Mozart and sea air in the alpine town

Where healing water is evaporated to sea air

A treat for the lungs

There are many reasons to visit Bad Reichenhall. These include the royal spa garden, a thriving oasis at the heart of the city. Those who take walks there will find that the air is somehow different. So it is quite common for visitors to take a break and breathe in deeply with astonished facial expressions. Even locals like to go there, for example, if they want to get rid of a cold or clear their respiratory tract. What makes the air so special? The answer can be found in the Gradierhaus.

There is something in the air ...

The Gradierhaus is a 160-metre long building with up to 13 metre high walls of blackthorn branches. High-percentage alpine brine (26%) comes from the spring construction via the brine pipeline from the old salt works (Alte Saline), is treated, diluted and pumped to the top. At the top, the alpine brine runs into a tub-like container that covers the entire Gradierhaus over the thorn fields. An anemometer determines which side of the Gradierhaus should be sprinkled with the 5% alpine brine. The air is enriched with salt by means of fine alpine brine drops, which disintegrate into even smaller particles onto the blackthorns. Walk relaxed along the side facing away from the wind for about half an hour and really feel how your respiratory tract and lungs are freed from fine dust. If you look closely at the graduation house, you quickly discover fine salt crystals that have been deposited on the blackthorn branches. In fact, around 400,000 litres of coveted brine pass through the Gradierhaus every day. Even Mozart was deeply impressed by the "most beautiful outdoor inhalation house in the world". In his spirit, visitors hear music by Bad Reichenhall's Philharmonic Orchestra and by ensembles in the royal spa garden. Looking after your immune system and respiratory tract can be so pleasant.