Best Spas And Public Baths CheapTickets, Germany Vacation Ideas

Overview

Introduction to Germany

The Best Spas & Public Baths

Bad Reichenhall: Many spa lovers head for this remote corner of Bavaria to "take the waters." Europe's largest saline source was first tapped in pre-Christian times and the place has a definite 19th-century aura. And though some of the hotels in the town are better than others, all have equal access to the spa and lie about a 5-minute walk from it.

Baden-Baden: There's no better spa in all of Germany, and certainly none more fashionable or famous. Baden-Baden is also the site of the country's most celebrated casino. The spa's been going strong since the leisure class of the 19th century discovered its healing waters, although the Roman legions of the emperor Caracalla had discovered the springs long before that. As at Bad Reichenhall, all hotels, no matter the price range, have equal access to the spa.

Wiesbaden: One of Germany's oldest cities, Wiesbaden attracted Roman legions to its hot springs, and lures today's fashionable traveler as well. It's not as chic as Baden-Baden, but Wiesbaden has one of Germany's most elegant casinos and concert halls, along with two gourmet restaurants. In summer, the beer garden at the Kurhaus is one of the liveliest along the Rhine.

Bad Homburg: Bad Homburg lies at the foot of the Taunus Hills in a setting of medieval castles and luxuriant forests. There are more than 31 fountains in the town's Kurpark. The Bad Homburg Palace was once the summer residence of Prussian kings.

Bad Nauheim: What do William Randolph Hearst and Elvis Presley have in common? Both stayed at Bad Nauheim -- the newspaper czar by choice, and Elvis on orders from the U.S. Army. The warm carbonic-acid springs are used in the treatment of heart and circulatory ailments and rheumatic diseases.