This submit could comprise affiliate hyperlinks.
Baden-Baden Spa in Germany
Baden-Baden, Germany’s most elegant spa city, is bursting with sizzling springs, swanky outlets and historic lodges.
For those who like old-world luxurious, pure magnificence, thermal baths and a stately (and by stately, I imply gradual) tempo, Baden-Baden is the vacation spot for you.
I rank it as one of many high three spa cities in Europe, and – as a spa author who has reviewed numerous spas and wellness resorts for numerous magazines and newspapers – I’ve been to a heck of quite a bit.
That mentioned, it takes a selected kind of traveller to understand Baden-Baden’s charms. For those who’re in search of a quick tempo, an onslaught of vacationer sights and concrete motion, it’s not your finest wager.
As a perennially exhausted traveller in the hunt for consolation, nature, serenity, and a hint of a world passed by, it fits me properly.
A lot in order that I dragged my husband right here for a prolonged spa trip on our honeymoon. (Earlier than dragging him to spa cities in Switzerland and Italy.)
Is Baden-Baden Price It?
In my spa-loving opinion, sure. It’s so gloriously staid and complicated you’d be exhausting pressed to search out one other city prefer it.
My first glimpse of Baden-Baden was eye-opening – I had no thought locations like this even existed.
Imposing stone lodges line the shaded Lichtentaler Allee park like modern-day castles. Cobbled lanes result in upscale outlets.
Like a step again into historical past, the Neoclassical Kurhaus (the ‘treatment home’) is a imaginative and prescient of columns and painted by hand frescos.
European Bathing Tradition
For those who do wish to go to a Baden Baden spa – and it’s a good way to expertise European bathing tradition – right here’s a information to the very best spas and bathhouses together with the well-known Friedrichsbad Bathhouse and the Caracalla Spa Baden-Baden.
Even in case you’re undecided the way to spa, or what European spas are all about, it’s a great way to dip your toes into the wellness custom.
The place is Baden-Baden?
Baden Baden sits on the fringe of the Black Forest in Southern Germany, 170 km (105 miles) south of Frankfurt. From Frankfurt it’s straightforward to get right here by prepare (often with one change), and an hour from Heidelberg.
Historical past of the Spa City
Baden Baden has a long gone as a sizzling springs vacation spot. The Roman Emperor Caracalla got here right here within the third century to soak his arthritis away, and you may nonetheless glimpse the ruins of the Roman baths at present.
Skip a thousand years or two and also you’ll discover the Russian author, Dostoevsky, going broke in Baden-Baden’s ornate on line casino.
Tolstoy was impressed to set a scene in Anna Karenina on this atmospheric Black Forest city, whereas the American novelist, Mark Twain, bathed within the thermal waters of Friedrichsbad – a Roman Irish bathhouse that’s nonetheless steaming alongside at present.
The Finest Baden-Baden Baths
For the very best spa and thermal water expertise, you might have the selection of two well-known bathhouses, Friedrichsbad and the Baden Baden Spa Caracalla.
Run by the identical firm, Carasana, these two famend spas supply fully completely different kinds of baths and are each value a go to.
Friedrichsbad Baden Baden is a regimented 3-hour bathing ritual set in Neoclassical splendour, whereas the Caracalla spa has an upscale thermal waterpark kind of really feel.
There are additionally a number of different methods to spa in Baden-Baden that I’ll contact on beneath.
Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden – A Bare Expertise
For those who go to Friedrichsbad, you’ll be shedding your aches, and likewise your garments. Sure, the Friedrichsbad bathtub expertise is totally with out garments.
It doesn’t imply you shouldn’t do it.
A Roman Irish Tub Expertise
Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden is an genuine Roman Irish bathtub expertise. Although, um, what’s Roman Irish bathing tradition? Is it some historical therapeutic ritual we’ve been lacking all our lives? Not precisely.
The Roman-Irish bathing custom solely dates again to 1869 in Dublin, when an Irish physician named Richard Barter opened a bathhouse influenced by the dry-air bathing traditions of historical Rome.
The dry air bathtub was meant to encourage perspiration, which is taken into account therapeutic, avoiding the heavier steam of Turkish-style baths that limit sweating.
Clearly the Irish-Roman bathtub thought caught on, as a result of Friedrichsbad Baden Baden opened in 1877, eight years later.
A 17-Step Bathing Ritual
At this time the tub circuit on the Friedrichsbad spa is a 17-step wellness ritual of dry air bathing, steaming, soaking and being pummelled and scrubbed with a brush – all whereas being very very bare.
It’s a dream of a constructing. You’ll be sweating amidst richly-painted tiles and a Beaux Arts dome, however clothes will not be an choice.
And don’t anticipate to dress once more for awhile – the whole bathing course of takes greater than three hours. It additionally consists of views of the alternative intercourse you may not wish to see.
Sure, along with being bare on the spa, you’ll have the pleasure of being in blended firm.
If You’re Shy, Go to Friedrichsbad on Non Co-ed Bathing Days
The Baden Baden Friedrichsbad baths are co-ed expertise, although once I went with my husband we opted for a non co-ed day (which means men and women do separate circuits).
Who cares if we had been on our honeymoon? I nonetheless didn’t wish to spa bare with him.
💦 Spa Tip: Even on segregated bathing days you’ll bump noses with the alternative intercourse throughout one stage of the Roman Irish bathing ritual, and it’s a step you gained’t wish to miss: soaking within the thermal pool below the lofty dome.
My recommendation? Chill out and drift. It’s simpler mentioned than achieved, however in case you’re going to go to a German spa, settle for that you just’re going must strip off your garments in some unspecified time in the future.
Why Friedrichsbad is Clothes Free
The dearth of restrictive clothes means higher circulation for you. And don’t fear, the ambiance on the Friedrichsbad baths is something however wild. It’s extra like being in a temple devoted to water.
In spite of everything, being nude is all a part of the German sauna expertise, the place clothes is commonly forbidden.
(I ought to know. I’ve been kicked out for sporting a washing swimsuit, and discovered my lesson quick.)
Keep away from my errors and skim my information on German sauna tradition, and whilst you’re at it, don’t miss these important guidelines of sauna security.
Whereas there’s no escaping nudity on the Friedrichsbad Roman Irish bathtub, it does elevate a mineral bathtub into an journey – possibly that’s why it’s the best-known Baden-Baden spa of all.
Journey Ideas for Visiting Friedrichsbad Baden Baden
- Friedrichsbad tackle: Römerplatz 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- Phone: +49 7221 275920
- Opening Hours: Open 7 days per week, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Friedrichsbad blended days: Monday, Thursday and Saturday have segregated bathing. All different days are co-ed. On public holidays and Valentine’s Day, bathing is co-ed.
- Price for the Friedrichsbad Therme: Costs begin at €35.
- The right way to purchase tickets: We purchased tickets for the washing circuit on the entrance desk.
- What do you must convey? Towels and bathtub slippers are supplied, so not a lot. A hair tie you probably have lengthy hair.
- Adults solely: Kids below 14 will not be allowed.
- Is the Baden Baden spa Friedrichsbad scary? When you could really feel confused at instances, it’s not scary. It’s a really set circuit and also you’ll be guided each step of the best way.
- For extra data: Go to their web site.
Caracalla Baden-Baden Baths
With 12 pure sizzling springs churning out a powerful 800,000 litres of steaming water a day in Baden-Baden, hydrotherapy (therapeutic remedies utilizing water) is the city’s raison d’etre.
For those who’re intimidated by nude bathing at Friedrichsbad however nonetheless wish to soak, head to the extra trendy Caracalla baths the place swimsuits are required all over the place however the saunas.
This makes it the most suitable choice for a Baden Baden spa with garments.
What to Anticipate at Caracalla
An ethereal tackle a Roman temple, Caracalla Baden Baden is a spacious bathing advanced of blue water, clear glass and white pillars.
This watery wonderland of waterfalls, fountains and aquatic air jets has each indoor and outside swimming pools, and the garden-like environment are serene.
Soaking within the heat outside swimming pools is my very favorite manner of having fun with the Baden-Baden springs.
There may be additionally a restaurant so you may simply rehydrate and seize a chunk to eat.
Caracalla Spa Swimming pools
On the entrance you’ll be given a plastic bracelet, then you definately change in a personal locker stall and retailer your issues in a locker.
From there you’ll discover two important areas. The pool space on the principle degree and the clothes free sauna space upstairs.
The pool space is sweet for households. There are indoor and outside thermal swimming pools that vary in temperature from 18° C to 38° C. There may be additionally a rock grotto, steam bathtub, and salt water inhalation room.
A passageway connects the indoor and outside swimming pools, and you may even bathe within the outside pool in winter.
In summer season, you can also make use of the grassy sunbathing space within the landscaped grounds the place there are many deck chairs.
Sauna Space at Caracalla Therme
The second part of the Caracalla Baths Baden Baden is the Sauna Space, and it’s not for kids.
For those who’ve by no means achieved greater than lie in a cedar sauna, you’re in retailer for a complete new universe of wellness.
💦 Spa Tip: The Sauna Space is one other bare spa journey, however there’s a workaround – it’s acceptable to enter the saunas wrapped up in a towel. When you get used to the ambiance, you in all probability gained’t hassle.
You do want a towel to lie on although. It’s not okay to go away your sweat behind.
Additionally, in case you’re on a better degree, don’t relaxation your toes on the bench beneath and not using a towel beneath your toes. One other exhausting lesson discovered. (Germans sauna goers will not be shy about telling you the principles.)
The number of wellness experiences in Caracalla’s Sauna Space is thoughts boggling. It’s additionally enjoyable, like a sauna amusement park the place everybody may be very very quiet.
A Fashionable Method to Wellness
It’s value getting bare on the spa simply to check out a few of Caracalla Baden Baden’s extra avant-garde sauna experiences.
You’ll be able to have a sound and light-weight expertise within the intriguingly-named Spectaculum, be bombarded by wafting scents within the the Aroma Sauna, or relax within the space-age Blue Area Sensesraum.
You’ll be able to take it down a notch and calm down within the Inexperienced Area Room, or go rustic within the Forest Sauna and the Fireplace Sauna.
Actually, it’s a European spa expertise that may open your eyes to a cutting-edge sauna tradition, even in case you discover that a few of the rooms sound much more thrilling than they really are.
Journey Ideas for Visiting Caracalla Spa (Caracalla Therme)
- Caracalla Therme Baden Baden Germany tackle: Römerplatz 1, 76530.
- Phone: +49 7221 275940
- Caracalla Web site.
- Baths of Caracalla opening hours: Caracalla Spa is open on a regular basis from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Caracalla Spa Baden Baden worth: Entrance to the Caracalla baths begin at €19, relying on how lengthy you wish to keep. If you would like the Sauna Space included the value will increase.
- What ought to I convey? A showering swimsuit and bathtub sneakers. It’s cheaper in case you convey your personal towel, however towels could be rented. Some individuals convey a bathrobe. Convey one thing to learn, if you wish to laze round.
- The right way to purchase tickets: We purchased them on the entrance desk.
Spa Motels
Radisson Blu Badischer Hof Lodge Baden-Baden
Good Worth Lodging with Scorching Springs
Whereas the 2 important baths, Caracalla and Friedrichsbad, get all of the press, there are a number of different methods to spa in Baden-Baden. For that we have to have a look at a few of the Baden Baden’s high lodges.
The 4-star Radisson Blu Badischer Hof is the one lodge in Baden-Baden that has thermal water swimming pools.
Mark and I stayed right here for per week after down-scaling from Brenners Park, and we made good use of the lodge’s indoor and outside sizzling springs swimming pools, which had been included in our keep.
Better of all, it wasn’t almost as costly as most of the luxurious lodges on the town and has a good location.
A phrase in regards to the Radisson Blu: The lodge has each an outdated world wing and a contemporary wing. After a lot squabbling, Mark and I selected to remain in one of many trendy rooms. It was fairly normal however snug and quiet.
Mark remains to be complaining about dropping that battle as he loves historic structure, however I’d heard the outdated wing wasn’t as quiet. Completely happy spouse, completely happy life!
Journey Ideas for the Radisson Blu Badischer Hof Lodge, Baden-Baden
- Deal with: Radisson Blue Badischer Hof Lodge, Lange Straße 47 76530 Baden-Baden Germany
- Phone: +49 (7221) 9340
- In regards to the lodge: Radisson Blu Badischer Hof Lodge, Baden-Baden, in addition to having a really lengthy title, has 162 rooms, an onsite spa, sauna, whirlpool and steam room.
- Costs: Verify costs and availability.
Heliopark Dangerous Lodge Zum Hirsch
An Inexpensive Spa Lodge with a Central Location
I stayed on the Heliopark Lodge Zum Hirsch on my very first journey to Baden-Baden. Whereas my room didn’t have thermal water faucets, a few of the rooms do, and you may have your personal non-public mineral bathtub. It doesn’t have thermal swimming pools within the spa although.
The lodge may be very central with a location proper on the principle cobblestoned avenue. It’s fairly from the skin, a pale yellow constructing with loads of leafy vegetation and wrought iron balconies.
Since my keep they’ve renovated, and I feel it misplaced a few of its old-world appeal. Nonetheless it’s handy and there’s a spa with a Finnish sauna and steam room.
Journey Ideas for the Heliopark Dangerous Lodge Zum Hirsch
- Deal with: Heliopark Dangerous Lodge Zum Hirsch, Hirschstraße 1, Baden-Baden, BW, 76530, Germany
- Phone: +49 7221 9390
- Value: Verify costs and availability.
Brenners Park Lodge & Spa – A Luxurious 5-Star Lodge
Essentially the most deluxe Baden-Baden spa lodge is Brenners Park, a historic lodge on the Lichtentaler Allee. These are probably the most lavish digs on the town.
Mark and I stayed right here for the primary two nights of our honeymoon, and it’s a great approach to jumpstart a wedding.
The lodge has a Roman-inspired indoor pool, magnificence salon, health room and loads of privileged grandeur within the lounges and foyer. Opened in 1872, it’s certainly one of Germany’s high lodges.
Verify Costs for Brenners Park Lodge & Spa right here.
The Villa Stephanie Spa & Wellness
A Luxurious Vacation spot Spa
Connected to Brenners Park is the Villa Stephanie, an elite wellness centre described as a ‘couture’ spa expertise.
With solely 15 rooms and suites, it’s a deluxe Baden-Baden ‘spa lodge inside a lodge’ and presents a severe wellness getaway.
You’ll be able to concentrate on digital detox, vitamin, pampering and even medical care. The world is your spa oyster right here.
Journey Ideas for Brenners Park Lodge & Spa and the Villa Stephanie
- Deal with: Schillerstraße 4/6, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
- Phone: +49 7221 9000
- In regards to the lodge: Brenners Park Lodge & Spa has 104 rooms, a complicated lounge, loads of appeal and an elegant restaurant referred to as Fritz and Felix. The spa presents wellness remedies, magnificence, aesthetic medication and even aesthetic dentistry.
.
Thai Therapeutic massage Baden Baden
If it’s a straight Thai therapeutic massage you’re after, and also you don’t want thermal water, lavish swimming pools, and chic bells and whistles, Sabai Jai Thai Therapeutic massage is an reasonably priced choice.
The therapists base their therapeutic massage approach on the teachings of the well-known Wat Pho Temple in Bangkok.
I haven’t tried Sabai Jai myself, however that’s solely as a result of once I’m on a spa trip in Germany, I need thermal water, lavish swimming pools and chic bells and whistles.
Sabai Jai Thai Therapeutic massage is situated at Rheinstrasse 6, 76532 Baden-Baden Germany. Tel: Tel: 07221- 3758885.
Historic Spa Sights
Whereas having fun with the various wellness alternatives in Baden-Baden, it’s additionally good to look into the city’s previous as one of many grandest spa locations in all of Europe.
The Kurhaus
Within the nineteenth century, the Trinkhalle (Drink Corridor) within the Kurhaus is the place friends would drink the thermal water, stroll, gossip, and see and be seen.
(Though if you wish to see the largest consuming corridor ever constructed you’ll must go to Dangerous Kissingen.)
Baden-Baden’s Kurhaus is a hanging constructing and you may nonetheless go to it however – excuse the pun – it’s a watered-down model of the standard spa expertise.
Up till just lately you may purchase a cup of water to pattern the well-known Baden Baden springs, however the fountains at the moment are closed.
As a substitute you’ll discover a vacationer data desk. It’s useful however looks like a little bit of an anticlimax to the city’s prolonged spa historical past.
The very best half is strolling exterior alongside the constructing’s swish arcade, which is lined with pillars and murals of the area.
The Lichententaler Allee
Traditionally, mild train has been a part of the standard spa treatment, and there’s no higher place to walk than the Lichentaler Alle, tree-lined park promenade that follows the River Oos.
Lots of the grand lodges again onto it, and everybody from Queen Victoria and Napoleon III to Mark Twain has walked it.
The Historical Roman Baths
The Baden-Baden spa custom goes again to the Romans, who made good use of the recent springs, and referred to as the settlement Aquae Aureliae.
From mid March to mid November, you may tour the Troopers Tub beneath the Friedrichsbad Baden Baden baths.
A European Spa City that By no means Loses its Recognition
The recognition of spa locations may ebb and circulate with the instances, however Baden-Baden constantly stays on the high of the listing. And, with spa journey and wellness extra in style than ever, I can’t see it dropping its lustre anytime quickly.
There are numerous different German spa locations to go to, just like the extra informal Dangerous Kreuznach or the upscale metropolis of Wiesbaden, however Baden-Baden has an everlasting enchantment.
Attracting a various mixture of retired millionaires, European aristocrats, water devotees, spa lovers and day-tripping vacationers, Baden Baden’s rank as the very best spa city in Germany lies in its charming location alongside the River Oos, the contemporary Black Forest air, gracious lodges, its world-class on line casino and, in fact, the magical springs.
However its elite complacency isn’t for everybody. “I absolutely consider I left my rheumatism in Baden-Baden,” Mark Twain wrote. “Baden-Baden is welcome to it.”
Journey Ideas
Attending to Baden-Baden
Frankfurt to Baden-Baden: It’s an 80-minute prepare trip from Frankfurt, and there are trains from the airport.
Karlsruhe: Whereas Frankfurt is the most important airport close to Baden-Baden, a lot nearer is the Karlsruhe Airport, about 40 km away. RyanAir presents grime low cost flights to Karlsruhe from London, and buses from the airport go to Baden-Baden.
Heidelberg to Baden-Baden: Heidelberg is 90 km north of Baden-Baden. For those who get a direct prepare it takes about an hour.
From Strasbourg: Baden-Baden is lower than an hour’s drive from Baden-Baden. There aren’t many direct trains however there are buses.
Baden-Baden Prepare Station
The prepare station in Baden-Baden will not be within the historic centre, and if it’s your first view of Baden Baden you possible gained’t be impressed. You’ll must take a taxi or a bus. Bus #201 and #205 go to the spa centre. Your vacation spot is Leopoldsplatz.
Guided Excursions
Excursions to Baden-Baden from Strasbourg: You’ll be able to e book a half day strolling tour of Baden-Baden from Strasbourg right here.
Day excursions to Baden-Baden from Frankfurt: You’ll be able to join a full day tour of Strasbourg and Baden-Baden right here. Additionally obtainable from Frankfurt is a full day Heidelberg and Baden-Baden tour – examine costs and availability.
For extra data on Baden-Baden see the official Baden-Baden Tourism web site. Or, learn extra about German spas.
