Fancy bathing in ancient baths built by the Romans where the walls could tell many a tale? Maybe promenading along landscaped walks through pretty parks, stopping for afternoon tea, or a little retail therapy in boutique shops under the colonnades. Baden Baden’s tradition of spa, health & wellness was built around its thermal springs and legendary health practices, which are still alive, well and thriving today.
The Romans were the first to discover the healing powers of the natural spring waters and introduced the bathing culture that first flourished under the Roman Emperor Caracalla. These traditions have been preserved in their structure, substance and original functions as well as their uses as historic buildings, earning Baden-Baden a reputation as a health destination and one of the selected Great Spa Towns of Europe which in 2021 was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Baden-Baden has over 1000 protected historic buildings and garden monuments. The entire historic town centre is a conservation area with the Black Forest in the distance in southwestern Germany.
The Grand Dame of Spas
The Belle Époque period of the 19th century was known as Europe’s golden age, a time of rich cultural history associated with the affluent, well-heeled, jet-set life of the time. Baden-Baden became known as the meeting point of the elegant high society during this romantic period when fashion was luxurious and indulgent, laced with fur and gold ornamentation, pearls, tassels and feathers. Looking back, it’s easy to imagine ladies in ballooned attire, nipped in at the waist, puffed out at the sleeves with a wide-brimmed hat, while men dressed in frock coats over three-piece suits, top hats, with a curly moustache strolling nonchalantly along the pretty boulevard known as Lichtentaler Allee. Baden-Baden was a place of crystal chandeliers, pedestrian walkways, antique furniture, terraces and balconies, much of which is still in place today.
Baden-Baden‘s Tradition Of Spa Health & Wellness
Baden-Baden was the place to be. It was the place to feel good. It was the rich ingredients of health & wellness, architecture, art and nature that flowed together to mould this unique place which has attracted the rich and famous for centuries. It offered a taste of the good life. The developments around the thermal springs from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century have been preserved and exemplify the authenticity and integrity of Baden-Baden. Walk around the quaint streets and you will no doubt see and hear the thermal water from one of twelve springs, rising from a depth of around 2,000 metres underground.
Baden-Baden’s Top Three Spa Selection:
The Friedrichsbad Spa is an historic setting of a spa-like temple, a fine example of a Roman-Irish bath which opened in 1877. Bathe like ancient Romans, in silence, and in thermal water tapped directly from the spring encased by walls decorated with majolica ceramic tiles. Here you step into a time warp – no clothes, just sheets to hide your modesty. There are twelve steps to health, a tradition dating back 145 years. This ritual constitutes a numbered circuit of thermal water experiences steeped in various temperatures. Don’t expect cushioned benches or chairs. The wooden slatted loungers are a little hard but they are heated and guarded by the Roman statues from the pillars and cornices above watching as you shed your sheet to reveal all. This memorable spa experience takes around three hours. On entry you are provided with foot wear and a sheet covering and at the end, there’s a pre-heated sheet and body lotion to apply to softened, rejuvenated skin. For the finale, aromatic tea is offered in the reading room or simply enjoy the calm atmosphere in the darkened relaxation room. The Friedrichsbad Spa opens daily from 9am-10pm
Caracalla Spa is a contemporary, spacious landscape with saunas for every purpose and at eye-watering temperatures. There are attractive indoor and outdoor pool with a current channel, two whirlpools, waterfall jacuzzi seats and hot tubs where you will spot ladies enjoying the thermal waters, in full make-up and hair secured to look their best, (you’re are in Baden-Baden!). Comfortable loungers frame the pools and decorate the lawns, a hot and cold water rock grotto sit at the side close to an aroma steam bath and the halotherapy salt inhalation room. From meditation, aroma and vitality, there are regenerative sauna experiences on the upper floor. Two log cabins made of Kelo wood, offer a forest and a fire sauna experience outside. For those opting for beauty and indulgent experiences, a wellness lounge offers Asian-inspired and traditional treatments.
Villa Stephanie is an ultra-luxury spa where guests enjoy recuperative, preventative and beauty treatments, in elegant surroundings. Here comfort and exclusivity befit the celebrities, royalty and the high society of today that regularly frequent this establishment. Villa Stephanie is part of Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa and offers a range of bespoke, tailored holistic health programmes.
Highest level of medical and therapeutic medicine
From check-ups to rehabilitation, medical diagnostics and specific treatments, the integrated approach to health is headed by Dr Konig at the Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa. Using the expertise of the state-of-the-art clinic, they offer health and holistic treatments for body mind and soul with personal care and attention which attracts a regular flow of repeat guests to this destination which was built on this concept of health.
Baden-Baden Today
Originally designed and built for pedestrians Baden-Baden is a place to people watch and be in the moment whether its soaking in thermal waters, admiring historical architecture or sitting at outside tables under the trees. It’s a walkable town with bridges over the River Oos, to browse the boutique shops under the colonnades, take a coffee at the established Café Konig or a spot of sightseeing by horse and carriage or bicycle. Take in a museum or two. The Museum Frieder Burda is a modern art museum in contrast to the Faberge Museum decorated in history. The Casino is a must-see with a spectacular interior ornamented with crystal chandeliers lighting up gambling tables, a dance floor and a beef and sushi restaurant.
Famous and Fashionable
Baden-Baden oozes wealth and character, a place that reminisces on its past and has evolved with its traditions in place. This is a destination to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect amongst its precious resources of mineral rich thermal springs, countless spas, landscaped gardens and a wide spectrum of health treatments. This is the wholeness of Baden Baden’s philosophy for health and wellbeing. Bill Clinton on a visit to Baden-Baden remarked it was so nice it was named twice. It has enchanted kings and emperors, aristocrats and artists, the wealthy, the affluent and the jet set over the years and continues to do so. From Queen Victoria to Victoria Beckham, it’s no surprise that celebrities and royalty come here for the good good life to experience the Baden-Baden tradition of spa, health and wellness
Places to Stay To Experience the Baden-Baden tradition of Spa Health & Wellness
The Brenners Park – Hotel & Spa
, which remains in family ownership.
Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch
, one of the only hotels with thermal water piped to guest bathtubs.
Geroldsauer Muhle
, offers rustic chic accommodation.
How to get to Baden-Baden
Flights to Frankfurt or Stuttgart and train to Baden-Baden
For more Spa Health & Wellness Places click here
The Great Spa Towns of Europe:
The Great Spa Towns of Europe represent the recognition of eleven famous historic spa towns across seven countries. These spa towns were built around natural mineral springs where the waters were used for bathing and drinking. The towns expanded, retaining the spa architecture, and stand as testimony of the European spa phenomenon of its time. They have each played an integral role in developing the culture, politics and medicine of their destination, creating the ideals that still shape Europe today.
Baden Bei Wien:
This is an ancient spa town near Vienna in Lower Austria. The Romans first came to the sulphur springs, then the Austrian nobility and its emperors took the waters. Often referred to as The Spa of Emperors.
Spa Belgium:
It was here that the first casino was established to keep wealthy guests entertained in the evenings. Often referred to as The Café of Europe.
Karlovy Vary Czech Republic:
This spa town is home to 12 main springs and 300 smaller springs. Known as Europe’s open-air salon
Františkovy Lázně, and Mariánské Lázně, Czech Republic:
The spa towns of Františkovy Lázně and Mariánské Lázně lie close to Karlovy Vary, but are much smaller and specialize in health tourism. Referred to as A European Model Spa/ Grand harmony with Nature.
Vichy France:
Referred to as the Queen of The Spa Towns
Bad Elms Germany:
Known as The Picturesque Imperial Spa
Baden Baden, Germany:
Known as the Summer Capital of Europe
Bad Kissingen Germany:
Described as the Great Spa Between Classicism & Modernity
Montecatini Terme, Italy:
Known as The Garden Spa of Europe
City of Bath UK:
Referred to as The Georgian Spa City
