Baden-Baden is one of the famous spa towns in Germany with a population of about 55000 heads only. It is located on the border of the Black Forest mountain range. Bad in German translates to ‘bath’. There are 20 individual springs in the entire town. Baden-Baden is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site under the category ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’ because of its popularity with baths and spas since the 18th century.
One of the popular thermal baths in Baden-Baden, Germany is Friedrichsbad. The springs here are approximately 12000 to 17000 years old while the stunning spa building was completed in 1877. Friedrichsbad is known to be a historic mixed-gender Roman-Irish bathing temple which is strictly to be enjoyed textile-free (nude). Here, you will experience the Roman bathing culture along with the Irish bathing tradition.
Besides cleansing the body, this 145-year-old unique bathing tradition helps your mind, body and soul to relax and rejuvenate. The wellness steps are meant to gradually warm your body and gently cool it down. The thermal water, for the steam rooms, comes naturally heated (68.8 degrees Celsius) directly from the springs (approximately 800,000 litres each day) and contains calcium and magnesium, among 3000 other dissolved minerals. Soaking in this natural gold liquid has positive effects on our body like stimulating metabolism, reducing sore muscles and stress, strengthening bones and teeth, etc. Cooling down of the water is done with no additional energy but with fresh water only. Also, spring water is hydrating and carries ingredients that can keep your skin supple, clear and radiant.
Can you bathe with your clothes on? Historically, public bathing in the nude was meant to free people from restrictions. Without clothes, everyone was equal. It may feel weird when you think of it but when you strip and get into the warmth of the mineral-rich waters (among other naked beings), you will forget all about your body and the lack of clothes. Please note that children below the age of 14 are not permitted here. 14 to 18 year olds have to be accompanied by an adult.
We thought that, too. How does anyone bathe for 3 hours? But, read on.
TICKET – We booked our ‘gift voucher’ or ticket online but you can buy it over the counter on the spot, too. The ticket includes the 17 steps of the bathing process (there are descriptions and suggestions in each room), bath slippers (which can be moved when kept unattended), towels (normal and warm), body lotion and tea. Step 5 is not included in the ticket but with this ticket, you can get into Friedrichsbad anytime between 9 am and 7 pm (on the day mentioned on your voucher). The spa closes at 10 pm.
LOCKER AREA – Once you show your ticket at the reception, you are given a watch/bracelet and shown the locker area, where you have to leave everything but yourself and the watch/bracelet they have given you (this is your key to any locker you choose). No glasses, accessories, mobile phones, shoes, watches, bracelets, etc. are allowed in the bathing areas. You are not allowed even a bathing suit. So, strip and enjoy the bath in your birthday suit only.
ENTRANCE TO BATH – At the entry to the bathing process, you will be given basic instructions on where to find what. The steps are numbered with arrows so they can be followed smoothly. Most of the rooms have a wall clock, too.
THE BATHING PROCESS – Pick a towel from the towel area, take a pair of slippers and begin your journey to a calming thermal bath. Suggested time for each process is mentioned on a board in every room, though, if you’re comfortable, you can stay longer.
Step 1 – Thermal water shower. Basic cleansing to remove all the dirt, oils and grime, if any.
Step 2 – Warm-air bath at 54 degrees Celsius. Wipe yourself after Step 1 and enjoy the light heat lying down.
Step 3 – Hot-air bath at 68 degrees Celsius. It is the same as Step 2 with a higher temperature. Enjoy it!
Step 4 – Thermal water shower. This step has to be done only if you’ve taken Step 5.
Step 5 – Soap and brush massage. Charged separately only if available.
Step 6 – Thermal water shower. If you’ve skipped Steps 4 & 5, you will need to do this before heading to the steam rooms.
Step 7 – Thermal steam bath at 45 degrees Celsius.
Step 8 – Thermal steam bath at 48 degrees Celsius.
Step 9 – Thermal bath at 36 degrees Celsius. This is a pool where you can let your body soak in the minerals comfortably as it is around your body temperature.
Step 10 – Thermal bubble bath at 34 degrees Celsius. Make sure to sit around where it’s bubbling.
Step 11 – Cupola hall with thermal exercise bath at 28 degrees Celsius. We skipped this as it was cold.
Step 12 – Thermal water shower.
Step 13 – Cold water bath at 18 degrees Celsius. Of course, we didn’t even bother touching the water here.
Step 14 – Drying room. Oh! This was a respite from the chill in the previous steps. Look for the warm towels to dry and warm yourself.
Step 15 – Cream application. Here you can apply body lotion which is available there.
Step 16 – Relaxation room. There is another warm towel cabinet inside, beside the door. Place a warm towel under you and cover yourself with the blanket which is already on the bed. Snooze until you’re woken up or done relaxing.
Step 17 – Reading room. Here you can have a cup of aromatic tea, read and chill before you leave the spa.
You won’t even realize where the 3 hours went. After you wear your clothes, you can dry your hair with the hair-dryers and mirrors available there. So, one can enjoy the spa, get ready and directly go on a date. I was also quite impressed with the locker features. The locker unlocks only with the watch/bracelet it was locked with. Interesting, right?
As many of us may not be comfortable with being textile-free in the presence of the opposite gender, there are different days for ladies only. Currently, Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays are meant for each gender to enjoy the bath separately while the other days are for both, men and women, to experience the thermal bath together. So, if you want to enjoy this with your partner, you know which day to choose.
For obvious reasons, photography was not allowed so we couldn’t click the beautiful interiors filled with architecture, portraits and sculptures. Besides this, there are other treatments, massages and private baths that you can book to extend your pampering session. But, make sure to be on time for any appointments that you may have made separately. They don’t refund.
We did not get a 5-star or luxury feeling because we felt that some places were not maintained well. Nevertheless, this was our first time and we had a great experience indulging in the thermal bath textile-free.
Photo by Jill Burrow.
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36 Comments
This concept of taking a thermal bath is completely new to me. I haven’t heard any of these types but taking a textile free bath either of options sounds rejuvenating and soothing. You must have a wonderful experience.
Wow thermal bath experience is very fascinating I am sure. I heard that in Turkey , they have such facilities also and I really love to experience this one day. You have written it with all information. Saving it for my future trip to this place.
The entire experience and step-by-step tutorial by you make this sound like a must-do experience in Germany. Will hopefully give it a try when I visit the country. The last step though, is the best according to me.
For some reason my dad made me swim for hours each day for good 10 years of my life. Ever since, i have strong aversion to anything related to water. But this one looks pampering enough to give a try.
Are you a professional swimmer now?
Ahem ahem!!! Sounds so intriguing. I would love to try out this no textile thermal bath 🤪
Am sure it must have been a unique experience for you at Baden . Thanks for the detailed walkthrough.
I have never heard of such a place, and definitely never known that a 17 step bathing process even exists. This sounds absolutely divine and relaxing. Im especially intrigued by the healing properties of the water here.
Oh my, the description of this textile-free thermal bath itself is making me feel rejuvenated and relaxed. Would definitely love to give it a try. Fingers crossed. Come to think of it, in the nude bathing doesn’t sound too bad. Hope people don’t leer!
Everyone was in their own zone there, Varsha. It’s a different culture unlike some we know. Hahahha!
Oh wow that sounds an amazing experience though I’m still sceptical about the textile free bath. These various steps of rejuvenation sure do sound refreshing.
I’ve experienced thermal baths twice, one in Manali which was private and another were the natural hot springs in Krabi, Thailand but taking off clothes was not allowed there. Your experience of going to a public thermal bath textile free sounds unique and interesting. I would love to try that out someday.
Thermal bath something different. I never heard of it. But 3 hours in bath with so much instructions.. .ahhh ..not for me. I am impatient person. But you had nice experience of this bath. Luxurious.
I kept wondering what textile free means till I read the blog! In Central Asia too baths and hammams are very popular – but I have not dared step into one till now because I am not clear about the level of disrobing required!!! LOL!!
Hahaha! Didn’t go to a hammam yet but I must try them too!
Well Cindy the thermal bath concept is also there in India but the way the same is operated that you will not feel like even taking a feel of it. The thermal water springs in Bakreshwar a place in West Bengal and also at Sohona in Haryana, where it is believe that taking a bath takes away all your diseases from your body. You will not believe that people in large numbers visit these places to take a bath and finally its India you know the level of mess it creates which never ever encouraged me to take a dip in this natural thermal bath options. But the one that you experienced during your tour tour termed thermal bath textile free sounds quite interesting, soothing and calming concept to me. But such experiences I feel should always be taken in Private that all I feel … although its my personal choice and i guess many will agree to it. Fantastic experience you had Cindy dear.
Yup, Samata, respect your views but for us it was a good first time experience! 😉
After reading your post, it’s so obvious how much fun you had! Even with a few little things needing fixing, your upbeat experience really comes across. It’s got me itching to try those relaxing thermal waters for myself one day. Thanks a bunch for sharing your adventure!
Since I started swimming a year ago, which also includes access to steam and sauna facilities. At first, I used to feel a bit awkward seeing women naked, but now it doesn’t faze me anymore 😅
I lost all shame the second time I delivered, Anjali! Hahaha! So if everyone’s textile free, I can be, too! I realized.
wow! Reading it was itself relaxing. I’m sure you had a great time. Even when I first read it was for 3 hours, I was surprised. 3 hours for bath? But then, with so many steps, and if you have to enjoy each step, you need time.
It seems like quite an experience, Cindy. I have had only one experience of a thermal bath and it did not go well. Never tried it out again. And call me prude, but I am not comfortable with the idea of a textile free shared bath.
To each his own, Ritu! Not all would be comfortable being textile free. 😉
I haven’t heard about this, thermal textile free bath is absolutely new to me. And I am sure you had a great experience. It’s in India too?? Well not aware again. But doing outside india would be a better choice.
naturally heated for thousands of years sounds like the ultimate spa experience. And to top it off, experiencing the Roman and Irish bathing cultures in the nude adds an extra layer of authenticity and freedom
The whole experience sounded so good, until I read ‘some places were not maintained well’
And of course I’m not completely comfortable with being textile-free either. Germany is right next door to us so who knows, might do this some day, because never say never. Thanks for sharing your experience.
You should try it, Manali! It’s relaxing!
I have come across reels on places like this where people can relax in natural hot springs. It sounds like a really cool way to take care of your body and mind. It’s neat to learn about how bathing nude was a way for people to feel equal and free from restrictions. It’s definitely something I’ve never thought about before.
So many steps to have the most relaxing thermal water bath. Hope you enjoyed the experience I enjoyed reading this one because a leisure bath is the only self-care regimen I follow.
WHAT an experience Cindy! I have heard a lot about Baden Baden and would like the ‘textile-free’ experience. It sounds so rejuvenating. And something different for most us, who only see women taking the plunge in holy rivers.
Yes it is a must-try, Ambica!
Your firsthand account of Friedrichsbad and the thermal bathing experience in Baden-Baden was captivating! I enjoyed learning about the rich history and unique bathing traditions. Your detailed description of the process and personal observations provided valuable insights. Despite minor maintenance concerns, your positive experience shines through, making me eager to explore these soothing thermal waters myself someday. Thank you for sharing your adventure!
Anytime, Priya!
Thermal water for well-being is an unknown thing to me. Its a unique experience I guess. But 3 hours bath sounds crazy to me anyway 😁😁
I have been to sauna and steam baths but only private ones.
Not for reasons of modesty, since everyone else is naked too, rather I do not like the idea of sharing baths for the simple reason of hygiene. Luckily thermal baths (by the way how did you manage to follow all the instructions, it looks quite manual to me) are hot enough to take care of minor contaminations. Once you can get comfortable, it should be quite a relaxing a cleansing experience.
The boards were in English thankfully. And there are arrows to where you should go next though we are free to go sit wherever we want for however long we feel like.
I have done a stone bath too in Paro, Bhutan but private. I will ask you when we meet about inhibitions if u felt any cuz I am not sure I can do this. But what an amazing thing to do Cindy… glad you got to experience it. Next time I dare you to do the 18° bath… hahaha!
Hahhaaha, I’m not up for any challenge except for blogs hahahahaha!