The coolest places in Heidiland

Even though the thermal water - which has its source in the Tamina Gorge - rises to the surface at 36.5° C, the temperatures in the mystical gorge are always cool. The imposing rock faces, which tower high into the air, shield the sun perfectly. And even the hiking trail to the entrance of the gorge is mostly in the shade. However, those who prefer not to hike at all in summer temperatures can take the bus in comfort.

The fjord-like Lake Walen is not only one of the cleanest lakes in Switzerland, but also one of the cooler bathing lakes in the country. Perfect for hot summer days! Several beaches along the lake invite you to take a dip in the cool water. The selection of water sports activities also leaves nothing to be desired. Lake Walen is always the right choice for summer temperatures.  

The iron mine in Sargans is the largest visitor mine in Switzerland. Inside the mountain, the temperature is a cool 13° C all year round. Perfect for anyone who wants to escape the heat and still experience something special. There are regular public guided tours of the Gonzen mine.

Nothing cools as pleasantly as the many thousands of fine drops of water near a waterfall. There are quite a few waterfalls in Heidiland. At the Batöni waterfall arena in the Weisstannen valley, five streams flow together and plunge into the depths in three impressive waterfalls. The Seerenbach Falls on Lake Walen, with a drop of almost 600 meters, are among the highest waterfalls in Europe.

2,222 m above sea level. This is the altitude at which the Pizolhütte is located. This makes it the highest hut in the Heidiland vacation region. You are always guaranteed to cool off there. And that in the face of mountain celebrities such as the mighty Pizol (2,846 m above sea level). The Pizolhütte is also located at the starting point of the popular 5-lake hike.

When the heat mercilessly descends on the cities, the only solution is to escape to the heights. The refreshing and crystal-clear mountain lakes in Heidiland will cool you down even when it's very hot. Regardless of whether you dare to jump into the cool water or just dip your toes in. The moment when your body touches the ice-cold water is priceless every time. We have summarized the 10 most beautiful hikes to mountain lakes for you.

There are two cooling water attractions for the whole family on the Pizol adventure mountain. The water forest is an idyllic water playground and attracts visitors with its many play stations all about the cool water. The children's Kneipp facility is located on the popular Heidi trail and is guaranteed to cool you down. Both stations are easily accessible by cable car and chairlift from Bad Ragaz and Wangs.

The Drachenloch high above Vättis in the Tamina Valley is the highest prehistoric site in Europe. After a sweat-inducing 1,400-metre climb up a steep and challenging mountain trail, the cool mountain cave is the perfect place to protect yourself from the sun. The Drachenloch is located at 2,427 m above sea level and offers an impressive view of the Rätikon group and as far as the glaciated Piz Buin.