Schwefelquelle Östringen, Natural sulfur spring in Östringen, Germany

The Schwefelquelle Östringen is a captured sulfur spring on a clearing in the Krummbachwald forest. Its water rises cold from a depth of 130 m and carries 1.5 g/l of dissolved minerals, including 30 mg/l of hydrogen sulfide, which gives it the smell of rotten eggs. The present fountain, built in 1960, has a futuristic design and stands on a circular platform surrounded by closed woodland, with several benches nearby.

The spring facility was constructed in 1960 when Östringen sought to develop into a spa town, inspired by successful thermal springs in nearby towns. The facility reflects an era when mineral springs were seen as promising economic drivers for small communities.

The water is said to have healing powers and to support the immune system, and the hydrogen sulphide gives it the smell of rotten eggs. Visitors who drink regularly should keep their daily intake of hydrogen sulphide below 100 mg. The name of the spring is not explained in the sources.

The walk to the spring begins from the Am Fischbach parking area and leads approximately 400 meters through the forest to the fountain structure. The path is well-marked and walkable but sturdy shoes are recommended, especially after rain when forest ground becomes wet.

Unlike the well-known thermal spas Bad Schönborn and Bad Mingolsheim nearby, the water temperature here stays cold year-round. This rare combination of cold mineral water with sulphur content sets this spring apart among German healing springs.