Last week, when ironically during the first day of the official Spring the temperature here in France dropped below zero and began to threaten with snow (!?) my husband and I decided that we had enough. Enough of cold, enough gloomy weather and lack of sun. It was about a time for a treat. So, we've packed necessities and left for a thermal spa date.
About 50 kilometers away from Strasbourg in the Germany side, in the middle of the Black Forest mountains valley, can be found a very special place. A gorgeous town called Baden Baden.
The name of the town derived from the German word "bathe" and its natural hot thermal water springs were known even in ancient Romans times. It is said that the Roman bath facilities established here were often used by the Roman garrison located in Strasbourg.
The thermal water originates in one of the hills in Baden-Baden. All in all there are twelve springs in the depth of around 2,000 meters beneath the ground. The water reaches surface due to the high pressure and is naturally hot - between 56 and 68.8 °C.
Nowadays, due to the unique location, a beautiful landscape, a very special climate, relaxing atmosphere and high-caliber well-being related services it is well known all over the world among the celebrities.
It has two main bath houses - "Freidrichsbad" and "Caracalla".
"Freidrichsbad" historical significance can't be denied. Even the famous writer Mark Twain loved soaking there and writing about it, meanwhile, "Caracalla" is a little bit "newer" installation. Both offer a luxurious atmosphere, wonderful spa treatments, hot thermal water pools, procedures, a variety of saunas and maximum relaxation. However, there is a tiny difference. While Caracalla's first floor requires you to wear a bathing suit, "Freidrichsbad" requires you to enter establishment absolutely naked :) Well, the matter is a preference.
My husband and I have chosen "Caracalla". Soaking in the outdoor pool with water of more than 35°C and steam warming your faces while you breathe in a cold minus temperature fresh mountain air - was something that we truly needed after the long and tiring cold winterish weather which apparently is not going anywhere despite the fact that Spring is officially here.
Unfortunately, we were not allowed to take any pictures inside due to their policy quote :"...it is not allowed to take photographs in the bathing area and sauna complex. In order to enjoy 100% relaxation and to successfully top up your energy reserves, mobile phones should be set to silent mode or ideally left at home."
You are more than welcome to check out faculties in their official site.
The fact that the second floor of the facility is the bathing suit free area might have something to do with it as well. :) In any case, people come here to relax and respecting their privacy is a completely understandable request.
We did take some pictures of the surroundings though and of course took a short stroll in the area. But pictures are just few since it was really cold outside and it did ruin the pleasure of enjoying this little paradise town driving us to look for shelter in the lovely cafe nearby.
During the summer time, this town is a real eye candy. The town is packed with gorgeous well-preserved architecture (it remained completely intact during the World War II), many elegant boutiques and individual shops, beautiful casino, opera house, luxurious hotels, gourmet (and not only) restaurants, cafes with a spirit, magnificent parks and breath taking landscape views of the mountains and Baden Baden valley. Each year during the Christmas time one of the best German Christmas markets takes place here. Also, during the summer "The International Competition for New Rose Varieties" is held at Rose Society Garden, attracting growers from round the world.
It is not our first time here and I can assure you that if you are missing some really elegant getaway, it is THE place to consider.
Thank you for joining me.
