The unique architecture, the inspiring atmosphere with the various lighting concepts and the friendly service of the competent staff make this thermal health spa a very special place. It is here you can experience the healing thermal water in its purest form and regenerate the body, mind and soul.

Thermal water & Architecture

36.5°C thermal water

After a fourteen-year journey through the rock strata, the water bubbles from the spring as thermal water at a temperature of 36.5°C. The source of the blue gold is the wild and romantic Tamina gorge, from where it flows four kilometres to Bad Ragaz. Guests have bathed at the Tamina Therme in the healing, body-temperature Ragazer thermal water since the 19th century and find perfect relaxation within an architectural masterpiece.

Once immersed in the thermal waters, the body enters an altered physical environment, so the body experiences changes in hydraulic pressure, buoyancy, water density and thermal conditions. These physical properties of the thermal waters can affect the heart, lungs, circulatory system, kidneys, motor skills, blood and hormones.

The main effects of the thermal water include: a decrease in wall tension in the resistance vessels of the legs (30%), blood flow increase (30%), improved lung perfusion and ventilation, a decrease in arterial blood pressure, an increase in cardiac function (stroke volume and cardiac output to rise by 25%).

Effects
The Ragazer thermal water has various beneficial effects: for the body, immersion in the water means immersion in a transformed physical world. The water pressure, the buoyancy, the water density and the thermal conditions together with the chemical properties give the water its thermal, healing qualities. After bathing, the skin has a silky-soft feel. Moreover, bathing aids revitalisation, relaxes muscles, strengthens the body’s immune system and stimulates the blood circulation.

The body-temperature thermal water helps to alleviate:

• Rheumatic and mechanical complaints
• Metabolic disorders
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
• Neurological complaints

Water quality
In order to meet the highest quality standards, the water quality is subject to constant automatic monitoring and examined daily on the basis of five samples taken manually from the pools and the technical systems. Every two months, external experts collect samples and carry out direct contact tests. All the filtering systems are checked for bacteria twice a year and an official bathing-hygiene inspection is carried out by the canton.

The thermal water in the Tamina Therme passes through the entire purification process of the technical systems every 20 to 75 minutes. These systems are some of the most advanced water purification systems in the world. In addition, the whirlpools are emptied every two weeks – the larger pools every four – and after being cleaned, degreased and disinfected are refilled with fresh water. Furthermore, up to 120 litres of fresh water are added per guest per day (the legal requirement for health spas is only 30 litres). As a result of these purification measures, the water quality at the Tamina Therme is a shining and exemplary model of cleanliness and hygiene.

Source
The 36.5°C thermal spa water has been piped the 4.5 kilometres to Bad Ragaz since 1840. It was here that Europe’s first indoor swimming pool supplied with thermal water was opened in 1871: today’s Tamina Therme.

Architecture

In April 2008, the grande dame of the European spas underwent a transformation, losing its old look and reappearing in 2009 with a stylish new design after the renovation. The architectural concept, which was realised exclusively with white-painted pine, is defined by 115 futuristic columns and high ceilings. The contemporary building entrances and captivates with a spatial structure flooded with natural light and large oval windows, which gently frame the view of the surrounding countryside. The shape of the windows recalls the Biedermeier period, when oval frames were used for realistic portrayals of nature.
For the architect Joseph Smolenicky, the greatest challenge when designing the new Tamina Therme was to incorporate it harmoniously into the architectural context of the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and at the same time give the building an original and independent design. With his successful interpretation of “holiday architecture”, Smolenicky was able to create a connection between Swiss tradition and the Grand Hotels by the water.

History

Europe’s most abundant thermal source originates in the Tamina gorge near Bad Ragaz and was discovered long ago in the early Middle Ages (1242).
The Tamina source not only gives its name to the Therme, but also provides the healing thermal water. In the 16th century, the physician and alchemist Paracelsus praised the healing effects of the water, which due to its low mineral content and a temperature of 36.5°C is regarded as a warm spring. In the early days, the first spa guests were lowered into the gorge on ropes – since 1840, a pipe four kilometres in length has brought the water to Bad Ragaz, where in 1872 Europe’s first thermal water indoor pool was created. This laid the foundation for the area to gain a worldwide reputation as a bathing and spa resort, attracting notable guests such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, Thomas Mann and Victor Hugo.

Attractions

• Outdoor pool: 34˚C. Splendid view of the Grisons mountain panorama with whirlpool, waterfall, counter-current channel, massage recliners and seats. In summer, the sun-bathing law invites to relax.
• Attraction Pool: 34˚C. New experiences and relaxation for all the senses, regeneration and rehabilitation for the entire body. With soothing massage jets, neck showers, massage recliners & seats.
• Whirlpool: 36.5˚C. Relieve tensions and get your blood pressure back on track. Basking in the 36.5°C whirlpool alleviates muscle soreness and stimulates your metabolism.
• Whirlpool recliner bath: 36.5˚C. Bathing in the body-temperature whirlpool restores your heat balance to equilibrium. Just close your eyes, relax and enjoy yourself!
• Water grottos: 39˚C / 17˚C. Alternate bathing in the warm and cold water grottos stimulates the circulation and boosts your immune system. It helps to regulate the cardiovascular system, strengthens your skin tissue.
• Exercise pool: 32˚C. Joint-friendly routines in the water are the very best for your body. During water exercises, you experience a gentle tissue massage and boost your fat burning.
• Steam Bath: 45°C, 100% air humidity. A spell in the steam bath frees up your airways and relaxes the muscles. The steaming heat has a cleansing effect on your skin.

Sauna Area

The architecture in the sauna area creates a unique and stylish atmosphere for your wellness programme when enjoying a sauna.
The infusion rituals at the Tamina Therme have already acquired traditional status and provide surprises in the form of seasonal fragrances and special effects. Saunas and steam baths have positive effects on the body, stimulating blood circulation, increasing oxygenation of the blood as well as the elasticity of the connective tissue, sinews and ligaments, aiding mobility, and assisting the processes of the immune system. They help you heal when suffering from varicose veins, swollen limbs, circulatory disorders, foot perspiration and infections.

Massage & Beauty

On the first floor of the gallery, you will find the beauty and massage cabins, where expert massage therapists and beauticians attend to your wellbeing. What could be more delightful than a visit to the pool or sauna, combined with a relaxing treatment? Therapeutic treatments from head to toe contribute to an overall feeling of wellbeing.