The actual history of Bad Neuenahr began with the inauguration of its springs on 28th July 1858. Princess Augusta, who became the Empress of Prussia later, drank the first “official” glass of water from the spring which was then named Augusten-Spring in her honor. After the festive and splendid inauguration the international significance of Bad Neuenahr increased rapidly.

On 3rd October 1861, a spring that was recently tapped and had flown quietly so far, burst out with “mighty roar” and “forceful stream”, with “fist-sized greywacke stones”, “dense vapor” and considerable amount of carbonic gas.

This “Big Spring” is since then the heart of the drink cure in Bad Neuenahr.

The water of the “Big Spring” is served till today at the Ahr-Resort at the Thermal-Bathhouse, at the Refreshment Stand, in the Hotel Steigenbeger, and in “Villa Sibilla”, the exclusive residence for senior citizens run by the Bad Neuenahr Corporation.
 
The opening up and maintenance of high quality medicinal water deposits is one of the most important tasks of the Bad Neuenahr Corporation till today. The Walburgis-Stream was bored in 1975/76, for instance. It caters to the Ahr-Thermal Springs which are famous for this water and the widely praised bathing and wellness experience.