Bad Hall
Where health and a positive outlook on life come together
Bad Hall – a spa town with a spring and music
Thermal waters and theatre lighting. Spa gardens and cultural stage.
Bad Hall lies in the heart of Upper Austria – nestled amongst rolling hills, vast fields and the tranquil power of centuries-old springs. As a spa town steeped in tradition in the 360° Alpine landscape, the town stands for health, culture and mindful breaks. The iodine-brine spring bubbles up from the depths, its effects having shaped Bad Hall for generations and the Eurotherme Mediterrana into a place of soothing warmth. Amidst the panoramic pools, sauna world and graduation grotto in the spacious spa gardens, relaxation becomes tangible – peaceful, clear and unpretentious.
At the same time, Bad Hall reveals itself as a vibrant cultural town. The Forum Hall brings together museums and exhibitions, whilst the Stadttheater, operettas, concerts and cabaret fill the auditorium with life. Historic façades, narrow alleyways and well-kept squares tell the story of the town’s development as a spa resort and of the identity of a region that blends tradition with the present.
Anyone strolling through the 34-hectare spa gardens will come across ancient trees, open meadows and views stretching all the way to the Kalkalpen National Park. Walking and cycling trails lead directly from the town centre out into the Alpine foothills, towards the Steyr Valley or to tranquil spots along the Sulzbach. This way, wellness holidays, cultural trips and nature experiences come together within easy reach – right in the heart of the Alps, where town and countryside blend together naturally.
Facts & Figures
History of the town of Bad Hall
From salt to spa town
Bad Hall in Upper Austria tells its story quietly – yet powerfully. What is now known as a spa town set amidst 360° of Alpine scenery began with a spring. Salt production was first documented as early as 777 , when the brine was handed over to Kremsmünster Abbey. Salt was a precious commodity; it provided employment and drew people to the Kremstal valley. In 1287, the town was granted market rights – a sign of its growing importance in the heart of Upper Austria.
In the 19th century , the discovery of the spring’s iodine content fundamentally transformed life in Bad Hall . The first bathing establishment was built in 1826, and in 1855 the town became Upper Austria’s official spa. With the title ‘Bad’ granted in 1876, the town finally became a spa resort. The spa gardens, the bandstand and the historic bathhouses still characterise the town’s appearance today – places where culture, health and a zest for life come together.
Anyone walking through the extensive spa gardens today or encountering history at the Forum Hall can sense this journey from a salt-boiling settlement to a modern wellness and cultural town. Bad Hall combines tradition and the present – nestled amongst rolling hills, close to the rivers Krems and Steyr, just a stone’s throw from the mountains and the national park. Here, history is not merely on display, but is lived – as part of the Alpine region that unites nature, culture and mindfulness in one place.
Interesting facts about the town of Bad Hall in 360° Alpenland
Bad Hall has been known as a spa town for centuries. To this day, the natural iodine-rich brine springs shape the town’s health and wellness offering, making it an important destination for spa treatments, regeneration and mindful breaks in the 360° Alpine landscape. Set amongst the historic town centre, the extensive spa gardens and the modern thermal baths, a harmonious blend of tradition and contemporary wellness unfolds – right in the heart of Upper Austria.
The Bad Hall Thermal Spa is a centre for wellness and health. Its thermal pools, sauna complex and medical treatments harness the power of iodine-rich brine, combining traditional spa treatments with modern relaxation. Anyone seeking to slow down amidst the 360° Alpine landscape will find a place here where body and mind can find peace – nestled within the spa town’s parkland.
Iodine brine is used in spa and balneotherapy as a complementary treatment for acute and chronic conditions. It is used in the form of baths, drinking cures, wraps, inhalations and eye treatments, and is said to relieve pain, regulate cardiovascular function and have a relaxing and revitalising effect.
Baths in iodine brine promote the absorption of minerals through the skin. Iodine itself is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Furthermore, it is said to have properties that stimulate blood circulation, dilate blood vessels, act as an expectorant, reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.
Areas of application include cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic venous disorders, respiratory conditions (e.g. chronic bronchitis, asthma, COPD), degenerative disorders of the musculoskeletal system, certain skin and eye conditions, psychological stress reactions and chronic pain. You can find further information HERE.
The Bad Hall Spa Gardens covers around 34 hectares and has been expanded over the years to include valuable native and exotic trees as well as a wide variety of shrubs. Imaginatively planted flowerbeds, a large biotope, a natural pond and around 20 themed gardens – ranging from a shade garden to a villa garden – characterise its appearance. Along over 20 kilometres of walking trails, you’ll encounter ancient giant trees, flowering beds and impressive Art Nouveau villas. The Gradiergrotte, varied themed trails and regular spa concerts make the park the green heart of the city.
Bad Hall combines a tradition of spa culture with a vibrant cultural scene. The Museum Forum Hall brings together several collections under one roof. The modern Bad Hall Municipal Theatre provides a stage for the Bad Hall Opera, Operetta and Musical Festival, as well as for concert and cabaret evenings. The Bad Hall Spa Orchestra, together with its ensembles, provides entertainment all year round at the visitor centre and in the pavilion in the spa gardens. In this way, culture in the 360° Alpine region is not merely staged, but lived.
You can find further events in Bad Hall HERE.
The Therme Mediterrana in Bad Hall is a place of tranquillity, rejuvenation and renewed energy. Nestled in a beautiful park with a Mediterranean atmosphere, you can enjoy soothing thermal water basins and pools, relaxation in the Roman bath and a varied sauna world – more than just a short break – a whole new level of relaxation. The Centre for Mindfulness centred around the Rablvilla puts yoga and meditation at the heart of the experience.
Combined with its proximity to Steyr, the Kalkalpen National Park and the region between Pyhrn and Priel, this creates a varied stay in the 360° Alpine landscape.
The Bad Hall cycling region comprises 400 kilometres (12 routes ranging from 14 km to 58 km) of signposted routes – from leisurely family rides to challenging routes with significant elevation gain. E-bike riders benefit from the hilly terrain, whilst road cyclists enjoy well-developed links to the Steyr Valley. A cycling holiday in the 360° Alpine landscape means riding at your own pace.
From the town festival to operetta and musical productions at the municipal theatre , Bad Hall offers a varied programme of events. Spa concerts in the park, theatre evenings and regional festivals bring guests and locals together. Here, events are not just an added bonus, but an integral part of the town’s way of life.
There is a diverse and varied programme for visitors and locals alike. As well as the events at the Town Theatre, the Summer Sound concerts – featuring a wide variety of bands and musical genres (every Saturday) – create a lively atmosphere in the bandstand of the spa gardens during the summer. You also have the chance to get to know our region even better on guided town tours (every Saturday).
Inns, cafés and restaurants in Bad Hall specialise in Upper Austrian produce and seasonal cuisine. The spectrum ranges from traditional pubs to fine spa patisseries. Here, the culinary experience in the 360° Alpine region is all about authenticity – complemented by the proximity to local farms.
Gradiergrotte = Austria’s only free open-air inhalation chamber and, as such, a real gem for your health.
The Gradiergrotte acts as a natural open-air inhalatorium, where finely atomised iodine-brine water evaporates over bundles of hawthorn, enriching the air with iodine salt and essential oils. This salty aerosol-rich air can help alleviate respiratory conditions such as chronic bronchitis, sinusitis and asthma. For optimal results, a daily visit of ten to twenty minutes over several weeks is recommended.
Open from May to November – freely accessible to all visitors daily from 08:00 to 22:00.