Bad Blumau is a municipality with 1615 inhabitants (as of January 1, 2020) in the judicial district of Fürstenfeld or the political district of Hartberg-Fürstenfeld in Eastern Styria, around 25 kilometers south of the district capital Hartberg. The small town is best known for its hotel with thermal bath, the Rogner Bad Blumau, which was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
The Parish Church of St.
Sebastian is one of the main attractions and religious center of the
Austrian community of Bad Blumau. Saint Sebastian was a Roman
soldier and is revered as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox
Churches.
The construction of the church began in 1480. It
was then that a magnificent building in the Gothic style arose in
Bad Blumau. But it did not stand too long and collapsed due to the
displacement of the earth layers that occurred in 1701. Only the
chapel of St. Leonard has survived from the previous building.
The modern building of the Church of St. Sebastian was erected
in 1702-1703 according to the drawings and under the guidance of the
master from Graz, Bartholomeus Ebner. In 1987, the church was
overhauled, and in 2001 an organ arrived here from Anton Škrabl's
workshop in Slovenia.
The interior of the church is designed
in a typical Baroque style. On one of the outer walls there is a
sundial with an inscription in two languages - Latin and German:
"Where the sun is, there is life." Above the central altar is a
painting depicting St. Sebastian pierced with arrows. The
multicolored stained glass windows let in enough light to create a
cozy, unique atmosphere.
Not far from
the Austrian community of Bad Blumau, there is the so-called
Millennium Oak - the oldest tree in Europe, which received the
status of a natural monument of national importance. You can find it
in the district of Fürstenfeld on the so-called "oak path" between
the villages of Loymet and Birbaum an der Saphen.
The giant
oak reaches 30 meters in height, the trunk diameter is 2.5 meters,
and the girth is 8.75 meters. It will take 7 adults to hug such a
giant. The crown of a thousand-year-old oak tree is no less
majestic, its diameter exceeds 50 meters.
Since ancient
times, the place near such a remarkable tree has been used for
various kinds of meetings, gatherings, and also as a dance floor. In
the seventies of the XX century, an extraordinary thunderstorm broke
out on the outskirts of Bad Blumau, which caused a real tragedy.
Lightning struck the immense trunk and nearly destroyed an ancient
tree. People came to the aid of the giant. The four-meter wound was
covered with concrete and the oak survived. Later it turned out that
this measure turned more to harm than good. The water flowing down
the concrete inside the oak, accumulating, led to the fact that the
trunk began to rot.
The wife of a successful German
entrepreneur Heidi Horten became interested in the fate of the
millennial oak. It was she who sponsored the renovation of the tree,
which took more than 1000 hours to complete. The "tree surgeon"
brought in for this purpose removed the rotten core with compressed
air and laid a water drainage system, thanks to which the oak
recovered and, as everyone in the area hopes, will live for a long
time.
The first settlement is likely to have occurred in the first
century AD. Some grave mounds (for example between Kleinsteinbach
and Speilbrunn) bear witness to this. Due to the migration of
peoples around 400 AD, Eastern Styria was also repopulated. There
was probably no permanent settlement between 400 and 600 AD. Only
the Slavs repopulated the area around Blumau again.
As part
of the fortification of the eastern border, a belt of castles was
built, which also included a castle in Blumau. In the 13th century
the castle is called "Plumenenau", which was deserted around 1400,
so that today no traces can be found. Around 1480 a Gothic church
was built, dedicated to Saint Leonhard, which was in danger of
collapsing after a landslide at the end of the 17th century. In
1702/03 the court architect Bartolomäus Ebner built today's parish
church of St. Sebastian in the Baroque style.
In 1997 the
thermal bath designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser was opened.
With this opening a reorientation of the until then mainly
agricultural community towards tourism took place. In 2001, Blumau
was named a health resort and thus received the right to use the
name “Bad”. Since 2001, 180 kW of electricity have been generated
from the 107 ° C hot thermal water, so that the hotel is also a
geothermal power plant.
The prosperity following tourism led
to the renovation of numerous old farms and buildings.
In
2009 the construction of the new elementary school began, about the
establishment of which there was a survey of the community citizens.
As part of the construction of the elementary school, USC Rogner Bad
Blumau will also get a new sports facility. This consists of two new
grass pitches and a grandstand and will be east of the old arena.
Bad Blumau is a small municipality and renowned spa town in the Hartberg-Fürstenfeld district of Styria, southeastern Austria. It lies in the Thermen-Vulkanland region, characterized by its thermal springs and volcanic heritage, approximately 118 km southeast of Vienna and 48 km east of Graz. The town's coordinates are 47°07′00″N 16°03′00″E, with an elevation of 284 meters (932 feet) above sea level. Covering an area of 37.33 km² (14.41 sq mi), it has a population density of about 44 people per km², reflecting its rural and expansive nature. The municipality encompasses linked communities such as Bierbaum, Kleinsteinbach, Lindegg, and Loimeth, positioned near the Hungarian border and the Lafnitz River, which forms a natural boundary with Burgenland. This location places it in a transitional zone between the Styrian hills and the Pannonian Plain, making it a gateway for thermal tourism and nature-based activities.
The topography of Bad Blumau is predominantly gentle and undulating, typical of the East Styrian Basin with its low hills and fertile plains. The terrain features modest elevation variations, with a maximum change of about 367 feet within a 2-mile radius, creating a landscape of meadows, forests, and agricultural fields. Surrounding land use includes trees (54%) and cropland (42%), contributing to a verdant, rural character. The area is part of the Styrian Vulkanland, where ancient volcanic activity has shaped soft, rolling hills rather than dramatic peaks. This flat to mildly hilly relief supports extensive parks and wetlands, with the spa park itself spanning 13 hectares of cultivated pastures and manicured green spaces. The overall elevation range fosters a peaceful, accessible environment ideal for walking paths and cycling routes, such as the Eurovelo 9 thermal springs path.
Hydrography plays a central role in Bad Blumau's geography, with the Lafnitz River forming a key feature along the eastern edge, marking the border with Burgenland. The Lafnitz meadows and wetlands are unspoiled floodplains, providing habitats for wildlife and scenic riparian zones with meandering streams and seasonal flooding that enrich the soil. The Safenbach stream flows through the spa park as a "flowing lifeline," adding to the area's hydrological network with idyllic ponds and stone-walled water features that evoke a Mediterranean ambiance. Thermal springs are a defining element, emerging from geothermal sources and feeding facilities like the Vulkania® healing lake, known for its mineral-rich waters. These springs contribute to small lakes and pools within the spa complex, enhancing biodiversity in the surrounding wetlands. The region's water resources support recreational activities, including hiking along the Lafnitz and geomantic paths that follow natural watercourses.
Geologically, Bad Blumau is situated in the Styrian Vulkanland, a region shaped by ancient volcanic activity from the Miocene era, resulting in fertile basaltic soils and geothermal features. The area's volcanic legacy is evident in the thermal springs, which bubble up from deep aquifers heated by residual magmatic energy, providing mineral-rich waters used for spas. The Rogner Bad Blumau complex taps into these springs, featuring the Vulkania® lake with highly mineralized water—the most potent in Styria's thermal region. This geothermal activity influences local soil composition, supporting lush vegetation and agriculture. Notable geological elements include the underlying Pannonian Basin sediments, which contribute to the flat topography and wetland formation. The presence of these springs has defined the town's identity, blending natural geology with human-designed landscapes like the Garden of the Four Elements.
Bad Blumau experiences a temperate oceanic climate with distinct seasons, featuring comfortable summers and very cold, snowy winters. Temperatures range annually from 24°F to 78°F, rarely below 13°F or above 88°F. The warm season (May 26 to September 11) sees highs above 70°F, with July as the hottest month (high 77°F, low 58°F). The cold season (November 20 to February 28) has highs below 44°F, with January the coldest (high 36°F, low 25°F). Precipitation is moderate, with rainfall from 0.5 inches (January) to 2.9 inches (August), and a wet season from April 23 to September 24. Snowfall occurs from November 4 to March 19, peaking at 2.8 inches in January and December. The sky is partly cloudy year-round, clearer from June to October (65% clear in July) and cloudier otherwise (59% overcast in November). Winds are mild (6.0-7.7 mph), strongest in April from the north or south. Humidity remains comfortable, with rare muggy days (peak 1.8 in July). The growing season lasts 6.5 months (April 9 to October 25), ideal for the region's pastures and forests.
The surrounding Vulkanland region offers a mix of volcanic hills, forests, and plains, with Bad Blumau serving as a hub for exploration. Key attractions include the 1,000-year-old oak tree—a massive natural monument requiring seven adults to encircle its trunk—and the Lafnitz wetlands, which provide biodiversity hotspots for birds like storks in the picturesque stork field. The thermal springs park features cultivated pastures, while hiking trails like the "Krafttour" (power tour) and "Nat(o)ur" traverse geomantic paths and connect to broader routes such as "From the Glacier to the Wine." Cycling paths, including the Styrian Wine Country Tour and Eurovelo 9, wind through vineyards and meadows. Artistic installations like André Heller's water goddess and "living willow" structures in the spa park integrate human creativity with nature. The Maria Brunn forest grotto and Lourdes Chapel add serene, forested retreats, while the Baroque parish church (circa 1702) overlooks the landscape. This geography supports ecotourism, with unspoiled meadows and wetlands fostering a tranquil, biodiverse environment near the Hungarian border.
By Plane
Bad Blumau does not have its own airport, so the most
common entry points are nearby international airports, followed by
ground transfers. The nearest is Graz Airport (GRZ), about 48 km away
(roughly 40-50 minutes by car or taxi). From GRZ, you can take a taxi
(around €80-€100), rent a car, or use a shuttle service. Limited bus
options exist, but they may require transfers in Graz city center.
For broader international access, Vienna International Airport (VIE) is
118 km away (about 1.5-2 hours by car). From VIE:
Take an express
bus to Wien-Meidling train station (about 20 minutes, €5-€10), then
board an ÖBB train south to Bad Blumau Bahnhof (around 2 hours total
from airport, €20-€40).
Alternatively, use a pre-booked shuttle or
taxi directly (1.5-2 hours, €150-€250 for up to 4 people).
Bratislava
Airport (BTS) in Slovakia is 145 km away but less convenient due to
border crossings; options include trains via Vienna or taxis (2-2.5
hours, €200+).
Other distant options like Ljubljana (LJU) or
Zagreb (ZAG) are over 150 km and not recommended unless flying from
specific regions. Check flight schedules on sites like Kayak or
Skyscanner, and book transfers via Shuttle Direct or KiwiTaxi for
reliability.
By Train
Austria's ÖBB railway network provides
efficient access to Bad Blumau Bahnhof, the local train station. Trains
are comfortable, with Wi-Fi and onboard amenities.
From Vienna
(Wien Hauptbahnhof): Direct or one-change trains take 2-2.5 hours,
costing €10-€40 depending on class and flexibility. Book via oebb.at or
Omio app.
From Graz Hauptbahnhof: Shorter rides of 45-60 minutes,
€10-€20. Frequent regional services.
From other cities like Salzburg
(3-4 hours, €40-€60) or Innsbruck (5-6 hours, €50-€80), changes are
usually needed in Vienna or Graz.
As of November 2025, check
real-time schedules on ÖBB's website, as winter weather can cause minor
delays. The station is central, with taxis or short walks to
accommodations like the Rogner Bad Blumau spa.
By Bus
Buses
are a budget-friendly option, especially for spa-focused trips.
The Thermenlandbus (operated by Postbus) runs directly from Vienna
Hauptbahnhof to Rogner Bad Blumau and other thermal resorts. It takes
about 2 hours, with fares around €15-€25. Schedules are daily but
limited; book via postbus.at.
Regional buses (lines 483, 484, 485,
6011) connect from nearby towns like Hartberg, Fürstenfeld, or Bad
Radkersburg. From Graz, expect 1-1.5 hours with transfers.
For
international routes, FlixBus serves Vienna or Graz from cities like
Munich (4-5 hours to Vienna, then transfer) or Budapest.
Use apps
like Moovit for live tracking and routes.
By Car
Driving
offers flexibility in Styria's scenic countryside. Bad Blumau is
well-connected via autobahns.
From Vienna (150 km, 1.5 hours):
Take the A2 south toward Graz, exit at Ilz/Fürstenfeld (A2/E66), then
follow B65 east to Bad Blumau. Tolls: €10-€15 (vignette required for
Austrian highways, €9.90 for 10 days).
From Graz (60 km, 45 minutes):
A2 north, exit at Ilz/Fürstenfeld, then B65 east.
From Salzburg (250
km, 2.5-3 hours): A1 east to Vienna, then A2 south.
From Munich,
Germany (300 km, 3-3.5 hours): A8 east to Salzburg, then A1/A2.
Parking is ample in Bad Blumau, especially at resorts. Use Google Maps
or ViaMichelin for routes, and consider winter tires if traveling in
November (snow possible). Fuel costs: €1.60-€1.80/liter for petrol.
By Taxi or Ride-Share
For door-to-door convenience:
Uber
operates in Bad Blumau and nearby areas; request via the app for local
taxis.
Pre-booked transfers from airports or cities: KiwiTaxi or
Shuttle Direct offer fixed rates (e.g., €150 from Vienna Airport).
Many hotels, like Rogner Bad Blumau, arrange pickups from Graz or Vienna
(contact them in advance).
Tips
Public transport is
eco-friendly and affordable; combine train/bus for best coverage.
In
November 2025, check for holiday schedules (e.g., around All Saints' Day
remnants).
If visiting the spa, confirm shuttle services with your
accommodation.
For real-time updates, use Rome2Rio or ÖBB apps.