Marie Louise’s Salt Water Spring
On Road B158, at Salzburgerstrasse 79, the spring pavilion is next to the street surrounded by trees
On Road B158, at Salzburgerstrasse 79, the spring pavilion is next to the street surrounded by trees
The brine spring used for salt production of the nuns of the Traunkirchen monastery (the “little pan in Ischl” ( Pfännlein im Ischlland)), which was already mentioned in 1312, was probably located here.
The spring, which Dr. Wirer recognized as having healing powers, was a popular destination for excursions in his time. Its water was also bottled and shipped to various destinations. The spring is named after the Austrian Archduchess Marie-Louise, daughter of Emperor Francis I (II), second wife of Napoleon, and later Duchess of Parma (1791 – 1847). Marie-Louise commissioned the construction of the pavilion which was inaugurated in 1840. In 1930, the spring tapping and the pavilion were renewed, but then the spring was no longer used for spa purposes, because depending on the weather, it had a fluctuating mineral content. Since 2005, the spring has been privately owned. The pavilion was beautifully completely renovated and a new spring tapping was built a bit south of the pavilion on the hillside. Since 2006, the salty water with healing properties has been sold again under the label "SOOL".
The spring pavilion is located in a circle of old trees, and is as a rare monument to Biedermeier bathing culture. It was built in classic style, the outer design very simple. The pavilion stands on a stone pedestal, ornamented with pilaster strips at the corners, some delicate stucco moldings, a short staircase in the front and a door, which seems four-winged, but only the middle wings can be opened. On each side wall, there is a window with finely crafted framed shutters. The pavilion has a flat gable roof. Inside, the Biedermeier furnishings are still almost completely preserved: in the middle, a set of stairs leading to the lower spring water (with a pump from 1930); in the corners, some benches and tables; at the gable end, a cabinet in classic style; on the floor, the original tile coverin; and a vaulted ceiling above.
Very seldom is there a chance to visit the pavilion. However, when possible, a visit is highly recommended. The pavilion is probably the best place in Ischl to dive into the lifestyle of the spa guests of the "glorious" early days of the spa resort of Ischl.
Unfortunately, the surrounding area of the spring can only be described as a catastrophe.
