The history of Warmbad spa

Time is incorruptible: many great houses have a history, but mostly only that. In order to keep great historical traditions alive, the harmonious interaction of many elements is needed. At the beginning there was the healing power of the Warmbad spring.  We know that the Romans enjoyed themselves here in the warm spring about 2000 years ago, and centuries before them the Celts, for whom this place of mystical energy was a sanctuary. In the late 17th century, the ‘warm bath’, then called Töplitz, was already equipped with two pavilions at the site of today's original spring when bathers were cared for by a single inn. The modern era began in the middle of the 19th century when Ludwig Walter, who belonged to the second generation of the family, paved the way to the future with the Walterhof, the traditional core of today's Warmbaderhof. One spent pleasurable bathing hours to restore one’s health, and gradually, the word spread. The King of Saxony, archdukes and industrial magnates once held court here. In addition to the benefits of bathing, the relaxing atmosphere presumably contributed to doing business and discussing politics, another historical facet connected to this place. In the second half of the 20^th century, after the crises of both world wars, people were happy to return to their summer resorts. Discerning guests who appreciated international standards stayed at the Warmbaderhof and the Karawankenhof once again. Finally, under the aegis of the 5th generation, Alfred and Gerti Tschamer, bathing tourism was heading for its new heyday.

In the 1960s, flourishing tourism and the development of Dobratsch created the opportunity for two 6^th generation sisters, Helga and Gerda, to take an active role. The Karawankenhof and Warmbaderhof were generously extended and the outdoor swimming pool was given a contemporary look. The recovery of Warmbad was also registered in higher places: on April 26, 1978, Warmbaderhof was granted the right to bear the Austrian national coat of arms due to its special merits.  Today, in the 21st century, the internationally acclaimed, futuristic KärntenTherme and the newly built Karawankenhof spa hotel has set milestones. The consistent cultivation of the Warmbaderhof as a 5-star hotel for guests with high expectations successfully continues the tradition of this great hotel. On the threshold of the 9th generation, the Warmbad-Villach thermal spa resort is well positioned for the future and is one of the leading holiday health resorts in Austria.