Square of the Visionaries in Bad Blumau

When the impossible becomes possible, fairy tales come true, and joy of life awakens, one has arrived in Bad Blumau. From a once agricultural community to a renowned and recognized spa destination and attraction for guests and art lovers from around the world. A unique creation was brought into existence.

• It all began in the late 1970s. In what was once Blumau, attempts were made to drill for oil. Indeed, they struck something, but at a depth of 2,843 meters, it was not the sought-after crude oil, but "only" water heated to one hundred degrees. The spring was sealed with concrete and intended for eternal rest.

• Inspired by the general tourist development, some years later the community secretary, Mr. Karl Semmler, approached Mr. KR Robert Rogner with the data of the sealed spring. Mr. Rogner examined the site and was fascinated by the gentle hilly landscape of Eastern Styria. On the condition that the data from the spring could withstand long-term testing, a tourist development was promised by Mr. Rogner.

• The drilling was redone at the expense of the provincial government. The excellent water quality was confirmed. Two further drillings were conducted at Mr. Rogner's expense.

• Mr. Rogner acquired 40 hectares of land from the farmers at uniform fair prices. A resort was planned after the model of the nine successful Rogner hotel villages.

• On January 15, 1992, however, Mr. Rogner happened to meet the artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser at Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna. Water heated to a hundred degrees and the architecture of Friedensreich Hundertwasser – a visionary project began. A vision became reality.

Rogner Bad Blumau, the largest habitable total work of art. A symbiotic concept allows humans, water, nature, and architecture to merge into a harmonious whole. No one would have been better suited than the visionary Mr. Rogner to understand and realize Hundertwasser's philosophy in this unique way.

Green and walkable roofs that integrate into the landscape along with uneven floors, vibrant colors, shapes, and mismatched windows. Today, the thermal spa is also affectionately referred to as "hilly meadowland" – an apt description for the wondrous facility full of oases that serves as an economic driver for the entire region while also setting forward-looking impulses.

Just a few steps and one arrives at the Bad Blumau Spa Park, where there is interesting discovery around every corner.