The oldest salt baths in Austria can be visited in the town of Bad Ischel, located at the confluence of the Traun and Ischl rivers in the Upper Austrian district of Gmunden, between the lakes of the Salzkammergut.

History of the town

The first historical mention of the town dates back to 1442, when it became known as an important centre for trade and salt mining. At that time, however, the town was still called Iselen. The town reached its heyday in the 19th century, when salt baths were established in 1823 to treat infertility and other diseases. Dr Josef Götz discovered the healing effects of the local water, which contains up to 27 % dissolved table salt. He began treating local miners suffering from gout and rheumatism with the bark. It was only the court physician of the Habsburg House, Franz von Wirer, who made Ischl world-famous and spread its reputation throughout the world. He was responsible for the arrival of wealthy guests to the spa.

Present day

Today, this picturesque spa town is enjoying a new heyday thanks to the growing popularity of spa stays and wellness. The town still retains its Biedermeier to Art Nouveau spa character. The centrepiece is the Spa Park with the main spa building and monuments to famous composers including Dr. Würer. Another bathhouse, the Trinkhalle, is located by the waterfront. From here, the monden waterfront, called the Esplanade, runs along the Traun, with its many splendid cafés and restaurants and the former Hotel Austria, which now houses the city museum. There is also the Baroque St Nicholas Church, the classical Lehár Theatre and many fine hotels and villas of important spa guests. Since 1832, the town has been home to the Café Zauner, a confectionery shop hidden in the Pfarrgasse, which was also frequented by members of the imperial family. Today, as then, you can choose from a huge variety of fresh sweets every day.

The local saunas and steam baths are a very pleasant and soothing environment with their imaginative and impressive interiors. The salty water has a beneficial effect on the nervous and respiratory systems, aiding relaxation and regeneration. It has a positive effect on the metabolism and heart function. It also helps to combat allergies.

In addition to the salt springs, Bad Ischl has a rich sulphur spring with water that is very suitable for treating musculoskeletal and skin problems.

Salzkammergut-Therme

The theme of salt and brine is omnipresent in the spa. Salt caves, salt baths, salt water pools, salt baths, salt mud wraps, here the healing power of salt is used everywhere for your health and relaxation.

The modernised complex offers not only effective treatment but also a variety of pleasant experiences. At the spa, you can visit the indoor salt pool with a temperature of 32 °C and loungers equipped with whirlpools. The illuminated salt columns add to the very impressive atmosphere. There are salt pools with various massage jets, whirlpools and also a slow-moving trough that leads through the outdoor area via a salt cave and water massages to the relaxing beach. An outdoor lazy river with plenty of massage jets and an exclusive 36°C salt whirlpool will ensure your absolute relaxation. Within the spa you can also visit the spectacularly designed Relaxium. There are saunas with a sauna garden for different types of sauna sessions. Also cabins with infrared light, caves with brine inhalation and large relaxation areas.

An additional attraction is the Alhambra Oriental relaxation ceremony consisting of four stages.

Although Bad Ischl has a reputation as a renowned spa town, don't limit your visit to relaxing in the pools and saunas; trips into the surrounding area are also worthwhile.

Bad Ischl is located right on the route from the Austrian Alps to Bohemia. So if you don't have time to plan your whole holiday, at least stop here on the way.