The Gutenbrunner Spring marks the beginning of the town's history. It gave Gutenbrunn Its name attracted pilgrims for centuries and, at times, made the small Waldviertel settlement famous as a health resort. Even today, the fountain across from the parish church serves as a reminder of this unique history.
The spring gave Gutenbrunn its name
The earliest known mention of Gutenbrunn, dating from 1556, refers to a spring along the pilgrimage route through the Waldviertel to Mariazell. This means the spring is older than many of the buildings that define the town today.
Its iron-rich water established its reputation as the „good spring.“ The name of the spring eventually gave rise to the town’s name, Gutenbrunn.
The fountain structure visible today is located across from the pilgrimage and parish church. Its striking, dome-shaped roof and the circular border made of granite stones make it an unmistakable feature of the historic townscape.
The Legend of the Holy Family
Several religious traditions are associated with the Gutenbrunn Spring. One legend traces its special significance back to the early 15th century.
According to legend, during the Hussite period, the Holy Family is said to have traveled from Bohemia toward Mariazell. After resting in Schönbach, they are said to have also stopped at the spring in Gutenbrunn. Since that time, religious tradition has attributed special significance to the water.
This story is part of the pilgrimage tradition and is not a historically verifiable event.
The Shepherd Boy and the Image of the Virgin Mary
Another local legend tells of a shepherd boy who was searching for a missing cow. The animal is said to have returned to the spring time and again to drink there.
At the bottom of the water, the boy finally discovered the image of the Virgin Mary nursing her child. This image became the miraculous image of Gutenbrunn and can be seen today in the pilgrimage church.
Some accounts date this event to around 1726. About two centuries after the spring was first mentioned in historical records, a chapel was built on this site. Gutenbrunn subsequently developed into a well-known place of pilgrimage.
From a Pilgrimage Site to a Health Resort
It wasn't just the religious significance that drew people to Gutenbrunn. Because of the spring's iron content, the town developed into a health resort that was very popular at the time.
Among the guests was the future Austrian Emperor Franz I. He acquired the Gutenbrunn estate in 1795 and incorporated it into his holdings along the Danube. Around 1800, he commissioned the construction of the new parish and pilgrimage church „Maria Heimsuchung.“.
Pilgrimages, the bathing industry, and the growing wood and glass industries contributed significantly to Gutenbrunn's development.
The fountain in the town center
The fountain is located across from the parish church and is hard to miss when taking a stroll through the town center. Its current design is attributed to the artist Professor Leopold Schmid, who lived in Gutenbrunn beginning in the 1960s.
The following are characteristic:
- the circular border made of granite stones,
- the dark wooden posts,
- the domed metal roof,
- as well as its traditional design, which blends harmoniously into the town center.
The spring is a lovely place to stop for a short while and an ideal starting point for a historical walking tour of Gutenbrunn.
Important Note About Spring Water
Historical accounts and religious legends attribute special or healing properties to the water. However, no medical benefits can be inferred from this.
The historical designation as a healing spring should therefore be understood in the context of the pilgrimage and spa culture of that time. To determine whether the water is currently designated as certified drinking water, check the on-site signage or inquire with the market town.
Historical Tour of Gutenbrunn
From the Gutenbrunner Spring, you can easily reach several attractions on foot:
- the „Visitation of Mary“ pilgrimage and parish church,
- that Gutenbrunn Castle,
- the museum and the stage Trucker House,
- that Inhalation Room with a Kneipp facility,
- as well as other historic buildings in the town center.
The source can also be accessed using the „Feels Good!“ Walking Trail around Gutenbrunn. This easy loop trail is about 4.6 kilometers long and winds through the peaceful Waldviertel countryside.
You can find more ideas for day trips in our overview Places to Visit in Gutenbrunn – Vacation Right on Your Doorstep.
Vacation with Anna and Herbert
From our vacation rentals, you can take your time exploring the Gutenbrunner Spring, the pilgrimage church, and the town’s other attractions.
Our three different vacation rentals offer options to suit a variety of vacation needs:
- Vacation Rental 1 for Family Vacations with Pets,
- Vacation Rental 2 for a cozy family vacation,
- Vacation Rental 3, equipped for wheelchair access.
After a historic walking tour of the town or a hike through the Weinsbergerwald, you can wind down the day in the comfort of your vacation rental.
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