Updated on January 9, 2024
The 6 best German spa towns
German spa towns are more than simply places to unwind for a long weekend. The best spa towns in Germany carry a rich history marked by influential figures. Many of the grand, palatial structures built during their peak about two centuries ago still stand, adding to the cultural charm.
Often situated amidst stunning landscapes, these spas offer a timeless break from daily life in Germany. They are evidence that the wish to escape, whether for a short while or an extended stay, isn’t a new trend. Let’s explore the enduring appeal of our six favorite historically rich getaways.
1. Baden-Baden
2. Wiesbaden
3. Aachen
4. Norderney
5. Bad Wörishofen
6. Bad Reichenhall
A spa is a facility offering a variety of treatments and activities that promote relaxation and overall well-being. These can include massages, skincare rituals, hydrotherapy and other health-oriented services.
A German spa town, then, is a town built around such a facility. But not every German city with a spa earns the prestigious title of a “spa town.” In Germany, spa towns evoke a sense of grandeur thanks to their majestic architecture and scenic landscapes. Many also boast a rich history marked by visits from kings and world-famous artists. German spa towns particularly flourished in the 1800s, when they embodied the elegance and glamor of aristocracy.
So, where does one find these monuments to relaxation? Let’s now explore the six best spa towns in Germany.
Baden-Baden epitomizes German spa culture, with thermal springs that have been cherished since Roman times.
Roaming through the park, one can trace the paths once walked by Bismarck, Tsar Nicholas, and Dostoevsky, eventually arriving at the impressive colonnaded facade of the Kurhaus, which hosts one of Germany’s oldest casinos. The Old Town offers even more historical magnificence, brought to life during an evening at Europe’s second-largest concert hall.
Looking for something to do just outside of town? The scenic Black Forest invites visitors to explore the Geroldsauer waterfall or enjoy a funicular ascent to the Merkur mountain. The warm waters of Friedrichsbad or the Caracalla thermal baths will restore tired hikers before their evening in the casino or in town. You will have plenty of opportunities to practice German outside the classroom.
Relax like royalty in the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme. The spa is a fine example of German Art Nouveau, but not the only place in Wiesbaden that blends historic charm with therapeutic relaxation.
The opulent Kurhaus combines Art Nouveau motifs with an impressive neoclassical style, not to mention the longest columned hall in Europe. For a glimpse of the Neo-Baroque, visit the Hessisches Staatstheater Wiesbaden (Hessian State Theatre Wiesbaden).
Aachen stands out as one of the rare German spa towns without the term Bad (bath) in its name. Which is strange, considering that the Romans already recognized the healing virtues of Aquae Granni, as they called it.
The importance of Aachen as a spa town might simply have been overshadowed by Charlemagne’s choice to make it the heart of his empire. Here, you can explore historical landmarks like the town hall, the neoclassical Elisenbrunnen fountain and the cathedral before relaxing in the thermal waters of the Carolus Thermen.
If relaxation and the sea go hand-in-hand for you, then the Nordseetherme on Norderney might be your dream destination. Opened in 1862, the spa is one of the oldest spas on the North Sea coast of Germany. It offers thermal water pools and traditional spa and wellness treatments in a historic setting.
On the East Frisian Islands, you can not only spend time in the water, but also beside it. How about a bike tour or a walk on the beach?
Bad Wörishofen is closely associated with Pastor Sebastian Kneipp. It was here that the pioneer of hydrotherapy developed his famous Kneipp treatments, which he based on water treatments, exercise, nutrition, medicinal plants and lifestyle remedies.
Today, the spa town in Bavaria is a recognized Kneipp spa where visitors can experience the principles of Kneipp therapy, an alternative form of medical treatment (like homeopathy) that remains popular in Germany.
This spa town in Bavaria features healing brine springs in picturesque surroundings. The town is famous for its brine baths, which are said to help with respiratory and skin problems.
Visitors who wish to dive deeper into the basis of brine-bath therapy can learn more about salt production in the historic salt works. The surrounding Alpine scenery also offers ideal conditions for hiking and outdoor activities.
Germany is home to various thermal spas, some of them just close enough for a few relaxing hours on the weekend. Yet the best spa towns offer more than just healing waters. Many boast a rich history, whether they date back to Roman times or flourished as aristocratic getaways in the 19th century. Positioned in breathtaking natural settings, these spa towns provide more than relaxation — they offer a timeless escape from the hustle of everyday life.
