Stories from Bad Kleinkirchheim

Author: Brigitte Kaplenig

The words ‘Bad Kleinkirchheim’ and ‘healing water’ are inseparable. Nowadays when thinking of these things, one naturally thinks about St.Kathrein and Römerbad , who provide an extensive range of Wellness for those longing for relaxation. And there is a very special and idyllic place which has been known for a long time for its healing water - the Kathreinkirchlein and its “eye springs” (Augenquelle). My great grandmother and my grandmother already knew about the anti-inflammatory properties of the Kirchheimer water. And so, carrying empty bottles, they regularly walked from the Millstätter lake, to the 10km distant St.Kathreiner Augenquelle. When people’s eyes were sore, for example from mowing grass or from the brightness of the sun, they moistened them with this water and they felt better immediately.

A lot might have changed over the years…including the march to Bad Kleinkirchheim, which has, in the meantime, become mostly motorized and the modern day visitors often have a much longer distance to travel than the people from the neighboring village…but one thing hasn’t changed – there is still a small path that leads from the thermal bath up to the little church. And when you enter the crypt, you somehow get the feeling of being “out of this world”. This place is open day and night for those looking for silence, contemplation, a few moments of “being somewhere else” and “healing”. The first thing you see is the Augenquelle, with its clear warm water coming out of the walls of the ruins. The quiet lapping water invites you to sit down on the bench and just stay for a moment. Some might say a silent prayer and light a candle…or dip hands, eyes and face in the water of the Augenquelle.

Many of our regular guests know of the healing qualities of the Augenquelle and have experienced them themselves. That’s why, after having come up to the Kathrein church, their first way leads them up to the Augenquelle. And during their entire stay, they eagerly collect empty bottles, to bring home “the special drop of Bad Kleinkirchheim”. And the number of people who know about this treasure and its water is steadily increasing. And so it’s not surprising if I, when entering the crypt, see new visitors wanting to get themselves a stock of Augenquellen water…

PS: As chance would have it, I met two guys today, while I was visiting the Augenquelle, armed with glass bottles and on their way to the crypt of the Kathreinkirchlein. They were kind enough to allow me to take a picture of them. Thanks for that!

Image and text courtesy of Brigitte Kaplenig for the editorial team of the website www.badkleinkirchheim.at