Use of the local
sulfur spring is documented from the
16th century. Early recognition of its therapeutic properties led to the creation of a small rural bathhouse (
Bauernbadl), which soon attracted visitors from the surrounding region. A new phase began in 1864, when several warm sulfur springs were discovered near Gries im Sulztal. Construction of a sulfur bath started the same year, contributing to the rise of tourism in the Ötztal. By 1875 the site included a chapel and a wooden bathhouse, which was destroyed by fire that November. Designed by Berlin architect Wilhelm Walter in the style of
Historicism, Treatments ranged from therapeutic baths and
Kneipp/Prießnitz cold-water therapies to milk cures, physiotherapy, and massage. Drainage works in the 1960s caused the spring to dry up, leading to the hotel’s closure and demolition in 1980. Efforts to redevelop the source began in 1986. After several unsuccessful boreholes, drilling to 1,865 m enabled renewed use of the spring. In 1997, 68 °C thermal water was found, emerging at the surface at about 37 °C. Initially, the water supplied a simple outdoor bath with two pools and a log-cabin changing facility, attracting up to 300 daily visitors. The modern
Aqua Dome thermal spa opened in 2004. It was expanded in 2012 with the “SPA 3000” wellness area and a new hotel wing, followed in 2017 by enlarged children’s facilities. Further renovation work took place in 2023. == Gallery ==