Bad Hall
Bad Hall - spa town with spring and sound
Thermal water and theatre lights. Spa park and cultural theatre.
Bad Hall lies in the heart of Upper Austria - nestled between rolling hills, wide fields and the quiet power of centuries-old springs. As a spa town steeped in tradition in 360° Alpenland, the town stands for health, culture and conscious time-outs. The iodine brine spring bubbles up from the depths, the effects of which have characterised Bad Hall for generations and make the Eurotherme Mediterrana a place of soothing warmth. Between the panorama pool, sauna world and graduation grotto in the extensive spa gardens, relaxation becomes tangible - calm, clear and without staging.
At the same time, Bad Hall is a lively cultural centre. The Forum Hall combines museums and exhibitions, while operettas, concerts and cabaret fill the town theatre with life. Historic facades, small alleyways and well-tended squares tell of the development of the spa town and the self-image of a region that combines tradition and the present.
If you take a walk through the 34-hectare spa park, you will encounter old trees, open meadows and views as far as the Kalkalpen National Park. Hiking and cycling trails lead directly from the town centre out into the Alpine foothills, towards the Steyrtal valley or to quiet spots along the Sulzbach stream. Wellness holidays, cultural trips and nature experiences are all within easy reach - in the heart of the Alps, where city and countryside naturally intertwine.
Facts & Figures
History of the town of Bad Hall
From salt to spa town
Bad Hall in Upper Austria tells its story quietly - and yet impressively. What is known today as a spa town in the 360° Alpine region began with a spring. The extraction of salt was documented as early as 777, when the brine was given to Kremsmünster Abbey. Salt was valuable, it provided work and brought people to the Krems 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 iodine content of the spring fundamentally changed life in Bad Hall . The first bathing establishment was built in 1826, and in 1855 the town became the Upper Austrian state baths. The town finally became a spa town with the title of "Bad" in 1876. The spa gardens, music pavilion and historic bathhouses still characterise the town today - places where culture, health and joie de vivre come together.
Anyone who walks through the extensive spa gardens today or encounters history in the Forum Hall can sense this journey from a town of salt boilers to a modern wellness and cultural centre. Bad Hall combines tradition and the present - nestled between gentle hills, close to the Krems and Steyr rivers, just a few steps away from the mountains and the national park. History is not exhibited here, but lived - as part of the Alpine country that unites nature, culture and mindfulness in one space.
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 treatments relieve pain, regulate cardiovascular function and restore energy and a zest for life. The perfect natural remedy for preventive healthcare in cases of acute and chronic conditions. Iodine brine is used in a wide range of applications: drinking cures, baths, wraps, inhalations and eye treatments are extremely effective. Mental well-being also benefits, as baths in iodine brine have a calming and relaxing effect.
The spa gardens in Bad Hall 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 footpaths, 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 serves as the venue 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.