Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau is a municipality and spa town in the Styria, Austrian district of Hartberg-Fürstenfeld. Its population of about 1,600 is dispersed throughout 37.33 square kilometer. Famously, it is home to the massive complex designed by renowned architect Friedensreich Hundertwasser close to the hot springs.
Popular with vacationers, Bad Blumau appeals especially to those seeking tranquilly and wellness. The main attraction is the Rogner Bad Blumau, a thermal spa and hotel built by Hundertwasser in 1997. Along with unique construction that blends in with the surrounds, the spa provides a variety of pools, saunas, massages, and therapies. The spa gets its water from the mineral-rich, 110-degree-Celtic Vulkania Heilquelle spring that emerges from the mantle of the ground. Among other ailments, the water is supposed to relieve stress, skin problems, and rheumatism.
One further attraction in Bad Blumau is the 2012 inauguration of Hundertwasser Church, a small chapel also designed by Hundertwasser. The church is decorated with windows and a spiral-shaped tower in addition to colorful mosaic tiles. All religions are welcome to use the peaceful environment of the church for prayer and meditation.
Further activities and pleasures offered by Bad Blumau include hiking, motorcycling, horseback riding, and wine tasting. The village is surrounded by the lovely hills and meadows of the Styrian countryside and has several routes for environmental exploration. Many vineyards and wineries in the area allow visitors to sample the local wines and learn about the winemaking process. Golfers can find a challenging and enjoyable 27-hole course nearby.
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Geography Of Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau is a town in eastern Styria, close to the Burgenland border. Situated in a valley of the Raab River’s tributary, the Safen River. About 70 kilometres separate the town from Graz, the city of Styria, and 150 kilometres separate it from Vienna, the capital of Austria. Fürstenfeld, Hartberg, Oberwart are the closest towns.
Mostly level, Bad Blumau has a few little hills and slopes. Königsberg, standing 405 meters above sea level, is the town’s highest point. Safen River, at 280 meters above sea level, is the lowest point. Four seasons characterize the town’s moderate continental environment. The average yearly temperature is 9.6 degrees Celsius, and 820 millimetres of precipitation.
Demographics Of Bad Blumau
The population of Bad Blumau was 1,600 at the 2018 census. About 44 persons per square kilometer is the population density, which is less than the average for Austria and Styria. With some minorities of German, Hungarian, Croatian, and other ethnicities, Austrians make up the bulk of the population. Though some also speak Burgenland and Styrian dialects, German is the official language. Roman Catholicism is the most common religion; over 90% of people follow this faith. Additionally present are some Muslims, Protestants, and adherents of other faiths.
At 46.5 years old on average, the majority of people in Bad Blumau are adults and seniors. Negative population growth is the outcome of the town’s low birth and high mortality rates. Since most residents of the town either remain in their hometown or relocate to other cities, there is also little migration in the area. At almost 90% of the population having finished secondary or higher school, the town boasts a high level of education. The town boasts a high employment rate as well; almost 80% of the population works for themselves or for others. Employment is mostly found in tourism, agriculture, trade, and services.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Bad Blumau
There are six districts in Bad Blumau, and each district has eighteen neighbourhoods. Districts are:
- Bad Blumau: The town hall, the spa and the church are situated in Bad Blumau, the biggest and central district. Bad Blumau, Bierbaum a der Safen, Jobst, Kleinsteinbach, Lindegg, Loimeth, Schönau a der Safen, Steinbach, Ubersbach are its nine neighbourhoods.
- Bierbaum: Bordering Burgenland, this is the northernmost district. Bierbaum and Kleinsteinbach are its two neighborhoods.
- Jobst: Lying on the border with Burgenland, this is the easternmost district. Two neighbourhoods are Jobst and Loimeth.
- Kleinsteinbach: Bordering Fürstenfeld, this is the southernmost district. Kleinsteinbach and Steinbach are its two neighbourhoods.
- Lindegg: This district, which borders Hartberg, is the farthest western. Ubersbach and Lindegg are its two neighbourhoods.
- Schönau: Schönau is the smallest district, located in the center of the city. Schönau is the name of its only neighbourhood.
History Of Bad Blumau
First settlement could have happened in the first century AD.This is demonstrated by a number of burial mounds, notably the ones between Kleinsteinbach and Speilbrunn.About 400 AD, peoples moved to resettle East Styria.There most likely were no long-term settlements between 400 and 600 AD.Only the Slavs resettled the region around Blumau.
A string of castles were built, one of which was at Blumau, to fortify the eastern boundary.The 13th-century “Plumenenau” fortress was abandoned in 1400. As so, the castle is now completely gone.Saint Leonhard was honored with the construction of a Gothic chapel in 1480. But by the late 17th century, a landslip was threatening to topple the church.The current parish church of St. Sebastian was built in 1702–1703 by court architect Bartolomäus Ebner in the Baroque style.
Friedensreich Hundertwasser designed the thermal baths, which were inaugurated in 1997.With its opening, the town’s emphasis moved from agriculture to tourism.After Blumau was formally recognized as a health resort in 2001, it was allowed to use the word “Bad” in its name.With hot thermal water at 107 °C, the hotel has been running a geothermal power plant since 2001. It produces 180 kW of electricity.
Many ancient courtyards and buildings have been restored as a consequence of the wealth brought forth by tourism.
The just built primary school received the 2012 Builders’ Prize.
Up to 1951, the town was referred to as Blumau. After that, it was dubbed Blumau in Steiermark before changing its name to Bad Blumau in 2001.
Best Time To Visit Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau is a year-round destination where tourists may enjoy something unique and distinct at every season. Still, some seasons could be more suited for particular interests and pastimes than for others. What each season has to offer is briefly summarized here:
- Spring (March–May): Bad Blumau is best visited during this time of year when the weather is mild and pleasant and the surroundings are in full bloom. Fresh and aromatic air fills the town, which is festooned with vibrant flowers and foliage. Enjoying outdoor pursuits like horseback riding, motorcycling, golfing, and hiking is also a wonderful idea right now. Being the off-season for tourist, the town is neither very busy or pricey.
- June to August is the ideal season to visit Bad Blumau because of the pleasant, bright weather and the energetic town. There are a lot of events and tourists in the town, which exudes joy and celebration. The thermal spa, the pools, and the sunbathing are best enjoyed at this time. Since the town organizes a number of wine festivals and culinary events, this is also the ideal time to sample the regional wines and food. This is the busiest travel time of year, hence the town is more pricey and packed.
- September to November is another excellent season to visit Bad Blumau because of the pleasant, temperate weather and varied, colorful scenery. The town is painted with shades of orange, yellow, and red, and the surroundings are breathtakingly beautiful. Given that the town provides guided tours and exhibitions, this is also a great moment to learn about the local history and environment. Being the shoulder season for tourist, the town is less busy and more affordable.
- Winter (December to February): Bad Blumau is best visited during this time of year because of the chilly, snowy weather and the quaint, laid-back town. There is lovely and serene atmosphere in the town, which is blanketed with white snow and shimmering lights. Enjoying sledding, snowboarding, and skiing is a great idea right now. Enjoying the saunas, massages, and health treatments is also a great idea right now. Being the off-season for tourists, the village is peaceful and reasonably priced.
How To Get To Bad Blumau
Bad Blumau is conveniently reachable by car, rail, bus, and aeroplane. Following are a few ways to reach Bad Blumau:
- By automobile: Bad Blumau is easily accessible by car from a number of directions because to the well-developed road network. About 70 kilometers separate the town from Graz and 150 kilometers separate it from Vienna. Furthermore accessible from Hungary and Slovenia, the town is situated next to their borders. The municipality has a number of parking facilities where guests may park for a charge.
- By rail: Ubersbach area houses the train station at Bad Blumau. Reached by train from a number of cities and towns, including Graz, Vienna, Salzburg, Linz, Klagenfurt, and Bratislava, the train station is linked to the major railway lines. About 4 km separate the town center from the train station, which is accessible by bike, bus, or cab.
- Via bus: The Bad Blumau area houses a bus terminal. From a number of cities and villages, including Fürstenfeld, Hartberg, Oberwart, and Güssing, buses may be taken to the bus station, which is linked to the regional bus network. One may get to the bus station by foot, bike, or cab; it is located around one kilometer from the town center.
- By plane: Although Bad Blumau lacks an airport, Graz and Vienna Airports are the closest ones. Around 60 kilometers separate Graz Airport from Bad Blumau, while 140 kilometers separate Vienna Airport. Regular flights are operated by both airports to and from Munich, Frankfurt, Zurich, London, Paris, and Istanbul among other domestic and international locations. One may travel to Bad Blumau via bus, rail, or auto rental from either airport.
Attractions & Landmarks In Bad Blumau
Many sights and buildings in Bad Blumau highlight the town’s distinctiveness and attractiveness. Among the well-known and most visited sites and monuments are:
- Rogner Bad Blumau: The primary draw and symbol of the town is Rogner Bad Blumau, a thermal spa and hotel created and developed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Enjoying the creative architecture, health treatments, and thermal water, the spa is a vibrant and tranquil haven. The spa offers a range of pools, saunas, massages, and treatments together with distinctive architecture that melds in with the surrounding environment. The spa draws its water from the 110-degree Celsius, mineral-rich Vulkania Heilquelle spring that rises out of the earth’s mantle. There is rumour that the water may cure rheumatism, skin issues, and stress among other conditions.
- Hundertwasser Church: Another feature and attraction of the town is the Hundertwasser Church, a little church that Friedensreich Hundertwasser also planned and constructed. There is a spiral-shaped tower and windows, as well as vibrant mosaic tiles, decorating the church. Open to people of all religions, the church provides a tranquil setting for prayer and meditation.
- Königsberg Castle: Constructed during the 13th century, this medieval fortress is a landmark and historical and cultural attraction of the town. Perched on the town’s tallest point, the castle provides a broad vista over both the town and its environ. Additionally serving as a museum, the castle features a variety of displays and relics connected to the town’s and the area’s past.
- Vulkania Lake: Created by hot spring water, this lake is a landmark and natural, picturesque attraction of the town. Nestled within the spa complex, the lake is around 35 degrees Celsius. The lake is a biotope as well, home to a variety of plants and animals including fish, frogs, and water lilies. Many people go swimming, unwind, and take in the surroundings around the lake.
FAQs About Graz
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bad Blumau, Styria, Austria |
| Elevation | 284 m (932 ft) |
| Population | 1,641 (as of 2018) |
| Tourism Office | Phone: +43 (0) 3383 / 2377, Email: info@bad-blumau.com |
| Postal Code | 8283 |
| Phone Prefix | 03383 |
| Area | 37.33 km² (14.41 sq mi) |
| Established | / |
| Language | German (official language of Austria) |
| License Plate | FF (for the district of Hartberg-Fürstenfeld) |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Bad Blumau, Bierbaum, Kleinsteinbach, Lindegg, and Loimeth |
| Weather & Climate | Mild climate with four distinct seasons. The best time to visit for warm-weather activities is from late June to early September. |
| Best Time To Visit | The cheapest time to visit is between September and November. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Rogner Bad Blumau, 1000-Jährige Eiche, Schloss Burgau, Golfplatz Bad Waltersdorf |
