The gentle movement of the warm water around you. A pleasant feeling of physical lightness. And the awareness of escaping the stress of everyday life for a moment. Thermal baths are said to have a relaxing, even healing effect on body and soul. But what makes thermal water so healthy? Where does it come from? And how does it find its way into our oasis of calm? Join us as we explore the origins of thermal water – from the spring to the relaxation pool at the Thermal Römerbad.
What are thermal springs anyway?
A thermal spring is a spring where the temperature of the emerging water is at least 20°C. The water can sometimes originate from a depth of over 1,000 metres. However, it does not reach the earth's surface just like that: water can only escape if a region is characterised by deep currents or volcanic activity, if there is a crack in the earth's crust and if the groundwater level is very high.
However, the gushing water is not only warm, but also contains many mineral substances, which are said to have a positive effect on the body. Thermal springs are therefore often referred to as healing springs.
The Kirchheim Spring.
According to a legend from the Middle Ages, the discovery of the thermal spring in Bad Kleinkirchheim can be traced back to Poto, a Bavarian count palatine. He is said to have used the spring as a hiding place during his flight in 1055 and discovered its healing powers. News about the miraculous water spread quickly, of course. Many people then came to the so-called 'Eye Spring', which you can still visit in the crypt of St. Kathrein's Church.
From the spring into the pool.
Even today, thermal springs are a place of refuge – but nowadays they are used more for relaxation and recreation. The Romans had already recognised this and took advantage of the therapeutic effect of thermal baths. While they still had to rely on natural springs of volcanic origin, it is much easier for us today.
The Kirchheim spring was characterised by the formation of the Dolomite mountain range and the accompanying tectonic plate shift that makes it possible for the thermal water to escape in the first place. Today the healing water gets extracted from a depth of about 240 metres and pumped through underground pipes to the Thermal Römerbad. Once there, it passes through several filter systems before it can be provided at a temperature of 31-34 °C for you to relax in. To ensure that the thermal water stays warm, we rely on various heat sources, some of which are solar-powered.
Hygiene comes first.
Of course, we regularly clean the water in the Thermal Römerbad and constantly check it for germs and bacteria. An official inspection is also carried out once a year, during which the chlorine level is checked. Because Austrian Bathing Hygiene Regulation stipulates that thermal water in Carinthian thermal spas must also be treated with a small amount of chlorine. Germs and pathogens can thus be efficiently killed. To the human nose, however, the added chlorine in the thermal water is barely perceptible, if at all.
The superpowers of thermal water.
Our Bad Kleinkirchheim thermal water is rich in minerals which can develop their health-promoting effect particularly well due to the warm water temperature. You can see exactly what they do in the body in the following diagram:
As you can see, body, mind and soul benefit equally from a relaxing thermal bath. It's worth a try! Please note, however, that you should not spend more than 45 minutes in the bath - because bathing for too long can overload circulation. The medically recommended bathing time is only 15-20 minutes. Generally speaking, it is better to bathe more often, but for shorter periods!
Now you really have earned yourself a little wellness. How about a day of total relaxation at the Thermal Römerbad? With the Carpe Diem day package, you can enjoy our diverse world of thermal baths in a very special way. Be pampered with a massage, feel the pleasant warmth in the sauna and steam bath and relax in the healing thermal water. May we reserve a lounger for you?
The Thermal Römerbad at a glance.
- Acrato thermal water: 34°C
- 827 m² of water surface (indoor, outdoor and children's pool)::
- Outdoor pool thermal bath with floor bubbler
- Panorama pool at sauna area with 6 air loungers
- Outdoor pool at sauna garden with gargoyle
- Adventure pool with massage jets and floor bubbler
- Water-treading pool – Kneipp: cold/warm
- Indoor pool with 12 massage jets, 2 water fountains, 3 counter-current jets, torrent, waterfall, floor bubbler and small water slide
- Children's pool and paddling pool with floor bubbler, water jet, whale and stream
- Sauna area with 13 different steam baths and saunas on 3 levels
- Massage and beauty centre
- Regional cuisine in the restaurant gellius
