Tripping the "light" fantastic at Tamina Gorge in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland

For the second straight year Tamina Gorge is morphing into a
breathtaking extravaganza of light 
(Courtesy: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz)

BAD RAGAZ, SWITZERLAND — World famous Tamina Gorge in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland is lighting its mysterious caves from now until September 30th.

After the overwhelming success of the first multimedia light show last year, a collaborative effort between the local tourism organization, the canton of St. Gallen, the local authority and the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz is once again illuminating the site where thermal waters have bubbled  from their source for centuries.

Gateway to a mystical showcase of 3-D light images
(Courtesy: Grand Resport Bad Ragaz)

Modern technology has been incorporated to create the a mesmerizing spectacle ingeniously transforming Tamina Gorge into the largest natural screen in the world.

As visitors enter the mysterious rock face setting, they are suddenly transported into a strange world that exists somewhere between illusion and reality. By incorporating a world of natural spring water and the power of the elements the breathtaking explosion of light carries visitors into a new dimension of sensuality.

A visual feast for the senses
(Courtesy: Grand Resort
Bad Ragaz)

"Light Ragaz" is truly visual feast for the senses.

The one of a kind show was created by Projektil, a Zurich-based agency, last year. An immediate hit with visitors, there was never any doubt that the exhibition would have a second-coming and chances are good it will ultimately become an internationally known annual display.

The word bad in German translates to something very good for most people because it means "spa" or "bath" in English. Thus any village or hotel property in a German speaking country means travelers can expect to luxuriate away their cares with relaxing wellness programs that are second to none.

In the shadow of the Alps
(Courtesy: Grand Resort
Bad Ragaz)

Approximately 800 years ago warm water was discovered leaking from the crevices of the cold stone of the mystical gorge. Local monks from nearby Pfäfers Monastery believed the thermal phenomenon was caused by a dragon living in the gorge.

As far as the monks were concerned there could be no other explanation for the continuous patches of fog emanating from the entrance to the cave.

Despite the fact that the mystery was solved in 1242 when the healing waters were discovered, it took three more centuries before the physician and scientist Paracelsus came to Bad Ragaz and confirmed the therapeutic advantages of the waters.

Thermal luxury in the resort pool at Bad Ragax
(Courtesy: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz)

Now in its second iteration, light artists project 3D effects onto the structures and rock formations of the gorge. Using cutting edge technology, the light casts illuminations more than 260-feet high in some places taking visitors on a spectacular visual journey of brilliant colors that is more than a half-mile long.

"Light Ragaz" is a one-of-a-kind exhibition that is gaining in popularity each year  (Courtesy: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz)

Gates at "Light Ragaz" open to its other world dimension at 5:30 each evening presenting alluring Swiss nature as it has never been viewed before.

Grand Resort Bad Ragaz has an "air" of elegance and style
(Courtesy: Grand Resort Bad Ragaz)

Travelers can combine a visit to the light show with a stay at the Grand Resort Bad Ragaz which, according to the newspaper "SonntagsZeitung" is the best wellness  hotel in the country.

A special rate for a stay at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz during Light Ragaz includes:

     •     2 overnight stays and an extensive breakfast buffet

     •     Entry to the Thermal Spa with its legendary pool, Helenabad, plus bathing in the beloved Tamina Therme (public thermal healing baths)

    •     Welcome drink in the bar

    •     1x 4 course Light Ragaz Dinner in Restaurant Bel-Air, Olives d'Or, Zollstube or Namun

   •     Entry to Light Ragaz in the Tamina Gorge incl. return travel by bus.

The Garden Pool beckons
(Courtesy: Grand Resort
Bad Ragaz)

Situated in the eastern Swiss region of Heidiland, Grand Hotel Bad Ragaz offers seven restaurants with a total of 59 Gault Millau points and 1 Michelin Star, a bistro, a Sushi-take-away and a café all cater for culinary delights. There are also two golf courses available for guests, a business and events center, a variety of cultural activities and a casino to  complement the experience.

The "Blue Gold" of Bad Ragaz, discovered in Tamina Gorge in 1242, offers guests a unique and authentic spa experience in the thermal spa as well as the popular public thermal baths,  Tamina Therme.

A spa for all seasons
(Courtesy: Grand Resort
Bad Ragaz)

This is enhanced by the internationally renowned medical center’s supporting medicinal achievements, including the Swiss Olympic Medical Centre.

A visit to "Light Ragaz" promises to be an "illuminating" one-of-a-kind experience that's, well...let's just say absolutely "gorge"-ous.

Combined with a stay at Grand Resort Bad Ragaz and you will quickly learn that being "bad" never felt so good.