Guide to Germany’s Natural Thermal Springs
Germany has its share of hot springs, specifically in the Black Forest area. The country has a heated water aquifer that appears aboveground in several places, though the same hot, mineral water feeds even pools that are miles apart.
Romans, who first occupied Germany as early as 12 BC, located these hot springs and used them therapeutically. While you may not be a Roman centurion with all the aches and pains inherent therein, there are still plenty of places where you can experience the same relief.
We’ll separate those between the Black Forest region and Munich and those in the rest of the country.
Between the Black Forest and Munich
The first center with thermal baths we’ll discuss is Solemar Bad Duerrheim in Bad Dürrheim, Germany. It has both jetted pools and a salt bath, where you can ‘float,’ a phenomenon that’s become ever more popular in America, as well. There is food and drink available on site, as well as showers to rinse off any mineral deposits left on the skin. The outdoor pool is encircled by white umbrellas, making space for you to relax even out of the water.
To the east is Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, a bathing spa where they’ve made a special space for any littles a parent brings along. If swimming in the concrete pools is too urbane for you, there’s a green yard that leads directly to the nearby lake where you can also take a dip. Food is sold at Bodensee-Therme Konstanz, in case you get peckish while bathing.
Farther east is Therme Erding, a hotel built atop the hot spring. The resort is tropical-themed, hugged on every side by palm trees. The place has been commercialized with water slides, go-karts, and a wave pool on site. Therme Erding is also the largest hot springs-fed complex in all of Europe. Those staying at the hotel have access to the resort’s restaurants and volleyball courts.
Lastly is Watzmann Therme, a beautiful spa with indoor and outdoor pools and a specified quiet area set aside for those seeking peaceful relaxation (and fewer kids). There is an evening discount, which is great for those looking to only spend a bit of time in the waters. The most notable part of Watzmann Therme is its salt bath, in which the water that fills it comes from the oldest active salt pit in the nation.
Other Thermal Bathing Locations
In Bad Füssing, Germany is THERME EINS, a mostly outdoor thermal bathing pool. The indoor sauna and massage therapies are available for an extra cost. Visitors can buy an all-day bathing pass or one that allows for a five-hour stay.
The various pools are kept at different temperatures so no matter what preference you have regarding heat, there’ll be a pool for you. The German Sauna Association recently awarded THERME EINS five stars for its cleanliness, friendliness of staff, and ease of use.
At Siebenquell Gesund Zeit Resort patrons of the hotel can access a bathhouse themed after ornamental ones from the past. Health and beauty treatments can be purchased, and the resort has an onsite steakhouse.
The entire culture around the resort is based on water, as the Weissenstädter Lake sits within walking distance of the resort campus. The hotel and bathhouse sit nestled within the mountains, and several of the hotel rooms have balconies that overlook the sweeping landscape.
Located in the quiet town of Bad Bevensen, you’ll find Jod-Sole-Therme. Here there are indoor and outdoor pools, an onsite gym, massage therapies, and a sauna. The mineral water that flows through the pools has legends surrounding its use, most of which involve miraculous healing for those suffering illness or pain.
Other Thermes:
- Soltau-Therme
- Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden
- Caracalla Spa
- Rotherma Thermalbad
- Albtherme Waldbronn
- Therme Vierordtbad
- Palais Thermal Bad Wildbad
- Vital Therme
- Franken-Therme Bad Windsheim
- DAS LEUZE
- Mineralbad Berg
- Mineraltherme Böblingen
- MineralBad Cannstatt
- Panorama Therme Beuren
- Spreewald Thermal Baths
- Carolus Thermen
- Rottal Terme
- Wohlfühl-Therme Bad Griesbach
- KissSalis Therme Bad Kissingen
- RupertusTherme
- Therme Bad Vigaun
Visit Germany
As you can tell by the sheer number of thermal baths and hot springs, mineral bathing spots can be found in nearly every corner of the country. The good news is you can get to mostly any that you’d like since Germany has one of the most developed and fast ground transportation systems in the world.
Be aware that bathing in the nude is not only common in Germany, but in many of these listed thermes it’s expected and bathing suits may not be allowed.
Learn more about visiting Germany.
