Pfäfers, St. Gallen: Wander Through Its Landmarks and Experience the Historical Charm

Discover the historical charm of Pfäfers, St. Gallen. Immerse yourself in its rich heritage as you wander through iconic landmarks and experience the captivating allure of this enchanting Swiss destination.

Overview

Pfäfers is a municipality in the Wahlkreis (constituency) of Sarganserland in the canton of St. Gallen, Switzerland. It is situated on the left bank of the Rhine and consists of the village of Pfäfers and the hamlet of Valens. The village of Pfäfers is known for its hot springs, which have been used for medicinal purposes since Roman times.

History

The area around Pfäfers has been inhabited since prehistoric times and Roman ruins have been found in the nearby town of Bad Ragaz. The hot springs in Pfäfers were known and used for bathing by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, the village was part of the Barony of Sax-Misox and later passed into the hands of the lords of Vaz. In the 15th century, Pfäfers became a possession of the Abbey of Pfäfers, which played an important role in the development of the village. The abbey was dissolved in 1838 and the village became part of the canton of St. Gallen in 1831.

Geography

Pfäfers has an area of 12.9 square kilometers and is located in the Rhine Valley. The village is situated at an altitude of 475 meters above sea level and the surrounding mountains rise up to over 2,000 meters. The Rhine River flows through the municipality and the hot springs of Pfäfers are located on the left bank of the river.

Demographics

As of December 2020, Pfäfers has a population of 1,408. The majority of the population (81.6%) speaks German, with Italian being the second most common language (4.6%). The population has remained relatively stable over the past few decades, with a slight increase in recent years.

Climate

Pfäfers has a continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters. The average temperature in July is 17°C, while the average temperature in January is -2°C. The village receives an average of 1,100 millimeters of precipitation per year, with the majority of rainfall occurring in the summer months.

Landmarks and Tourist Attractions

The main tourist attraction in Pfäfers is the Tamina Therme, a spa complex that uses the hot springs of Pfäfers for its thermal baths. The complex includes indoor and outdoor pools, saunas and a wellness center. The village also has several hiking trails that offer scenic views of the Rhine Valley and the surrounding mountains.

Economy

The economy of Pfäfers is primarily based on tourism, with the Tamina Therme being the main source of employment and income. The village also has a few small businesses, including a bakery, a grocery store and a restaurant.

Nearby Towns and Cities

List of Destinations which are nearby Pfäfers, St. Gallen

Sr. No.	Towns and Cities
1	Unterterzen
2	Flums
3	Wittenbach
4	Bazeheid
5	Grabs
6	Chaldebrunna
7	Degersheim
8	Morschwil
9	Hauptwil-Gottshaus
10	Zuckenriet
11	Winkeln bei Sankt Gallen
12	Sankt-Galo
13	Räbschtä
14	Goldingen
15	Uzwil