Are you going to Styria, Austria, and are you planning to visit a thermal spa? A good choice could be the pleasant Therme NOVA thermal spa near the town of Köflach, which also offers full-fledged spa services or stays and a great sauna world.
Therme NOVA Köflach in a nutshell
- Location: Köflach in western Styria, approximately 35 km from Graz
- Water area: more than 1,000 m²
- Pools: 6 pool areas including thermal, children’s and a 25-meter sports pool
- Thermal water temperature: usually 33 to 34.5 °C
- Thermal spring: Barbaraquelle, borehole 1,039 m deep
- Water temperature in the well: 35.9 °C
- Sauna world: two floors, Finnish and bio saunas, steam bath, Helarium, salt dome and other facilities
- Important: the main sauna world is FKK and is only accessible from 16 years of age
- Hotel: four-star Hotel NOVA directly connected to the thermal baths
- Admission: adults from €35.50 for the whole day, sauna +€9.90
Where is Therme NOVA located?
The spa is located near the town of Köflach, which is located in the lower Alpine mountains of Gleinalpe and about 35 km from Graz. The town has a mining tradition, but the region is especially famous for breeding the Lipizzaner horse breed. Not far from the spa is the famous Piber castle stud farm, which is one of the most important in Austria. The area is also favorable for various other activities. You will find a large rope park, golf courses and not far from the town is the Gaberl area for trips, cross-country skiing, sledding or snowshoeing.
Köflach is around 35 km west of Graz. International visitors can reach the town by regional train from Graz or by car; Graz Airport is the most convenient airport for this part of western Styria.
If you want to combine a visit to Therme NOVA with other spas, the closest is AQUALUX Therme Fohnsdorf, which is about 50 minutes by car. In the wider area, the Heiltherme Bad Waltersdorf, the architecturally exceptional Rogner Bad Blumau or the larger Thermenresort Loipersdorf are also worth a visit.
Modern thermal baths in the hilly landscape of western Styria
There aren’t many large and spectacular water parks or thermal complexes in the Alps. Most resorts try to respect the majesty of the local landscape. They sensitively submit to it, even give way, and let the impressive Alpine scenery stand out all the more, rather than trying to surpass it.
The Styrian spa Therme Nova Köflach is not going in the opposite direction either. It does not offer dozens of pools and does not occupy many hectares. Nevertheless, it is one of the slightly larger spa areas in the Austrian Alps. It is defined by its simple modern style and high-quality equipment.
The spa offers a total of six swimming pools and a total of around 1,000 m2 of water surfaces. There are relaxation and thermal pools as well as a sports pool and a children’s zone. There are plenty of pleasant corners and there is also a relatively well-equipped wellness center with a rich sauna world.
The spa is ideal for relaxation in a beautiful setting. Its location on a slope above the town provides pleasant views of the Alpine town of Köflach and the forested ridges that surround it. You can definitely enjoy a pleasant day at the spa with the whole family, but it is not a family resort focused primarily on children. The focus here is more on relaxation and recreational activities. This makes the spa an even better choice for couples who want to enjoy peace and romance in a wellness center, or for seniors.
Barbaraquelle: natural healing water from the heart of the Styrian mountains
The spa was founded on the basis of a borehole that discovered a thermal spring in the area in 1999. It was quickly recognized as a medicinal resource in 2001 and the foundation stone was laid in 2003. Therme NOVA and the hotel were officially opened on October 8, 2004. The town of Köflach, which had a long mining and industrial tradition, slowly began to transform into a spa and tourist destination.
The well draws thermal water from a depth of over 1 km and the water temperature at the source reaches almost 36 °C. The water contains calcium, magnesium, bicarbonates and sulphates and other valuable substances. With a content of 382.9 mg per litre, it belongs to the category of weakly mineralised water. However, this does not change the fact that it is officially attributed with healing effects – especially for inflammatory and degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, but also for some circulatory diseases, gynecological or neurological problems and stress.
The complex functions as a full-fledged spa facility and health center specializing in musculoskeletal system. NOVA Health Resort occupies 1,500 m2 within the complex and you will find clinics, a team of doctors, physiotherapists, masseurs, trainers, sports scientists and other professionals who offer top-notch services and programs. So you can come here for a full-fledged spa treatment stay.
Thermal pools for treatment and relaxation
The NOVA Thermal Spa offers indoor and outdoor pools in a really nice, modern area, which, although not overflowing with the most impressive design fads, will delight you with its emphasis on light and a sense of space and cleanliness.
If you are coming mainly for relaxation and the healing power of the local water, you can use the two main thermal pools – indoor and outdoor. The outdoor pool is also open year-round and the temperature in the pools is up to 34.5 °C.
In the interior, there are also pleasant relaxation areas with loungers. For families with children, there is an indoor children’s pool with a temperature of 33 to 34.5 °C and a large, 25-meter indoor swimming pool with 4 lanes and a refreshing temperature of around 28 °C, suitable for sports. There is also a second children’s pool outside.
In addition, there are many other interesting places and facilities. For example, there is a great corner with a Kneipp pool with a waterfall and a pebble beach. This pool is ideal for stimulating the senses, as well as blood circulation.
The local “Blue Cave” with a swimming pool and heated benches is also beautiful. Another beautiful corner is the heating room in the exotic style of a tropical forest with live tropical vegetation including palm trees.
Sauna world in style
If you love saunas of all kinds, you will not be disappointed in the NOVA thermal baths. On the contrary. The sauna world is one of the strongest and best-designed and equipped parts of the complex. You can warm up in…
The Stubalm Finnish sauna, in which the temperature reaches up to 90 ° C. It is a beautiful, large and panoramic sauna with amazing views of the city and the surrounding nature.
If you prefer milder conditions, be sure to try the Gmoaalm biosauna. The temperature here is around 55°C and the humidity is more natural. It is therefore better tolerated by seniors and beginners.
If, on the other hand, you can handle really extreme heat, don’t be afraid to enter the Zigöllerkogel sauna. The temperature here can reach up to 100°C.
In Helarium, in addition to sauna use (biosauna with a temperature of around 60°C), you can also enjoy sensory therapy with relaxing colors, scents, and music.
Of course, there is also a classic-style steam sauna with extreme humidity. A special highlight is the salt dome (Sole Dome) imitating the salty seaside climate, and there is also an infrared cabin with radiant heat.
The entire main sauna area is FKK, entry is only allowed from 16 years of age and opens at 10:00 a.m. The tropical steam cave is an exception, you can enter it in a swimsuit.
The main saunas consist of:
- Stubalm – panoramic Finnish sauna with a temperature of around 90°C, where guided ceremonies also take place,
- Gmoaalm – a milder biosauna with a temperature of around 55 °C,
- Zigöllerkogel – the warmest Finnish sauna with 80 to 100 °C,
- Helarium – approximately 60 °C, complemented by music, light, colors and scents,
- steam bath – approximately 43 to 46 °C and very high humidity,
- Sole Dom – a relaxation room with air enriched with fine salt aerosol,
- infrared cabin and other relaxation zones.
Therme NOVA with children: yes, but it’s not a water park
Therme NOVA is sometimes described as almost an adults-only spa. This is not entirely accurate. Children are welcome here and there is a separate Babytherme for the little ones.
Its pool is approximately 30 cm deep, there is a small slide, a mirror wall or a Fairy Tale Tower. In the warmer part of the year , an outdoor children’s thermal pool, playground, sandbox and other outdoor space are added.
What you don’t look for here are large water slides, a lazy river or water attractions for older children and teenagers. Therme NOVA can work very well with a toddler or preschooler, especially if the parents also want to relax. With children who are already expecting a large water park, I would rather choose another area.
Children under 12 years of age are only allowed in the thermal area when accompanied by an adult. The main sauna world is only open to children aged 16 and over.
Accommodation at the Therme NOVA Köflach spa
When it comes to food and accommodation, the NOVA resort also offers interesting options. As the name Hotel & Therme NOVA suggests, accommodation is of course available. The main facilities in this regard are offered by the 4-star NOVA hotel located opposite the spa area. The hotel and the spa are connected by a small funicular / inclined lift.
Hotel guests can also access the thermal baths from 8:30 a.m. and entry is included throughout the day of arrival and departure. The hotel also has its own small wellness area.
The hotel does not look particularly luxurious from the outside, but the interiors are very stylish and well-designed. You can stay in double rooms and more spacious apartments.
If you don’t want to stay directly at the Hotel NOVA, you can find several well-rated alternatives in Köflach and the surrounding area. The following are especially worth considering:
- Gästehaus Cafe Andrea – rating 9.3/10 – a very well-rated guesthouse right in Köflach. Guests particularly praise the spacious and clean rooms, comfortable beds and rich breakfast. The advantage is free parking and the Therme NOVA can be reached by car in a few minutes.
- Apartment-Zimmer Pernter – rating 8.9/10 – modernly equipped apartments and rooms in Köflach, suitable mainly for those who want more privacy or their own kitchenette. The accommodation is located near the center and the train station and guests rate the cleanliness, equipment and price-quality ratio very highly.
- Garni Hotel Danja Herold – rating 8.7/10 – a smaller hotel in neighboring Maria Lankowitz, just a short distance from Köflach. It is also suitable for those who want to combine a stay in the thermal baths with trips to the surrounding area. Guests especially appreciate the very friendly staff, the cleanliness of the rooms and the breakfast.
- Hotel Braun – rated 8.8/10 – a comfortable hotel right on the main square in Voitsberg. It is a bit further from the thermal baths than the previous options, but still a reasonable option if traveling by car. The rooms are modern and spacious, and reviews highlight cleanliness, comfort and central location.
Where to eat at Therme NOVA?
The NOVA Genießerei restaurant is located right in the thermal area. The menu combines classic “pool” dishes with Austrian and Styrian cuisine – from Wiener schnitzel and pasta to local specialties and apple strudel.
There is also NOVA – Das Café, a bar in the sauna world, NOVA Genießbar and the hotel restaurant.
Opening hours of the Therme NOVA Köflach spa
The thermal part is open by default:
- Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM–9:00 PM,
- Sunday: 9:00–20:00,
- sauna world: from 10:00.
There are also special “long nights” throughout the year, when thermal baths and saunas stay open until 11 p.m. Therefore, I recommend checking the current calendar before a longer trip – in addition to extended evenings, there may also be inspection days or extraordinary closures.
Price list for admission to the Therme NOVA Köflach spa
The price list is relatively clear, but prices vary by day. The higher rate applies not only on Saturdays and Sundays, but also during public holidays and selected Austrian school holidays.
| Input | Mon–Fri | Weekend / increased tariff |
|---|---|---|
| Adult – all day | €35.50 | €37.50 |
| Adult – 4 hours | €31.10 | €32.10 |
| Adult from 3:30 p.m. | €19.90 | €20.90 |
| Child 6–15.9 years old – all day | €22.00 | €23.00 |
| Child – 4 hours | €20.50 | €21.50 |
| Child from 3:30 p.m. | €12.90 | €13.50 |
| Students, pupils and apprentices under 27 years of age – all day | €27.90 | €28.90 |
| Additional charge for sauna world | €9.90 | €9.90 |
If you mainly want two to three hours of peace after a trip around Styria, the afternoon rate from 3:30 p.m. works out very well. On the other hand, if you are attracted by the sauna world and want to alternate between pools, saunas and relaxation rooms without keeping track of time, the difference between a four-hour and a full-day ticket is not that big.
Review summary and rating
The Styrian spa Köflach in the beautiful setting of the Alpine foothills will impress with its stylish and modern equipment, cleanliness and quality of service. It is not a particularly large or exceptionally luxurious thermal spa, but rather a more civilized spa aimed at an adult clientele, but also with facilities for families with children.
The spa is rated as quieter, with an atmosphere ideal for relaxation. There is also a sports pool and special praise deserves a great sauna world, which will appeal to even the most demanding wellness lovers. Overall, this is a spa with a favorable price-quality ratio.
What to see around Therme NOVA?
I wouldn’t just think of Köflach as a place where you get out of the car, spend six hours in the pool and drive away. The surroundings are quite interesting for a long weekend.
- The Piber Stud Farm – the biggest local attraction is practically around the corner. It is here that Lipizzaners are bred for the famous Spanish Court Riding School in Vienna. The tradition of Lipizzaner breeding has been inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2022.
- Kletterpark Piber – the rope park near Piber is also suitable for families with children, but only operates in the season.
- Hundertwasserkirche in Bärnbach – the church of St. Barbara, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, is one of the most photogenic buildings in the area.
- Gaberl and Stubalpe – a good destination for hiking and mountain trips. The classic downhill skiing on Gaberl has ended, but the place remains interesting for winter hiking, cross-country skiing, sledding and snowshoeing.
- Graz – the historic center of Austria’s second largest city is approximately 35 km away. Combining one day in Graz and the second in the thermal baths seems like a very good plan for the weekend.
FAQ – most frequently asked questions about Therme NOVA Köflach
How much does it cost to enter Therme NOVA?
The full-day admission for an adult in 2026 costs from €35.50 on weekdays and €37.50 at the increased rate. There is an additional charge of €9.90 for the sauna world.
Is the sauna at Therme NOVA swimsuit-free?
Yes. The main sauna world is FKK and entry is only possible from the age of 16. The exception is the steam cave in Tropenwald, which can be used in a swimsuit.
How warm is the water in Therme NOVA?
The main thermal pools are approximately 33 to 34.5 °C. The sports pool is around 28 °C and the Kneipp pool is 15 to 19 °C.
Are Therme NOVA suitable for children?
Yes, especially for smaller children. There is a Babytherme, a shallow pool, a small slide and a seasonal outdoor children’s area. However, there are no large water slides or adrenaline attractions.
Is there a hotel in Therme NOVA?
Yes. The four-star Hotel NOVA is directly connected to the thermal area by a small funicular. Hotel guests have access to the thermal baths included for the entire day of arrival and departure.
How far is Therme NOVA from Graz?
Köflach is located approximately 35 km west of Graz. There is also a regional rail connection to the city.
Is it necessary to buy a ticket in advance?
On weekdays outside of holidays, this will usually not be necessary. On weekends and during busy periods, online booking is interesting mainly because it also reserves a sunbed with the entrance.
What else is there to visit in Köflach?
The biggest attraction is the Piber Lipizzaner stud farm. Also worth a visit is the Hundertwasserkirche in nearby Bärnbach and trips to the Stubalpe or the Gaberl Pass.
Photos of the Therme NOVA Köflach spa in Austria
Photo sources: novakoeflach.at, booking.com
