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Switzerland
Eastern Switzerland
St. Gallen

Wartau

Top 6 Caves around Wartau

Best caves around Wartau are situated in the Rhine Valley of St. Gallen canton, Switzerland. This region is characterized by its mountainous terrain, including parts of the Churfirsten range, and the historical significance of Wartau Castle. The landscape features a mix of forests, rivers, and elevated plateaus, offering diverse natural attractions.

Best caves around Wartau

  • The most popular caves is Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans, a historical site that features a tunnel labyrinth around 90 kilometers long. Visitors can…

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans

Highlight • Historical Site

Der Erzabbau ist ab 200 v. Chr. nachgewiesen. 1315 wurden Schmelzanlagen in Flums, Mels und Plons (heute Gemeinde Mels) urkundlich erwähnt, 1396 das Bergwerk selbst. Diese Urkunde berichtet, dass Graf …

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Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs)

Highlight • Religious Site

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 …

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Tüfels Chuchi

Highlight • Cave

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. …

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Lourdes Grotto Berschis

Highlight • Religious Site

Lourdes Grotto, Berschis from 1921
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. …

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Lourdes Grottoes, Mels

Highlight • Religious Site

The three Mary/Lourdes Grottos in Mels
The first Mary Grotto from 1937
It was built as a place of prayer on the Castels-Böüdeli (Castels-Boden) by Josef Good, Mels.
However, the …

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Jean-Claude
June 14, 2025, Eisenbergwerk Gonzen in Sargans

interesting and fresh

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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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Paul
March 29, 2025, Tüfels Chuchi

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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Nice entertainment, with some seats

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Lourdes Grotto, Berschis from 1921 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 https://www.sesowa.ch/berschis-tscherlach/kirchen-kapellen/

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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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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of caves can I explore around Wartau?

The region around Wartau offers a mix of historical sites and religious grottoes that are often referred to as caves. These include extensive mining tunnels, such as the Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans, and serene prayer grottoes like the Lourdes Grottoes, Mels and Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs). There is also a small natural cave, Tüfels Chuchi, known for its geological interest.

Are there any natural caves in the immediate vicinity of Wartau?

While the komoot guide highlights several interesting underground sites, widely recognized natural cave systems are not a primary feature of the immediate Wartau municipality. The region's 'caves' are predominantly historical mines or religious grottoes. For extensive natural cave systems in Switzerland, you would typically need to travel further, for example, to the Hölloch Cave or St. Beatus Caves.

Which caves around Wartau are suitable for families?

Several sites are family-friendly. Tüfels Chuchi is a miniature natural cave that can be an interesting stop for families. The Lourdes Grottoes, Mels and Lourdes Grotto Berschis are also noted as family-friendly, offering serene places for reflection and often located along pleasant walking paths.

Can I bring my dog to any of the caves near Wartau?

Yes, the Lourdes Grottoes, Mels are specifically mentioned as a great area for hiking with a dog. It's always advisable to check specific site regulations for other locations before visiting with pets.

What historical sites are there to explore among the caves?

The Gonzen Iron Mine in Sargans is a significant historical site, featuring a vast tunnel labyrinth that was active for centuries. The Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs) and Lourdes Grottoes, Mels are also historical religious sites, with origins dating back to the early 20th century, often integrated into local pilgrimage or Stations of the Cross paths.

Are there hiking trails that include these caves?

Yes, many of these sites are accessible via hiking trails. For instance, the Mariengrotte Buchholz (Wangs) is part of a Stations of the Cross path. You can find various hiking routes in the broader region by exploring Hiking around Wartau, which includes trails of varying difficulty.

What other outdoor activities can I do near the caves around Wartau?

Beyond exploring the caves and grottoes, the Wartau region offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for running trails, including moderate and difficult loops. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are challenging MTB trails that offer scenic views and varied terrain.

What is the best time of year to visit the caves around Wartau?

The historical mines and grottoes, being largely sheltered, can be visited throughout much of the year. However, for enjoying the surrounding hiking trails and outdoor activities, spring through autumn generally offers the most pleasant weather conditions. Winter visits might be possible for some indoor sites, but access to outdoor grottoes and trails could be affected by snow or ice.

Is there parking available near the cave sites?

While specific parking details for each site are not always provided, most popular attractions in Switzerland, including historical sites and grottoes, typically have designated parking areas nearby or within reasonable walking distance. It is recommended to check local signage upon arrival.

What are the geological features of the caves in the Wartau region?

The region's 'caves' primarily consist of man-made structures like the extensive tunnel system of the Gonzen Iron Mine, which showcases impressive ore deposits. The natural Tüfels Chuchi is described as a geologically interesting miniature cave, covered in moss and dispensing water, indicating natural rock formations. The grottoes are often carved into natural rock faces or constructed to resemble natural caves.

Are there any viewpoints near the caves around Wartau?

While the caves themselves are often underground or nestled into rock formations, the mountainous terrain surrounding Wartau offers numerous viewpoints. Many hiking and biking trails in the region, such as those found in Hiking around Wartau, lead to scenic vistas overlooking the Rhine Valley and the Churfirsten range.

What do visitors enjoy most about the caves around Wartau?

Visitors appreciate the unique blend of history and spirituality offered by the sites. The Gonzen Iron Mine fascinates with its underground world and historical significance. The various grottoes, like the Lourdes Grottoes, Mels, are valued for their serene atmosphere and as places of prayer and reflection, often integrated into pleasant walks.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Wartau:

GamsSennwaldGrabsSevelen

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