Roman Spring (Römerquelle)

Baden, a town in Lower Austria, is famous for its 14 natural sulphur thermal springs that have been used for healing and relaxation since ancient times. The Roman Spring (Römerquelle) is one of the oldest and most significant springs in Baden, as it reveals the origins of the town and its connection to the Roman Empire.

The Roman Legacy

The Roman Spring is located under the Sommerarena in the Kurpark, the historic spa park of Baden. It is also known as the Original Spring (Ursprungsquelle), as it is the first spring that was discovered and exploited by the Romans around 50 AD. The Romans, who were stationed in nearby Vindobona (Vienna) and Carnuntum, were attracted by the warm and mineral-rich water that gushed out of a fissure in the ground. They built an impressive bathing complex at the spring, which included a sweating house (sudatorium), a cold bath (frigidarium), a warm bath (tepidarium), and a hot bath (caldarium).

The bathing complex was not only a place for hygiene and health, but also for socializing and entertainment. The Romans enjoyed various activities such as games, music, poetry, and massage in the baths. They also dedicated altars and offerings to the gods, especially to Aquae, the goddess of the spring and the source of life. The spring gave the town its name, as the Romans called it Aquae (Latin for “water” or “spring”). Later, the town was renamed Baden, which means “bathing” in German.

The Roman Spring and the bathing complex were used for about 400 years, until the decline of the Roman Empire and the invasions of the Germanic tribes. The spring was buried and forgotten for centuries, until it was rediscovered in 1796 during construction work. The remains of the Roman baths and the offerings to Aquae were excavated and preserved in the Rollett Museum in Baden. The spring itself was enclosed by a glass dome, which allows visitors to see the bubbling up of the sulphur water from the fissure.

The Modern Spa Town

The Roman Spring is not the only spring in Baden that has been used for therapeutic purposes. There are 13 other springs that vary in temperature, composition, and location. Together, they produce more than 4 million liters of natural sulphur thermal water between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius every day. The water contains various minerals such as calcium, magnesium, sodium, and sulphate, which have beneficial effects on the skin, muscles, joints, and respiratory system.

The springs have made Baden a popular spa town since the Middle Ages, attracting many visitors from Austria and abroad. Some of the famous guests who enjoyed the healing waters of Baden include Emperor Franz Joseph I, Empress Elisabeth (Sisi), Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Johann Strauss, and Arthur Schnitzler. Baden has also developed a rich cultural and artistic scene, with many theaters, museums, festivals, and parks.

Today, Baden is still a renowned spa destination, offering a variety of wellness and leisure facilities. The Römertherme (Roman Spa) is a modern thermal spa that combines the ancient tradition of the Roman baths with the latest technology and design. It features indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, massage rooms, and a fitness center. The Kurpark, where the Roman Spring is located, is a beautiful green oasis that invites visitors to relax and enjoy nature. It has a rose garden, a music pavilion, a casino, and a summer arena.

Baden bei Wien, Austria