Top 8 Caves around Pfäfers
Best caves around Pfäfers are primarily characterized by the dramatic Tamina Gorge, a deep, narrow rock crevice with a significant thermal spring. This area offers unique geological formations and historical sites, providing a distinct underground experience. The region's landscape is shaped by the Tamina River, creating a mystical ambiance with towering rock walls. Beyond the gorge, the vicinity features various man-made and natural cave-like structures.
Best caves around Pfäfers
- The most popular caves is Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans,…
Last updated: October 1, 2026
Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans
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Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs)
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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
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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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Entrance to Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry, Engi
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Sperre Trin Fortress Museum
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The main plant of the Trin locking point is an infantry plant (army designation A 7762) in the rocks of Crap Sogn Barcazi and Crap Pign. …
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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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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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Here you can discover a once secret facility. The fortress with bunkers and rock caverns offers a glimpse into the time around the Second World War.
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary underground experience near Pfäfers?
The most notable underground experience near Pfäfers is the Tamina Gorge. It's a dramatic, narrow rock crevice, up to 200 meters deep, leading to a thermal spring grotto. This 450-meter-long secured pathway takes you into the rock interior where 36.5°C thermal water gushes out. While primarily a gorge, its unique geological formation and the spring water grotto offer a fascinating cave-like experience. You can find more information about the Tamina Gorge on MySwitzerland.com.
Are there historical mines or quarries to explore around Pfäfers?
Yes, you can explore historical sites like the Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans, a labyrinth of tunnels where ores were mined for centuries. Another option is the Entrance to Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry, Engi, which offers tours through gigantic underground halls of a quarry first mentioned in 1565.
What natural grottoes or unique rock formations can I visit?
The Tüfels Chuchi in Wangs is a geologically interesting miniature cave, covered in moss and dripping with water, known for its uplifting atmosphere. It's a unique natural formation worth exploring.
Are there any religious or historical sites with cave elements near Pfäfers?
Yes, the Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs) is a religious grotto created in 1912/1913, featuring a Pietà and accessible via the Stations of the Cross. Additionally, the Sperre Trin Fortress Museum includes an infantry plant built into the rocks with tunnels and caverns, offering a glimpse into World War II history.
What is the best time to visit the Tamina Gorge?
The Tamina Gorge offers a refreshing escape during warmer months due to its cool temperatures inside. There's also an annual 'Light Ragaz' event where the gorge is illuminated, providing a unique experience.
How accessible is the Tamina Gorge for visitors?
The Tamina Gorge is accessible via a secured pathway, making it suitable for most visitors. You can reach it on foot, by PostBus, or even by horse-drawn carriage from Bad Ragaz.
Are there family-friendly options for exploring caves or grottoes around Pfäfers?
Yes, the Tamina Gorge is generally accessible for families. The Tüfels Chuchi is described as family-friendly, and the Sperre Trin Fortress Museum is also suitable for families interested in history.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Pfäfers?
The region around Pfäfers offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous mountain hikes, including challenging routes like the Wildsee – Schotten Lake loop. There are also cycling routes, such as the Kunkel Pass loop, and running trails, including scenic paths by the Tamina River.
What should I wear when visiting the underground sites?
When visiting sites like the Landesplattenberg Slate Quarry, it's recommended to wear good shoes and warm clothing, as temperatures inside the mountain are typically between 7 and 11 degrees Celsius with high humidity. This advice generally applies to other underground explorations as well.
What is the historical significance of the Tamina Gorge?
The Tamina Gorge is historically significant for its thermal spring, whose healing properties were discovered in 1242. This led to the development of a centuries-old bathing culture, with the Old Bath Pfäfers, Switzerland's oldest Baroque spa building, located at the gorge's entrance. It now houses museums and hosts cultural events.
Are there any cafes or restaurants near the caves?
The Old Bath Pfäfers, located at the entrance to the Tamina Gorge, houses a restaurant. For the Gonzen Iron Mine, there is the unique Restaurant Bergwerk, which is part of the mine complex.
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