learn about the region's industrial past.
- Another must-see spot is Lourdes Grottoes, Mels, a religious building with three grottoes. These grottoes were established as places of prayer.
- Visitors also love Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs), a religious building featuring a grotto with a Pietà. It is part of a path with Stations of the Cross.
- Sargans is known for show mines, religious grottoes, and natural miniature caves. The region offers a variety of underground sites to explore, from historical industrial workings to spiritual sanctuaries and natural formations.
- The caves around Sargans are appreciated by the komoot community, with 51 upvotes and 136 photos shared by users.
Last updated: May 29, 2026
Tamina Gorge Thermal Spring
Highlight • Gorge
Two hunters from the nearby Pfäfers Monastery discovered the healing Tamina spring in 1240. Therefore, the healing properties of Pfäfers' spring water were recognized early on. Initially, the sick bathed in rock depressions, and from 1350 onwards, in wooden bathhouses across the roaring Tamina. Access to the gorge was difficult: those who could climbed ladders. The rest abseiled into the gorge in baskets – blindfolded to combat their fear.
Today, the Tamina Gorge can be explored much more comfortably. From Bad Ragaz, a leisurely one-hour hike leads to the Old Baths of Pfäfers. Halfway through, you pass under the largest arched bridge in Switzerland, the Tamina Bridge. Those who don't want to walk can take the post bus or the Rösslipost (horse-drawn carriage). The entrance to the mystical gorge is located just behind the historic building. A tunnel secures the 450-meter-long path through the rock to the spring water grotto. Here, the Tamina spring bubbles continuously from the rock, day and night, at a temperature of 36.5°C, and 8,000 liters per minute.
Text / Source: Switzerland Tourism
myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/tamina-schlucht-und-altes-bad-pfaefers
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans
Highlight • Historical Site
Das zwischen Quintnerkalk liegende Erzlager hatte eine Mächtigkeit von 0,5–2,2 m und erstreckte sich über eine Grundfläche von über 3 Quadratkilometer. Der Eisengehalt betrug ca. 50–60 %, es kamen auch reine Manganerze vor. Der tiefste Abbaupunkt lag auf etwa 350 m, während sich der höchstgelegene Abbaupunkt auf ca. 1400 m befand. In zeitlicher Reifenfolge wurden die Vorkommen zuerst von oben her ausgebeutet. Dabei wurde das Erz mittels hölzernen, ab 1839 eisernen, Hunden aus der Grube und nachfolgend per Schlitten auf steilen Wegen zu Tal befördert. Der Abbau der Grube I fand während der Frühzeit und der Blütezeit im 15. bis 19. Jahrhundert statt und endete 1918. In der 1842 wieder entdeckten Grube II und in der Grube IV wurden grössere Erzmengen gefördert (überwiegend 1764–1774). Die Grube III war ein eher unbedeutendes Grubenfeld.
1823 kaufte Johann Georg Neher das Eisenwerk Plons und das Bergwerk Gonzen von der Familie Bernold und erbaute 1825 in Plons einen Hochofen, welcher bis 1868 und später, in verbesserter Form, erneut von 1873 bis 1878 betrieben wurde.[3] Die Familie Neher förderte bis 1873 überwiegend über diese Gruben mittels Sprengstoff. In dieser Zeit wurden ca. 140'000 Tonnen Eisenerz gefördert. Der Abbau fand im Pfeilerbauverfahren ohne Holzeinbau und ohne Versatz statt, da das Hangende fest und tragfähig war. Die Verhüttung der Erze fand bis ca. 1900 vollständig in der Schweiz statt. Ab 1921 wurde der Grossteil der Erze ins deutsche Ruhrgebiet verkauft. Die reinen Manganerze, welche begehrt waren, wurden überwiegend in der Schweiz abgesetzt. 1917 wurde ca. 500 m nordöstlich von Grube I ein weitere Stollen, Nausgrube genannt, auf ca. 1000 m ü. M. in den Berg getrieben.
1919 wurde die Eisenbergwerk Gonzen AG gegründet, deren Abbaukonzession 2003 um weitere 80 Jahre verlängert wurde. Um 1920 beschäftigte das Werk 150 bis 180 Personen. 1942 förderten 380 Bergarbeiter 116'000 Tonnen Eisenerz. Von 1920 bis 1951 wurden die Erze mit einer 1800 Meter langen Luftseilbahn von Naus zur Aufbereitungsanlage im Tal abtransportiert.[4] Nach Errichtung des Grundstollens wurde diese zurückgebaut.[5] Vor der Errichtung der Seilbahn und des Grundstollens wurde das Erz mit Schlitten ins Tal befördert.
1949 wurde bei Vild im Tal mit dem Bau des Grundstollens begonnen, welcher nach 1700 m auf den Erzgang (Steillager) stiess. Nachfolgend wurde der Abbau über die Nausgrube von Naus (Scheitel) eingestellt. 1963 wurde ein Erdgasvorkommen in der Nähe der Fluewand-Verwerfung entdeckt, was die Kosten für die Sicherung der Arbeiter in die Höhe trieb. In diesem Zuge wurde auf elektronische Sprengung umgestellt und es erfolgte eine kontinuierliche Messung des Methangehalts der Luft.
Bis 1921 wurde das Eisenerz direkt in der Grube oder unmittelbar vor der Grube sortiert. Danach entstand in Malerva eine Reinigungs- und Sortieranlage. Die Anlage hatte einen Gleisanschluss mit dem Bahnhof Sargans der SBB. Sie diente auch als Talstation der Luftseilbahn. 1939 brannte sie komplett aus, wurde aber wiedererrichtet. Nach Fertigstellung des Grundstollens konnte das Eisenerz mit der Grubenbahn direkt nach Malerva transportiert werden. Dafür wurde eine Betonbrücke am Eingang des Bergwerkes gebaut. Bis 1954 wurden die Erze per Hand zumeist von Frauen sortiert. 1954 errichtete die Eisenbergwerk Gonzen AG eine automatische Sortieranlage. Die automatische Sortieranlage war in der Lage, Kalk mit einer Korngrösse bis 2 mm auszusortieren. Von Hand gelang das höchstens bis zu einer Korngrösse von 15 mm.
Nach Kriegsende sank die Jahresproduktion auf 18'000 Tonnen. Wegen sinkender Weltmarktpreise und der erhöhten Förderkosten (viele Stollen, starke Verwerfungen, geringe Mächtigkeit des Lagers) wurde der Abbau am 2. Mai 1966 eingestellt. Die Gesamtförderung betrug 2,7 Millionen Tonnen Eisenerz. Noch heute werden die Roteisensteinvorräte auf 5,5 Millionen Tonnen
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs)
Highlight • Religious Site
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
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
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Tüfels Chuchi
Highlight • Cave
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
graubuenden.ch/de/ausflugsziele/tuefels-chuchi
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lourdes Grotto Berschis
Highlight • Religious Site
Out of the gratitude of the population that Berschis had been spared from foot-and-mouth disease and at the suggestion of Abbot Joseph Mariétan of St. Maurice, the Lourdes Grotto in the Holy Grove was built in 1921, largely through forced labor. On the Assumption of Mary in 1921, it was ceremoniously consecrated by the Bishop of Bethlehem in front of numerous believers who had traveled from all over Sarganserland. The white Madonna, which stands above the altar, was a gift from herbalist Johann Künzle. An artfully forged grille secures the sanctuary. The well-maintained grotto, located a little off the road, invites you to pray silently.
Consecration: August 15, 1921
Text / Source: Walensee pastoral unit
sesowa.ch/berschis-tscherlach/kirchen-kapellen
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more caves around Sargans.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Sargans
Tips from the Community
Tamina Gorge - 36.5°C, 8,000 liters per minute. Two hunters from the nearby Pfäfers Monastery discovered the healing Tamina spring in 1240. Therefore, the healing properties of Pfäfers' spring water were recognized early on. Initially, the sick bathed in rock depressions, and from 1350 onwards, in wooden bathhouses across the roaring Tamina. Access to the gorge was difficult: those who could climbed ladders. The rest abseiled into the gorge in baskets – blindfolded to combat their fear. Today, the Tamina Gorge can be explored much more comfortably. From Bad Ragaz, a leisurely one-hour hike leads to the Old Baths of Pfäfers. Halfway through, you pass under the largest arched bridge in Switzerland, the Tamina Bridge. Those who don't want to walk can take the post bus or the Rösslipost (horse-drawn carriage). The entrance to the mystical gorge is located just behind the historic building. A tunnel secures the 450-meter-long path through the rock to the spring water grotto. Here, the Tamina spring bubbles continuously from the rock, day and night, at a temperature of 36.5°C, and 8,000 liters per minute. Text / Source: Switzerland Tourism https://www.myswitzerland.com/de-ch/erlebnisse/tamina-schlucht-und-altes-bad-pfaefers/
14
0
interesting and fresh
0
0
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.
1
0
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
14
0
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
14
0
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
12
0
Nice entertainment, with some seats
8
0
The Tamina Gorge is definitely worth seeing and also the healing spring
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most significant historical underground site near Sargans?
The most significant historical underground site is the Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans. This former iron ore mine operated until 1966 and now offers adventurous tours through its tunnels, providing insight into the region's industrial past.
Are there any natural cave-like formations to explore near Sargans?
While traditional caves are limited, the Tüfels Chuchi near Wangs is a geologically interesting miniature cave. Additionally, the Tamina Gorge, a short distance from Sargans, offers a dramatic natural experience with its deep rock crevices, providing a cavernous and immersive feel.
What kind of religious grottoes can be found in the Sargans region?
The region features several religious grottoes. You can visit the Lourdes Grottoes in Mels, which are three grottoes established as places of prayer. Another is the Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs), featuring a grotto with a Pietà and part of a path with Stations of the Cross. The Lourdes Grotto Berschis, built in 1921, is also a notable site.
Are there family-friendly underground activities around Sargans?
Yes, several options are suitable for families. The Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans offers an exciting 'Tunnel Express' ride and an engaging tour. The Tüfels Chuchi is also considered family-friendly, as are the Lourdes Grottoes, Mels and the Lourdes Grotto Berschis.
How long does a tour of the Gonzen Iron Mine typically take?
Visitors to the Gonzen Iron Mine are equipped with helmets and miner's lamps for an adventurous tour. While specific durations can vary, the experience of exploring the historical workings and riding the 'Tunnel Express' typically lasts a few hours, offering a comprehensive look into the mine's past.
What outdoor activities can I do near the caves and grottoes of Sargans?
The region around Sargans offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous Mountain Hikes, including challenging routes like the Gonzenleiterweg. There are also extensive Road Cycling Routes and MTB Trails to explore the scenic landscape.
Are any of the grottoes or cave-like sites dog-friendly?
Yes, the Lourdes Grottoes, Mels are noted as dog-friendly, making them a good option if you're visiting with your canine companion.
What makes the Tamina Gorge a unique natural attraction near Sargans?
The Tamina Gorge, while not a traditional cave, is a unique natural wonder carved by the Tamina River. It's approximately 750 meters long and 70 meters deep, renowned for Europe's most abundant thermal spring, which emerges at 36.5°C. It offers a spectacular natural experience with impressive rock formations and is the source of healing spring water.
Can I find food or refreshments near the Gonzen Iron Mine?
Yes, the Gonzen Iron Mine complex includes the Bergwerk restaurant, which is unique in design and suitable for individual guests or events. It's an ideal spot for refreshments after a mine tour.
What is the geological significance of the Tüfels Chuchi?
The Tüfels Chuchi near Wangs is described as a geologically interesting miniature cave. It's also considered an 'uplifting power spot,' suggesting a unique energetic quality that has been recognized for a long time.
What do visitors appreciate most about the underground sites in Sargans?
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered, from the historical adventure of the Gonzen Iron Mine to the spiritual tranquility of the various Lourdes and Mariengrottoes. The unique natural formations like the Tüfels Chuchi also draw interest for their natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
Most popular routes around Sargans
Most popular attractions around Sargans
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Sargans:
