Das Maibachl
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Maibachl Thermal Spring

4.4
·571 reviews·Villach, Austria

A unique, rain-fed thermal spring nestled in an ancient beech forest near Villach, Austria. Experience nature's spa when the water flows!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

After heavy rain

Ensures the thermal spring is full

CrowdMedium
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Das Maibachl

Maibachl Thermal Spring

Best Time

After heavy rain

Ensures the thermal spring is full

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A unique, rain-fed thermal spring nestled in an ancient beech forest near Villach, Austria. Experience nature's spa when the water flows!

4.4
(571 reviews)

"A magical spot! The water was warm and totally swimmable and lovely. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

💧 Check Water Status

Water levels vary greatly. Check recent visitor reports or local conditions before you go!

🩱 No Changing Rooms!

Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes and bring a towel.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Maibachl Thermal Spring

The Maibachl Thermal Spring

The main thermal pool

A unique, natural thermal spring nestled in a beautiful beech forest. Dip in when the water is flowing!

Ancient Beech Forest Trails

Ancient Beech Forest Trails

Surrounding the spring

Wander through a serene forest with trees estimated to be 200 years old. Perfect for a peaceful walk.

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Planning Your Visit

Check Water Levels Before You Go

Maibachl's thermal spring is fed by rainfall, meaning it can be dry during warmer, drier months. Always check recent conditions or local reports before planning your visit to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Pack Smart for a Natural Experience

There are no changing facilities at Maibachl. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel and flip-flops. Be prepared for a rustic, natural experience in the woods. Reddit

Best Times

When
After heavy rain
Why
Ensures the thermal spring is full
Crowd
Medium
When
Late September
Why
Water is warm, not hot, and swimmable
Crowd
Medium
When
Winter
Why
Best chance for flowing thermal water
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Das Kerzenmeer in #Villach wird immer größer. Soeben haben auch augenscheinliche Mitglieder der Hells Angels am Tatort Kerzen niedergelegt. Die EE-Luchs-Kräfte der Polizei sichern die Umgebung und sind deutlich in der Innenstadt präsent.
@esterreicherr
317.4K likes • 3.8M views

💧 Check Water Status

Water levels vary greatly. Check recent visitor reports or local conditions before you go! Reddit

🩱 No Changing Rooms!

Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes and bring a towel. Reddit

Aladeen Alhalabi hat Villach-Attentäter gestoppt #zib #zeitimbild #news #Villach
@zeitimbild
132.2K likes • 2.5M views
#iceland #reykjadalurhotsprings
kallevihtari
54 likes • 0 views

🥾 Comfortable Footwear

Sturdy shoes are recommended for walking the forest trails. Reddit

🌳 Embrace Nature

It's a natural spring in a forest, so expect a rustic and serene experience. Reddit

Wyczuć taką chwilę, w której kocha się życie 🌞 #me #trekking #sun #mountains #Iceland #hotsprings #hotriver #reykjadalur
ennsy
48 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

💧 Check Water Status

Water levels vary greatly. Check recent visitor reports or local conditions before you go! Reddit

🩱 No Changing Rooms!

Wear your swimsuit underneath your clothes and bring a towel. Reddit

🥾 Comfortable Footwear

Sturdy shoes are recommended for walking the forest trails. Reddit

🌳 Embrace Nature

It's a natural spring in a forest, so expect a rustic and serene experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(571 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Maibachl is a unique natural thermal spring praised for its beautiful forest setting and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to soak in warm waters, though its availability is highly dependent on rainfall, leading to disappointment when dry. The lack of facilities adds to its rustic charm but requires visitors to come prepared.

"Beautiful beech forest (some of the trees appear to be 200 years or older) and very healthy environment, but please note it is as dry as a cork (June 2025) and from the looks of it, it has been so for a while. No water whatsoever. From what I learned there’s only water at these warm springs when it rains and when the water from the little brook goes into the thermal hole at the warm springs."

Sven

"A magical spot! I went a few days ago at the end of September (after a week or so of heavy rain) and the water was warm but not hot, and probably up to my thighs. Totally swimmable and lovely. The hiking trails nearby are quite varied and pretty too!"

Iris Fairley-Beam

"This place is really special. The spring is warm, and the water is nice and clean. People are having nice walk in the woods and then just get into the water for a rest. We were in June and the spring was half dry already, on the other hand it was warm outside, so it was perfect for the kids to enjoy the nature without feeling too cold."

Lena Kaminski

What People Like

Beautiful beech forest
Natural thermal spring
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Water can be dry
No facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Maibachl is located near Villach, Austria. It's best accessed by car, with parking available nearby. From the parking area, it's a short walk through the forest to reach the spring. Reddit

While direct public transport to the spring is limited, you can take a bus or train to Villach and then arrange local transport or a taxi to get closer to the area. Reddit

Driving is the most convenient option. The drive from Villach takes about 15-20 minutes. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Maibachl is a natural thermal spring and generally free to access. Reddit

As a natural outdoor spring, there are no official opening or closing hours. It's accessible at any time, but daylight hours are recommended for safety and enjoyment. Reddit

There is no entrance fee for Maibachl Thermal Spring. It's a natural attraction. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Expect a natural, rustic thermal spring located within a beautiful beech forest. There are no facilities like changing rooms or restrooms. Reddit

The water temperature and flow depend heavily on rainfall. It can be dry during dry periods and warm to hot after sufficient rain. Reddit

Yes, when there is sufficient water, you can swim or soak in the thermal spring. The water depth can vary. Reddit

No, there are no changing rooms or toilets at Maibachl. Visitors are advised to wear swimsuits under their clothes and bring their own towels. Reddit

It's situated in a stunning, ancient beech forest, offering a peaceful and natural setting for visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the unique thermal spring itself, especially when it's flowing, and the serene beauty of the ancient beech forest. The interplay of water and nature is very photogenic. Reddit

Yes, the natural beauty of the location provides ample opportunities for stunning photos. Consider visiting during golden hour for softer light. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Maibachl can be a wonderful, albeit rustic, experience for families if the spring is active. The shallow nature of the spring when it's flowing makes it suitable for children to splash around in. Reddit The surrounding beech forest also offers a great opportunity for kids to explore nature and enjoy a walk. However, parents should be aware of the unpredictable water levels and the lack of facilities like restrooms or changing areas. Reddit It's advisable to pack snacks and drinks, and ensure children are supervised closely due to the natural environment. Wearing swimsuits under clothes is a must, and bringing extra towels is always a good idea. Reddit

🚶 Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers

For those who love hiking and natural beauty, Maibachl offers a serene escape. The ancient beech forest surrounding the spring is perfect for leisurely walks and offers a peaceful atmosphere. Reddit The trails provide a chance to immerse yourself in nature and enjoy the tranquility of the Austrian countryside. While the spring itself is the main attraction, the forest walks are a significant part of the experience. Reddit Remember to wear appropriate footwear for walking on forest paths and be prepared for the possibility of the spring being dry, focusing on the enjoyment of the natural surroundings. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the Maibachl Spring

The Maibachl Thermal Spring is a unique natural phenomenon near Villach, Austria. Its defining characteristic is its reliance on rainfall for water flow and warmth. This means that during dry spells, the spring can be completely dry, a point frequently mentioned by visitors. Reddit When it is active, the water is described as warm, though not always hot, and the experience is one of soaking in a natural pool within a forest setting. Reddit

Visitors often highlight the magical atmosphere of the location, especially when the water is present. The surrounding ancient beech forest adds to the tranquility and beauty of the site. It's a place where people enjoy a walk and then take a dip to relax. Reddit The unpredictability of the water levels is a crucial factor for anyone planning a visit, making it essential to check recent conditions. Reddit

Despite the lack of facilities, the natural charm of Maibachl is its main draw. It offers a chance to connect with nature in a serene environment. The experience is best described as rustic and refreshing, provided the spring is active. Reddit

Navigating the Natural Environment

Visiting Maibachl requires a bit of preparation due to its natural setting. The most important tip from visitors is to check the water status before making the trip. Reddit Since the spring is rain-fed, it can be dry for extended periods, especially in warmer months. Recent reviews often mention finding the spring dry even after heavy rain, indicating its unpredictable nature. Reddit

When you do visit and the water is flowing, remember that there are no changing rooms or facilities. Visitors are strongly advised to wear their swimsuits under their clothes and bring a towel and perhaps flip-flops for comfort. Reddit The walking trails through the beech forest are generally well-maintained but can be uneven, so wearing comfortable, sturdy footwear is recommended for the walk to and from the spring. Reddit

The overall experience is about embracing the wild and natural beauty of the area. It’s a place for quiet contemplation and a unique dip in a forest spring, rather than a resort-style spa. Reddit

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