Baden-Baden Spa Town

Baden-Baden, Germany

Baden-Baden is a spa town in the state of Baden-Württemberg. In 2021, the town became part of the transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name 'Great Spa Towns of Europe'.

The springs at Baden-Baden were known to the Romans as Aquae ('The Waters') and Aurelia Aquensis ('Aurelia-of-the-Waters'). The known ruins of the Roman bath were rediscovered just below the New Castle in 1847 and date to the reign of Caracalla (AD 210s).

The town began its recovery in the late 18th century, serving as a refuge for émigrés from the French Revolution. The town was frequented during the Second Congress of Rastatt in 1797–99 and became popular after the visit of the Prussian queen in the early 19th century. She came for medicinal reasons, as the waters were recommended for gout, rheumatism, paralysis, neuralgia, skin disorders, and stones. The Ducal government subsequently subsidized the resort's development. The town became a meeting place for celebrities, who visited the hot springs and the town's other amenities: luxury hotels, the Spielbank Casino, horse races, and the gardens of the Lichtentaler Allee. The pumproom (Trinkhalle) was completed in 1842. Reaching its zenith under Napoleon III in the 1850-1860s, Baden became 'Europe's summer capital'. With a population of around 10 000, the town's size could quadruple during the tourist season, with the French, British, Russians, and Americans all well represented.

Today he city offers many options for sports enthusiasts.

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Rating

4.3/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Vit Vitaly (3 months ago)
It is still one of the best Spa in Europe with hystory, great effect on your well being, yet it is now away from the 5 stars experience I used to have there. The reasons: 1. Traditions means a lot for such place - if you like something facelss, you go to normal sauna - cheaper, more lean, streamlined as they say in business. Textile days are making the tradition dead and overall you have to bring somestaff with you to Friedrichsbad, while before - you just need some payment way. 2. Payment means costs - it is of course clear that inflation making its way - yet, energy for this place is coming from the Earth with warm water (well there is sure some Electricity bills to cover and team to pay). Yet there is half the service vs. what is used to be for almost double the price of 35 euro now!!! If you want to have the soap massage, with some luck you have to cover 19 euro extra -.- it used to cost below 30 euro with all included, and of course - missing staff - never mind male of female - before you had three, now it was just one... Question where the money are going - may be to maintenance? 3. Maintenance - well due to Corona it was more than 5 years since last visit of mine - yet it is feeling like the place is 30 years older now, with some parts is closed - presumably for maintenance... So I was there early Sunday morning (means around 09.00) and it was quite full by 10.00, high summer - so the place is still has its magnetic vibe, and you get the feeling after, which is hard to explain - almost like you are "new born", yet again - may be I am getting old or just something is not in the right place. Well may be see you again in 5 years now - I should switch to some alternatives, even I still consider it the best SPA in Germany and probably in Europe!
Tay How (4 months ago)
We had a wonderful experience at Friedrichsbad! I went with my mom on a weekday. Everyone that works there was very helpful and kind. The baths are mixed gender and naked, we felt very comfortable in the space, this was not a deterrent for us. I read the other reviews before we went and yes there are tiles missing and some parts are under renovation but this did not detract from our experience. We would have loved to do the brush massage but it was not available when we were there so maybe call before/plan ahead if that’s something you want to do. Definitely recommend!
Kako Nya (6 months ago)
I met Marija at the front desk and she was absolutely lovely. It was late at night, but she was patient and really helpful explaining all the differences between the facilities and services offered. Adrian then showed us everything we needed, introduced the bathing process and was available for help throughout. In addition to producing great service, he was knowledgeable about the history and recommended us visiting the bath ruins for the full experience. The slippers and clean warm towels were easily accessible. The tea variety was a nice touch. Will be visiting again. Quick fragrance review: I tried both types of lotion made with their mineral thermal water and they were both non-greasy and pleasantly fragrant. One uses olive oil and smells more spicy while the other one uses apricot oil and smells more floral to me (and aquatic to someone else). They’re available for purchase and make a great practical souvenir!
CINDY DSILVA (8 months ago)
The thermal bath was a good experience though we did not get the luxury feeling there. The building is beautiful on the outside but could be maintained better on the inside. There were broken tiles and stuff which we noticed. Out of 17 steps, 4 are showers, 1 was unavailable, 4 were pools with different temperatures out of which we used only 2 as the others were too cold, 2 were steam rooms with different temperatures, 2 were air baths with different temperatures, the others were drying room, cream application room, relaxation room (best) and reading room! Except at the reception, there is no one inside to guide you but the suggestions on the notice boards in every room were quite helpful. The reception guy was very smiley and helpful. Recommendations of minimum time that you should spend are written on the boards and there are clocks in almost every room so you can time yourself. We bravely visited on a mixed-gender day as this was our first time. We almost fell asleep in the relaxation room. The place is clean but could be better maintained for the luxury feel. More details on Blogaberry. Com if you'd like to know more...
Avril Man (9 months ago)
Staff are generally friendly, except one was complaining my friend who walk around with the tea but she was looking for me. The staff explain everything and step for your first visit, they speak English and French as well which is a plus. You have to take off all your clothes, they provide bed sheets style towel and rubber slippers. There are 4 pools, one cool, one cold, one warm and one with jacuzzi style water outlet, not hot enough for my own taste. 2 hot room alike sauna, 2 hammams, 1 sleeping room 1 relax room with hot tea. You have body lotion at your disposition. Good experience overall
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