Trinkhalle Bad Ischl

Trinkhalle Bad Ischl, or the drinking hall, is a classical building that serves as a spa and a tourist attraction in the Austrian town of Bad Ischl. The drinking hall has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century, when it was first established as a brine bath by Franz Lössl, a local entrepreneur. The drinking hall has undergone several changes and renovations over the years, but it has always maintained its elegant and distinctive style. Today, the drinking hall is a popular destination for visitors who want to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the mineral water, as well as the cultural and historical significance of the place.

The Origins of the Drinking Hall

The drinking hall was created as a brine bath in 1829 by Franz Lössl in the classical style and opened in 1831. The brine bath was a novel idea at the time, as it used the salt water from the nearby salt mines to treat various ailments and diseases. The brine bath was also a source of income for Lössl, who charged a fee for the use of the facility.

In 1823, the saline physician Josef Goerz established the first bathing chamber in Ischl, which was located near the drinking hall. Goerz was a pioneer in the field of balneology, or the science of bathing, and he promoted the health benefits of the brine water. He also wrote a book on the subject, titled “The Saline Baths of Ischl”, which was published in 1827.

The drinking hall soon attracted the attention of the nobility and the royalty, who visited Ischl for its scenic beauty and its healing waters. A gallery with Corinthian columns was added to the new structure, which gave it a more grand and majestic appearance. The drinking hall was originally dubbed Solbad or Wirerbad after Franz Wirer, Emperor Franz Joseph I’s personal physician. Wirer was instrumental in developing Ischl’s popularity as a summer resort and health resort, as he convinced the emperor and his family to spend their vacations there. Wirer also supervised the medical treatments and the hygiene standards of the drinking hall.

In addition to different baths, whey-based drinking treatments were offered at the drinking hall. Whey is a by-product of cheese making, and it was believed to have beneficial effects on the digestion, the blood circulation, and the skin. The drinking hall also had a discussion salon, where spa guests gathered to socialize, play games, read newspapers, and listen to music. The drinking hall was a hub of cultural and intellectual activity, as well as a place of relaxation and wellness.

The Transformation of the Drinking Hall

The drinking hall underwent several expansions and modifications in the mid-19th century, as it became more popular and crowded. Two side wings were added to the structure between 1851 and 1853, which increased the capacity and the comfort of the spa. The drinking hall also received a new facade, a new roof, and a new entrance. The drinking hall was now a splendid and impressive building, which reflected the prestige and the prosperity of Ischl.

The drinking hall continued to be a favorite destination for the imperial family and the high society, who enjoyed the lavish and luxurious lifestyle of the spa town. The drinking hall was also a witness to some important historical events, such as the engagement of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, or Sisi, in 1853, and the signing of the Treaty of Bad Ischl in 1865, which ended the Schleswig-Holstein War between Prussia and Austria.

However, the drinking hall also faced some challenges and difficulties in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as the political and social situation in Europe changed. The drinking hall lost some of its glamour and appeal, as the spa culture declined and the tourism industry shifted to other destinations. The drinking hall also suffered from the effects of the two world wars, which disrupted the normal operations and the maintenance of the facility.

The drinking hall was momentarily ignored in the twentieth century, as it became outdated and neglected. The drinking hall was scheduled to be demolished in the 1960s, but it was ultimately determined to be preserved, thanks to the efforts of the local community and the heritage activists. In 1963, extensive renovations began, which aimed to restore the original beauty and functionality of the drinking hall. The renovations also added some modern features and amenities, such as a cafeteria, a souvenir shop, and a museum.

The Revival of the Drinking Hall

The drinking hall regained its former glory and popularity in the 21st century, as it became a part of a larger project to revitalize and modernize the spa town of Bad Ischl. The federal state of Upper Austria, which possessed the once-again abandoned structure, traded the pump room near Bad Ischl for portions of the old building yard in 2005. The “Statute for the Establishment of the Drinking Hall as a Business with Market-Oriented Activities in the Municipality of Bad Ischl” was passed by the Bad Ischler Council in March 2006. The statute gave the drinking hall a new purpose and a new direction, as it aimed to make it a profitable and attractive enterprise.

The drinking hall underwent another round of conversion and renovation, which cost 1.9 million euros. The 2007 restoration restored the original off-white color scheme as well as interior work; the pillars’ palmettes and acanthus leaves are gold again. The forecourt was also updated, with new paving, lighting, and landscaping. The drinking fountain, which is no longer in use, will be rebuilt, as a symbol of the drinking hall’s history and identity.

The drinking hall is now a multifunctional and versatile venue, which offers a variety of services and events. The drinking hall is used by the Bad Ischl spa administration, as well as the Bad Ischl Tourist Association. The drinking hall provides information and guidance to the visitors, as well as tickets and reservations for the spa facilities and the cultural programs. The drinking hall also hosts exhibitions, concerts, lectures, workshops, and festivals, which showcase the local and regional art, culture, and heritage. The drinking hall is a place of encounter and exchange, where people can meet, learn, and enjoy.

Bad Ischl, Austria