Bathhouses In Braunau am Inn

Among the most fascinating and unique structures in Braunau are the three bathhouses that date back to the late medieval and early modern era. These bathhouses, or Badhäuser, are located in the medieval suburban community of “Am Berg,” which is now part of the old town area. They are arranged in a continuous layout along the Stadtbach, a small creek that flows through the town. The bathhouses are a rare and valuable example of the social, cultural, and economic history of the Austrian-Southern German region.

The Badhäuser in Braunau were built between the 14th and 16th centuries, and served as public bathing facilities for the town’s inhabitants. They were divided into three sections, each catering to a different social group. The Hinterbad, also known as Spitalsbad, was located at Mühlengasse 2 and serviced the residents of the Bürgerspital, a charitable institution that housed the poor, the sick, and the elderly. The Mitterbad, located at Am Berg 1, catered to the wealthy locals, who could afford to pay a higher fee for a more luxurious bathing experience. The Vorderbad, located at Färbergasse 13, was used by the rest of Braunau’s population, who had to share the bathing space with strangers and animals.

The bathhouses were not only places for hygiene, but also for socializing, relaxing, and entertainment. Each of the structures was located on a slope near the Stadtbach-Graben, a ditch that carried water from the creek to the bathhouses. The bathing area, as well as other facilities like the cloakroom, warming room, rest room, and fireplace, were usually located on the bottom level of the structure. The water was heated by wood fires and then piped into wooden tubs or stone basins. The bathers could choose between hot, warm, or cold water, depending on their preference and health condition. The water was then drained either to the outside or into the municipal watercourse via drainage conduits. Each of the bath rooms, which featured two aisles and vaulted ceilings, was located on the creek’s bank, allowing for natural ventilation and lighting. The bathers’ accommodations comprised flats on both the ground and upper floors, as well as places for mingling and relaxation. The bathhouses also offered services such as barbering, shaving, hairdressing, massage, and medical treatments. Some of the bathhouses even had musical instruments, games, books, and paintings to entertain the guests.

The bathhouses in Braunau were in operation until the late 18th century, when they gradually declined in popularity and profitability. The reasons for this decline may be attributed to several factors, such as the emergence of new diseases such as syphilis, the rising cost of wood, the increasing popularity of water treatments in mineral baths, and a change in body consciousness. As a result, by the end of the 18th century, the front bath had been closed and converted into a residential building. The other two bathhouses continued to function until the 19th century, when they were also repurposed for other uses. The 20th century saw the deterioration and demolition of some parts of the bathhouses, as well as the restoration and preservation of others.

Today, the bathhouses in Braunau are a seldom maintained monument that offers a glimpse into the past. The remains of the bathing facilities in the front bath are currently on display in a museum, where visitors can learn more about the history and culture of the bathhouses. The other two bathhouses are still privately owned and used as residential or commercial buildings. The bathhouses are not open to the public, but can be viewed from the outside. The bathhouses in Braunau are a unique and valuable heritage that deserves more attention and appreciation.