From its Alpine mountains to deep freshwater lakes, and especially for its historic bathhouses, Germany is known around the world as a place for wellness. But did you know that Germany takes spa culture so seriously there are special towns dedicated to the practice?
A Kurort – which translates literally as "cure place" – is an area specialising in natural health remedies such as springs, mud, air and salt water.
There are around 350 of these Kurorte und Heilbäder (spa towns and health resorts) across Germany, with three (Baden-Baden, Bad Kissengen and Bad Ems) even securing UNESO World Heritage status.
To become a state-recognised Kurort, a city or municipality needs to meet strict inspection standards for health-promoting infrastructure.
They should offer various activities like healing treatments and medical therapies using natural remedies, spa and wellness retreats and space for leisure activities. These towns are usually home to several hotels and bathhouses, and are located in areas with spectacular nature or healing properties like thermal springs or high quality air.
How do I know if I'm visiting a Kurort?
In Germany look out for towns with "Bad" in their name which signal they are a "bathing" or spa town.
As well as the name Kurort, you can also visit a Luftkurort, which specialises in clean and healthy air, a Heilbad – a spa town with mineral spring water, and Seebad – a coastal spa town. Meanwhile a Therme is the general name for a spa.
Germany is also home to the Kneippkurort, a place offering Kneipp therapy – a holistic approach that promises to strengthen the cardiovascular system and supports overall vitality.
In some cases you can even be prescribed a retreat. If you have an illness, injury, or you're struggling with an extreme case of burnout, your doctor may prescribe a one or two-week Kur (cure) for rest and recuperation. In many cases it can be fully or partly covered by health insurance.
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But even if you don't have a note from the doctor, your mind and body will thank you for visiting a Kurort.
A couple of notes before you go: saunas and steam rooms in Germany are typically "textile free" so you will have to take off your swimwear to fully embrace wellness culture. However, some spas in popular tourist towns like Baden-Baden offer "textile bathing days" when swimwear is allowed.
Meanwhile, health resorts levy a tourist tax (Kurtaxe), which is usually around €1-€3 per guest. This charge helps boost the local economy and cover the cost of leisure facilities.
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Inspired to visit? Here are a few we recommend you check out (but do also look out for your local ones – they'll no doubt be great).
Baden-Baden
Germany's most famous spa town lies in the southern state of Baden-Württemberg at the edge of the Black Forest.
It was founded over 2,000 years ago by the Romans and was initially given the Latin name "Aquae" meaning ‘spring’ or ‘bath’, thanks to its thermal springs.
In the Middle Ages, it became the town of ‘Baden’ and received its current double name in 1931 to better distinguish it from other towns of the same name.
In keeping with the city's slogan of "the good-good life", visitors are encouraged to devote themselves entirely to relaxation and leisure.
Visit the sprawling Caracalla Spa for thermal water pools, saunas, steam baths and relaxation rooms or check out the historic Friedrichsbad Spa, which combines Roman bathing culture with Irish hot air baths.
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Bad Kissengen
Tucked away in northern Bavaria, Bad Kissingen is one of Germany’s most historically significant spa towns.
It became popular in the 19th century, when famous figures like Otto von Bismarck frequented the town to plunge in the healing waters.
The town is known for its elegant spa architecture and the grand Regentenbau, a concert hall with with rococo and art nouveau interiors.
Head to KissSalis Therme for its indoor and outdoor pools, and the Kurgarten (spa garden), which is one of the oldest of its kind in the world.
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Wiesbaden
One of Europe’s oldest spa towns, Wiesbaden has been attracting visitors since Roman times and remains one of Germany’s premier wellness destinations.
With more than a dozen thermal springs, it’s a place to get pampered and improve your health.
A favourite of both locals and visitors is the Kaiser-Friedrich-Therme, an Art Nouveau bathhouse inspired by Roman-Irish bathing traditions.
Nearby, the Kurhaus Wiesbaden adds a touch of grandeur, complete with casino and manicured gardens.
Unlike some quieter spa towns, Wiesbaden – the capital of Hesse – is also a busy city, offering restaurants, nightlife and easy access to Frankfurt.
Bad Saarow
Just over an hour southeast from Berlin, you'll find the Kurort of Bad Saarow in the Brandenburg countryside.
Set on the shores of the Scharmützelsee, it has long been a retreat for Berliners looking to escape the city.
The town became popular in the early 20th century, attracting artists and other creatives due to its scenic setting. Today it is known for the large modern SaarowTherme (which by the way you can enter for free on your birthday).
In the Therme, as well as in several luxury hotels in the area, you can dip into mineral-rich thermal waters and brine pools, spend time in Finnish saunas and indulge in other wellness and relaxation treatments. Swimming in the lake during summer is also recommended.
A few more honourable mentions
Among the most famous seaside health resorts or Seeheilbädern are Heiligendamm and Grömitz on the Baltic Sea, as well as Sankt Peter-Ording on the North Sea and Wyk on Föhr.
Bad Essen is one of the best-known Kurorte in Germany with brine baths (saltwater pools).
Bad Wörishofen in Bavaria is among the most famous Kneipp spas, while highly regarded Luftkurorte include those at Füssen, Feldberg, and Wangen im Allgäu.
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