Bad Bleiberg
In the Austrian state of Carinthia, in the south, Bad Bleiberg provides a singular fusion of natural beauty, spa tourism, and mining history. Mining lead and zinc has long influenced the town’s economics and culture. At the tourist mine, tourists may now explore the subterranean tunnels and discover about the history and mining methods. A hot spring found in one of the mining shafts made Bad Bleiberg a spa town as well. Mineral-rich and having therapeutic qualities for a variety of diseases is the thermal water. For visitors of the spa, the town has a number of hotels and wellness centres. Part of the Gailtal Alps, Bad Bleiberg is situated on the northern slope of the Dobratsch mountain. Hikers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts frequent the mountain. Its unusual plant and animal life also includes a few uncommon orchid and butterfly species.
Bad Bleiberg mostly depends on tourism as the town draws tourists from all over the world. Two primary draws of the town are the spa and the tourist mine. Former lead and zinc mine, the tourist mine was in operation from the fourteenth century until 1993. With more than a thousand kilometers of tunnels, the mine spans 60 km2. See the original tools, machinery, and equipment that the miners utilized by taking guided tours of the mine. Along with multimedia presentations, displays, and mining process demonstrations, the tours also feature. May through October is when the mine is open, and visits last around 90 minutes. Using underground thermal water, the spa is an opulent and contemporary establishment. Minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron are highly concentrated in the 36°C heated water. For the skin, muscles, joints, and respiratory system, the water is supposed to be healthy. Massages, saunas, pools and jacuzzis are just a few of the treatments and services the spa provides. Year-round operation of the spa is accompanied with a towel, bathrobe, and locker included in the admission charge.
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Geography Of Bad Bleiberg
Bad Bleiberg is a town in the state of Carinthia in southern Austria. Situated 920 metres above sea level, the town has an area of 51.6 square kilometers. Part of the Southern Limestone Alps, the Gailtal Alps envelop the town. Rising to 2166 m, the Dobratsch is the tallest mountain in the region and has a commanding presence over the surroundings. Given the picturesque route that ascends to the peak, the Dobratsch is often referred to as the Villach Alpine route. May to October is when the road is open, and it provides breathtaking views of the forests, lakes, and valleys. A unique and varied flora and wildlife make the Dobratsch a natural reserve as well. Over eight hundred plant species call the mountain home, including some rare and endangered species like the Dobratsch gentian and lily. Other than the golden eagle, the alpine chough, and the rock ptarmigan, the mountain is home to more than 100 bird species. With over 120 species, including many uncommon and protected ones like the Apollo butterfly and the clouded Apollo, the mountain is also a butterfly lover’s dream come true.
Weather & Climate In Bad Bleiberg
Four different seasons characterise the continental climate of Bad Bleiberg. An average of 1100 mm of precipitation and 8.5°C annual temperature are recorded for the town. At an average temperature of 18.5°C, July is the hottest month; January is the coldest, at -1.5°C. At 140 mm of average rainfall, June is the wettest month; February is the driest, at 60 mm. There are often 1800 hours of sunshine and 120 days of snowfall in the town each year. The town is appropriate to visit all year round as it provides unique events and attractions for every season. Springtime finds the town awash in vibrant flowers and crisp, clean air. The spa is the ideal spot to unwind and chill off in the summer when the town is warm and bright. Autumn finds the town painted in shades of crimson and gold, while the mountain is perfect for riding and trekking. The mountain offers excellent skiing and snowshoeing, while the town is charming and beautiful in the winter.
Demographics Of Bad Bleiberg
The population of Bad Bleiberg was 2,283 at the 2021 census. 52 persons per km² is the low population density in the town, while 47 years old is the average age. Since 97% of the people in the town are German speakers, the language is spoken there most of the time. As 2% of the population speaks Slovene as their first language, the town also has a tiny minority of Slovene speakers. At 87% of the population having finished secondary or higher school, the town has a high level of education. At 4% of the population, the town has a low unemployment rate. Given its low crime rate, excellent medical facilities, and vibrant social and cultural life, the town offers a good quality of life.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Bad Bleiberg
There are six districts in Bad Bleiberg, and each district is further split into 17 neighborhoods. Districts are:
- Bad Bleiberg: Home of the tourist mine and spa, this is the town’s principal and biggest area. Nine neighborhoods comprise this district: Bad Bleiberg, Bleiberg-Kreuth, Bleiberg-Nötsch, Hüttendorf, Kadutschen, Kreuth, Obertschern, Untertschern, and Zuchen.
- Bleiberg ob Villach: Home of the Dobratsch mountain, this is the second-largest district in the town. Bleiberg-Dorf, Bleiberg-Grabanz, Bleiberg-Hinterberg are the four neighbourhoods in this district.
- Bleiberger Graben: The mining museum and the mining chapel are situated in this, the town’s third-largest area. Bleiberger Graben and Bleiberg-Neuhaus are the two neighbourhoods within this area.
- Hüttengraben: Comprising the mining cemetery and school, this is the town’s fourth-largest district. Hüttengraben is the single neighbourhood in this district.
- Rottenstein: The Rottenstein castle and lake are situated in this, the town’s fifth-largest neighborhood. Rottenstein is the single neighbourhood in this district.
- Weißenbach: Home of the Weißenbach waterfall and the Weißenbach church, this is the tiniest section in town. Weißenbach is the single neighbourhood in this district.
History Of Bad Bleiberg
As Bad Bleiberg was established and grew as a mining location, its history is intimately related to that of mining. The town was initially noted as a mining location in 1333 when the local lords were given mining privileges by the Bamberg bishops. Lead and zinc, produced by the mine, were used to make tools, weapons, and coinage. Up to 1420, when they sold it to the Fugger family, a strong Augsburg banking and commercial dynasty, the Bamberg bishops ran the mine. One of the most successful and significant mines in Europe, the Fugger family upgraded and enlarged it. Along with the mining chapel and school, the Fugger family constructed the Rottenstein castle. Up to 1770, the Fugger family held the mine; they then sold it to the Austrian state. Up to 1993, when it closed for financial reasons, the mine was still run by the state. The town was subsequently developed into a spa resort and the mine became a tourist attraction.
Best Time To Visit Bad Bleiberg
Your hobbies and personal tastes will determine when is the best to visit Bad Bleiberg because the town has a variety of events and attractions all year round. Some broad suggestions are, nevertheless:
- The ideal season to visit Bad Bleiberg is winter, when the town is cosy and covered in snow and the spa is the ideal spot to warm up and unwind. The average wintertime temperature is -1.5°C and it lasts from December to February. There are more winter sports possibilities in the town, like snowshoeing and skiing on the Dobratsch mountain.
- The ideal season to visit Bad Bleiberg is summer, when the town is bright and sunny and the mine is open for tours, if you want to take in the tourism mine and the mining history. The average summertime temperature is 18.5°C and it lasts from June to August. Summertime in the town also offers swimming and fishing in the neighboring lakes as well as hiking and biking on the mountain routes.
- Bad Bleiberg is best visited in the spring or fall when the town is adorned with vibrant flowers or golden and red hues and the air is crisp and clean. March through May is the spring season; September through November is the fall season; both have an average temperature of 10.5°C. A few social and cultural activities in the town include markets, concerts, and festivals.
How To Get To Bad Bleiberg
Bad Bleiberg is conveniently connected to the main towns and cities in Austria as well as to neighbouring countries by car, rail, bus, or air. About 60 kilometers from the town is the Klagenfurt Airport, the closest airport. There are flights from the airport to Vienna, Berlin, London, and Zurich among other European locations. One may get to Bad Bleiberg from the airport via taxi, shuttle bus, or rental vehicle. About 20 kilometers from the town is the Villach Hauptbahnhof, the closest train station. There are connections from and to Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, and Innsbruck among other Austrian cities at the rail station. International connections from the rail station include those to and from Slovenia, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy. To get to Bad Bleiberg from the train station, use a bus, taxi, or rental vehicle. Nestled adjacent to the rail station lies the Villach Busbahnhof, the closest bus terminal. Busses to and from Bad Bleiberg run frequently from the bus station. About thirty minutes pass during the bus travel, which costs five euros. Being situated on the A2 highway, which links Vienna and Klagenfurt, Bad Bleiberg is also accessible by automobile. There are enough of parking spots and a well-kept road system in the town.
How To Get Around In Bad Bleiberg
A bike, on foot, or via public transportation are all good ways to get around the little and tiny town of Bad Bleiberg. You may stroll and take in the sights and sounds of the town in the pedestrian zone. The town also offers a bike rental service where you may hire a bike and ride it about the town and its environs. Buses and taxis make up the public transportation system in the town. Every hour the buses pass through the town’s principal areas and attractions. The bus driver or the bus station can sell you a ticket for the about two euros fee. Online or over the phone bookings are accepted for the taxis, which are available around-the-clock. Cash or credit card payments are accepted for the about one euro per kilometer taxi charge.
Attractions & Landmarks In Bad Bleiberg
Numerous sites and attractions highlight Bad Bleiberg’s natural beauty, spa tourism, and mining history. Among the most often used and intriguing are:
- The town’s principal attraction, the Tourist Mine, offers an opportunity to learn about the background and customs of mining. Former lead and zinc mine, the tourist mine was in operation from the fourteenth century until 1993. With more than a thousand kilometers of tunnels, the mine spans 60 km2. See the original tools, machinery, and equipment that the miners utilized by taking guided tours of the mine. Along with multimedia presentations, displays, and mining process demonstrations, the tours also feature. May through October is when the mine is open, and visits last around 90 minutes. About fifteen euros is the admission charge for adults, and ten euros for kids and students.
- The second draw of the town is its spa, where the wellness treatments and thermal water allow you to unwind and reenergize. Using underground thermal water, the spa is an opulent and contemporary establishment. Minerals including calcium, magnesium, and iron are highly concentrated in the 36°C heated water. For the skin, muscles, joints, and respiratory system, the water is supposed to be healthy. Massages, saunas, pools and jacuzzis are just a few of the treatments and services the spa provides. Year-round operation of the spa is accompanied with a towel, bathrobe, and locker included in the admission price. About 20 euros cover adult admission, while 15 euros cover students and children.
- The third feature of the town is the Dobratsch Mountain, where you may take in the Gailtal Alps’ natural beauty. Climbing to 2166 meters, the Dobratsch mountain is the highest point in the vicinity. Because there is a picturesque road to the top of the mountain, it is sometimes referred to as Villach Alpine Road. May to October is when the road is open, and it provides breathtaking views of the forests, lakes, and valleys. You may park and explore the mountain at a number of stations and vistas along the drive. A rich and varied flora and wildlife make the mountain a natural reserve as well. Approximately 800 plant species call the mountain home, including some rare and endangered species like the Dobratsch gentian and lily. Other than the golden eagle, the alpine chough, and the rock ptarmigan, the mountain is home to more than 100 bird species. With more than 120 types of butterflies, including several uncommon and endangered species like the Apollo butterfly and the clouded Apollo, the mountain is also a butterfly lover’s dream come true. Hikers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts frequent the mountain. There are a number of paths and trails on the mountain with varying degrees of time and complexity. In addition, the mountain boasts a ski resort with four lifts and ten kilometers of slopes. Open from December to March, the ski resort charges around 25 euros for adults and 15 euros for kids and students.
Bad Bleiberg - Info Card
| Location | Bad Bleiberg is a market town in the district of Villach-Land, in Carinthia, Austria. It is situated in a high valley on the northern slope of the Dobratsch massif, near the border with Slovenia. |
| Elevation | The town’s elevation is about 920 meters above sea level. |
| Population | The town’s population as of 1 January 2018 was 2,283. |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Bad Bleiberg is located at Thermenweg 1, 9530 Bad Bleiberg. The phone number is +43 4244 31306 and the email address is bleiberg.tourismus@aon.at. |
| Postal code | The postal code of Bad Bleiberg is 9530. |
| Phone prefix | The phone prefix of Bad Bleiberg is 04244. |
| Area | The area of Bad Bleiberg is 51.55 km. |
| Established | The town was first mentioned as Pleyberg in 1333. It received the status of a market town in 1930 and the title of a spa town in 1978. |
| Language | The official language of Bad Bleiberg is German, but some of the residents also speak Slovene. |
| License plate | The license plate of Bad Bleiberg is VL, which stands for Villach-Land. |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Bad Bleiberg consists of two cadastral communities: Bleiberg proper and Kreuth. |
| Weather & Climate | Bad Bleiberg has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is 7.8 °C and the average annual precipitation is 1,306 mm. |
| Best Time To Visit | The best time to visit Bad Bleiberg depends on your preferences and activities. If you enjoy skiing and snowshoeing, you can visit in winter when the town is covered with snow. If you prefer hiking and biking, you can visit in spring or summer when the flowers are blooming and the trails are open. If you want to experience the autumn colors and the harvest festivals, you can visit in fall when the leaves are changing and the fruits are ripe. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Some of the attractions and landmarks of Bad Bleiberg are: – The Heilklimastollen, a former mining tunnel that is now used for therapeutic purposes. It offers a constant temperature of 8 °C, high humidity, and low allergens. – The Terra Mystica, a tourist mine that offers guided underground tours and shows the history and technology of mining. – The Dobratsch Nature Park, a protected area that encompasses the Dobratsch mountain and its surroundings. It offers scenic views, diverse flora and fauna, and hiking trails. – The Bleiberg Museum, a local museum that displays exhibits on the history, culture, and art of Bad Bleiberg. – The Bleiberg Church, a Gothic church that dates back to the 15th century and features a Baroque altar and a frescoed ceiling. |
