Karlbad

Karlbad is a traditional farmer bath located at 1,693 meters (5,554 feet) in the Nockberge Biosphere Park within the Gurktal Alps of Carinthia. The facility houses simple overnight rooms and receives about 30 guests daily who come to soak in the mineral-rich waters.

The bath was founded in the 17th century and received its present architectural form in 1893 as a traditional Carinthian timber structure. The facility has maintained its original layout and purpose without major alterations since its redesign over a century ago.

The place is known for its traditional bathing ritual in separate wooden tubs, a practice that has connected local people to this mineral spring for generations. Visitors experience a bathing method that remains largely unchanged from how it was used centuries ago.

The bath operates from June through September and requires reservations in advance due to limited daily capacity. Plan to arrive early and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the high mountain setting experiences rapid weather changes.

Water heating relies on an ancient technique where hot stones from the nearby Karl stream are thrown into cold spring water. The dramatic cracking of stones releases minerals and warms the water to a specific temperature that creates an unusual bathing sensation.

Location: Krems in Kärnten

GPS coordinates: 46.93000,13.76928

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05