Reputation and Heritage
Rimski Vrelec Brand
and Promotion
The promotion of Rimski Vrelec developed in the second half of the 19th century into one of the most advanced marketing practices in Carinthia. The healing properties of the spring, its natural charm, and simple facilities were described before 1866 by the German writer Friedrich Wilhelm Hackländer, known for his travels to numerous countries and published travelogues. The healing properties of the mineral water and the spa’s offerings were regularly presented in newspapers, which published advertisements, reports, and physicians’ recommendations. Such media presence significantly increased the spa’s recognition in the region and beyond. In 1887, Rimski Vrelec was included in the Carinthian tourist guide, and in 1899, the Southern Railway highlighted day trips to the spring in its publication, aiming to attract new visitors. They particularly emphasized accessibility by train and the possibility of hiring carriages, fiacres.
The spa’s reputation was also strengthened by extensive publications in professional literature, such as Carinthia, Bäder Almanach, Ischler Cur-Liste, Dillingers illustrirte Reisezeitung, etc., in which Rimski Vrelec was presented as a high-quality climatic spa with exceptional mineral water.
The owners quickly understood the importance of a comprehensive image and thus the Rimski Vrelec brand. Preserved bottle labels, advertisements, and promotional materials testify to the thoughtful design of the brand. Kosmas Schütz introduced the spa’s trademark in the 1890s – the edelweiss, which symbolized purity, courage, and Alpine identity. The edelweiss became a recognizable symbol of Rimski Vrelec and an important part of its marketing story, which combined natural heritage, healing properties, and the appeal of the mountain environment.
