Sun, snow and warm water – Best of Heidiland

After I was so enthusiastic about the Flumserberge ski area, I went on a second voyage of discovery to Heidiland. This time, for what was probably the most beautiful and coldest day of this winter, tobogganing on the Pizol was first planned and then wellness relaxation in the Tamina Therme in Bad Ragaz. First fresh air, sun and sporting activity, and then drifting through the 36.5° C warm water – sounds like a perfect Sunday program, doesn’t it?

The Pizol-Wangs valley station can be easily reached by bus from Sargans train station in just a few minutes. From there, take the gondola lift to the Furt mountain station (single ride 17 CHF / day ticket 32.50 CHF). Once at the top, we first had to rent a sledge in the Wachter sports shop (cost 12 CHF). We were slightly disappointed that there were no more wooden sleds available, and we had to make do with a plastic sled. Well, the absolutely fabulous weather quickly consoled us for this fact, and we enjoyed the phenomenal mountain panorama.

The toboggan run leads from Furt 3.5 kilometres to the Maienberg middle station and, in good snow conditions, another 3.5 kilometres to the Wangs valley station. Unfortunately, I missed reading the sign with the note “the second section (Maienberg-Wangs) is only for experienced sledders”. So we set off fresh and happy. The toboggan run leads quite racily down the forest and crosses the ski slope at one point. The second section was indeed a nerve-wracking challenge. On some “steep slopes” I really got the crisis, but maybe that’s also due to my high scaredy-cat potential. For this reason, we only made the following two descents to the Maienberg middle station, as I steadfastly refused to have to master the second section again. I don’t want to say much more about it – see for yourself in the video how fast it goes and how I end up in the snow…

Tip: For those who don’t want to get up so early on Sunday, it’s worth arriving around 1:00 p.m. – the afternoon ticket costs only 23 CHF.

After three departures, we took the bus back to Sargans and from there we took the train for 5 minutes to Bad Ragaz. The Tamina Therme is located just outside the city centre and the walk from the train station takes about 30 minutes (alternatively bus in the direction of Vättis, Post Office). The history of the body-warm spring water of the Tamina Gorge goes back a long way. In 1872, the Tamina-Therme was opened as the first indoor thermal water pool and has been one of the most important health resorts in Europe ever since. By the way, right next to the thermal baths is the exquisite Grand Resort Bad Ragaz.

The spa has been presenting itself in a new look for two years and received the prestigious Prix Lignum 2012 Bronze Award for high-quality and forward-looking use of timber construction. Personally, I like the building very much. The generous use of white colour radiates a calm elegance and invites you to relax. In addition to a 34° C outdoor pool, it has a diverse bathing area inside. We enjoyed the various massage jets in the attraction pool as well as the bubble pleasure in the 36.5° C warm bubble bath and bravely changed from the warm water grotto 39° C to the cold water grotto 17° C (brrr…). After two hours, all the tension of the tobogganing was released and the chilblains were softened and after a short snack in the thermal baths we made our way home.

The entrance fee – 32 CHF for two hours – is absolutely reasonable compared to other thermal baths. For me, the Tamina Therme is one of the most beautiful and diverse spas I have visited so far and therefore both thumbs up for the bathing experience! The only negative point: The Tamina Therme is located in a pretty shadowy hole in winter. I would have loved to enjoy the magnificent sunshine in the outdoor pool…