Friedrichsbad is a sauna paradise in aristocratic Baden-Baden. Holidays with children

Baden-Baden - balneological and climatic resort , one of the most famous in the world, is located in a basin and is surrounded on all sides by low mountains covered with coniferous forest. Mountain forest air, the Os river flowing from the slopes of the Black Forest create unique climate for which this amazing resort town OK.

Baden-Baden arose thanks to its healing springs, which were known to the ancient Romans. It was they who founded the settlement of Aqua Aurelia here 2000 years ago, where legionnaires and colonists were treated. Under Emperor Caracalla in the 3rd century BC, luxurious baths were built here, named in his honor. The ruins of these baths are open to the public and lovers of antiquity can enjoy visiting this historical place.

Everything about Baden-Baden is unique - its history, architecture, healing springs, casino and even its name. Until the 1930s the city was simply called Baden, but in life it was often called Baden in Baden, referring to its location in federal state Baden - this is how the double name appeared.

There are also interesting moments in the history of the city. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the settlement of Aqua Aurelia was abandoned, gradually turned into ruins and was revived only in 1112 as the residence of the Margraves of Baden. In the 17th century, Baden-Baden was severely destroyed, but was revived again thanks to French refugees fleeing the French Revolution here.

And in the second half of the 18th century, Baden-Baden began to be called the summer capital of Europe. And all thanks to casino manager Jacques Benaz. In 1824, the German architect Friedrich Weinbrenner built the Kurhaus, where the oldest and world-famous casino in Germany is now located. To “promote” his establishment, Jacques Benazet invited a group of the most famous journalists and writers of the time, including Victor Hugo. Of the many enthusiastic phrases uttered by famous guests, one is still alive: “Europe has two capitals. Paris in winter, Baden-Baden in summer.”

At the request of the casino founder Jacques Benazier, French architects and artists designed the gambling halls according to the model of French royal castles. The magnificent decoration in the Louis XVI style of white marble, gold and silk has been perfectly preserved to this day and amazes with its mysterious atmosphere. There are huge paintings on the walls, high ceilings are decorated with painted lampshades. The halls are brightly lit by multi-tiered bronze chandeliers.

Financial documents from the period report that income from gaming establishments was directed to the fund for the development of city baths. Significant sums from the casino went to the city budget; with this money, at the beginning of the 19th century, it was built railway and a gas factory to provide gas lamps for the city and casino.

The history of the city is closely connected with Russia. Without this fashionable resort it is impossible to imagine the life of Russian bohemia of the 19th century. Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, Turgenev visited Baden-Baden, Gogol worked here on the first volume of “Sad Souls”, he published the story “Taras Bulba” in the newspaper “Europe”. Russian nobles bought mansions here and came here every year as a dacha. The guides show the villas of Gagarin, Menshikov, the tree near which Dostoevsky’s “player” shot himself. The poets Zhukovsky and Vyazemsky ended their lives here...

Baden-Baden attracts tourists from all over the world with its unique thermal baths. (German Friedrichsbad) built on the site of the Roman baths in 1867-77. and named after Duke Frederick. These are Roman-Irish baths, in which, according to the method of the Irish doctor Barter, they combined Roman and Irish bath traditions.

There are unique pools lined with Carrara marble and a Round Hall (height 17.5 m), modeled after a Roman thermal bath and decorated with sculptures and frescoes. It is called the temple of bathing, and it’s not just baths that work wonders, everything here is conducive to complete relaxation, even contemplating the frescoes brings pleasure and promotes health.

The bathing ritual here is divided into 17 stages: shower, warm air, hot air, shower, massage, shower, steam, hot steam, full bath, jacuzzi, exercise bath, shower, cold baths. As a result of temperature changes and thanks to the healing thermal waters in various baths, a regenerating effect occurs on the body and soul.

If the Friedrichsbad thermal complex has long become part of rich history Baden-Baden, then located a two-minute walk from the complex - the building is modern.

Named after the famous Roman emperor, it is a two-level gated complex and a large open area for swimming. All this is spread out on the territory natural park on total area three thousand square meters. Here you can walk along the paths, looking at numerous sculptures, fountains, monuments, and also sunbathe under the gentle Baden sun.

The Baths of Caracalla are many times larger in area than neighboring Friedrichsbad. The mass of all kinds of swimming pools, whirlpools, Jacuzzis, waterfalls, not to mention the numerous saunas, is simply impossible to count. These include indoor pools with hydromassages, and pools with showers for massaging the upper back and the back of the head, and underwater jets that massage the lower back and legs, and water fungus, and specially equipped “beds” in the jacuzzi, and seats where you can massage your legs, and ... what is there?

All pools have different temperatures and different concentrations of minerals. There are grottoes with hot and cold water, an aromatic 43-degree steam bath, a salt “cave” for taking appropriate inhalations, a solarium, and a relaxation area. And, of course, a cafe where you can have a snack. And under open air– two huge swimming pools plus a canal with fast water flow. There are two whirlpools, a waterfall, a water fungus, and sun loungers. By the way, you can smoke outdoors - there are tables with ashtrays everywhere.

Unlike Friedrichsbad, swimming in the indoor and outdoor pools of Caracalla Terme is customary in swimsuits. You can also use them in the saunas located on the ground floor. But the second floor is a completely landscape zone: when entering it, swimsuits and swimming trunks will have to be left on equipped hangers - or put in small open drawers, racks rising along the walls of the so-called reception area. The sauna complex also has indoor and outdoor areas.

Pay attention! In the Baths of Caracalla there is a corner “Children's Paradise”, where adults can leave their child under supervision while they take water treatments, steam in saunas or tidy up their face and body with all kinds of massages.

Baden-Baden is small, but contains so many attractions. It is called the city of roses and not by chance. The Göneranlage Rose Garden on Mount Beutig was founded 29 years ago and is considered one of the youngest in Europe. Despite this, it was awarded the title “Award of Garden Excellence” by the World Federation of Rose Societies. The park is open from the beginning of June until the end of September. In the evening at 9 o'clock the lights turn on and the entire park is immersed in a romantic atmosphere.

The rose garden has about 400 varieties of roses. Numerous sculptures of the park and a fountain located in the center invite you to wander along the paths and dream among this fragrant kingdom of flowers. The main architectural idea of ​​the garden is the four seasons. The layout uses two main alleys, intersecting at right angles and dividing the entire rose garden into four zones. At the ends of the alleys there are statues of Greek goddesses, symbolizing spring, autumn, winter and summer.

Lichtental Alley(German: Lichtentaler Allee) is another landmark of Baden-Baden, located along the Oos River. Initially, an oak grove grew on its banks, but in 1850, Jacques Benazet, who bought a casino here, converted the surrounding area into an English park. Now it features more than 300 species of trees and plants, fountains, sculptures and gazebos and charming bridges are pleasing to the eye.

Kings, czars, poets and composers walked under the chestnut trees of the Lichtentaler Allee: Johann Strauss conducted his waltzes for King William I, Liszt, Rossini, Brahms were respected guests here, Enrico Caruso gave his concerts, Clara Schumann spent her last years here. Walking along the alley, you will meet on your way the beautiful Josephine fountain, as well as monuments to the Russian writer Ivan Turgenev and the German composer Johannes Brahms.

Not far from the Lichtental Allee is the Drinking Pavilion. Built according to the design of the architect Friedrich Hübsch in the middle of the 19th century. The building is a colonnade of 16 columns about 90 meters long with frescoes painted on it. Each fresco tells the story of one of the legends of Baden-Baden. But the highlight of this pavilion, of course, is the delicious and healthy drinking water. The pavilion contains a gallery with mineral water from two valuable springs in Baden-Baden. It flows from them hot water, temperature about 70 degrees. It tastes a little salty, but there are rumors all over the world about its many medicinal properties. Missing such an opportunity is simply unforgivable.

And today this glorious resort town lives a rich cultural life, various holidays, festivals, and competitions take place here. At the end of the twentieth century, the Festspielhaus Festival Palace (German: Festspielhaus) was created with 2,500 seats. It is rightfully considered one of the most unique halls in the world, where the best artists and musicians perform today.

The author of the project of the Palace of Festivals was the famous Viennese architect Wilhelm Holzbauer. The courage of the decision was to transform the former railway station into the ensemble of theater buildings. The station building in the neoclassical style turned into the foyer of the theater, the station platforms turned into an auditorium, built of glass and marble in the shape of a huge cube, which is located behind the building former station. The Festspielhaus is famous for its excellent acoustics, which were designed by the famous Munich physicist Karlheinz Müller. Russian ball. To the solemn sounds of Tchaikovsky's polonaise, young Russian women in white dresses and their gentlemen - German youths in black tailcoats - entered the hall. The opening ceremony of the Ball was attended by prima ballerina of the Bolshoi Theater S. Lunkina, who brilliantly performed “Russian Dance”.

The ball lasted all night. Guests danced waltzes and gallops to music performed by the Baden-Baden Symphony Orchestra under the direction of People's Artist of Russia Maxim Fedotov. And then the jazz orchestra led by the legendary Georgy Garanyan opened a parade of foxtrots, cha-cha-cha, rumba and other modern dances. The dance program of the Ball was led by the director of the Imperial Russian Ballet, Gediminas Taranda.

In October 2007, the revived Russian Ball was held for the second time in the casino in the Benaze hall, which was attended by representatives of the Russian elite. The program included performances by stars of the Mariinsky Theater, young performers, performances by the Baden-Baden Symphony Orchestra and, of course, dancing.

The resort of Baden-Baden is without a doubt the quietest and green city Germany. The amazingly fresh and clean air of this resort is protected even by a specially built tunnel under the city for road transport. Baden-Baden has it all - an excellent climate and unique baths, a park and a rose garden, the Os river and the low mountains surrounding the city, a theater and Festspielhaus, a casino and horse racing, festivals and concerts. It is not surprising that this city is visited by hundreds of thousands of tourists, there are always many guests from Russia, and you will meet Russian-speaking employees in the thermal baths and hotels, shops and information center. There is always a gentle sun, friendly residents and all the conditions for relaxation with children, who enjoy splashing in the pools and playing in the parks.

Sources:
Official website: www.baden-baden.de/

Fabulous

• . Rest
• . Family with small children

The price-quality ratio is excellent.

Length of stay: February 2020

11 marks “helpful review”

Fabulous

• . Rest
• . Pair
• . Sent from phone

No shortcomings found.

Excellent location a stone's throw from the thermal baths, good breakfast, attentive staff, they speak Russian. I really liked it.

Length of stay: January 2020

18 marks “helpful review”

Fabulous

• . Rest
• . Family with small children
• . Sent from phone

The restaurant was very crowded, we had to sit on the aisle. It probably makes sense to book a table in advance. It was very tasty, obviously the restaurant is very popular.

The hotel is perfectly located - next to the famous thermal baths. Parking can be a problem - the street is narrow, there are many people wanting to park. We left the car overnight in a paid multi-level parking lot 3 minutes walk from the hotel. I really liked the elevator behind an ordinary iron door. The hotel is very cozy and stylish. We lived in the attic. The room is charming - warm, with comfortable beds and a private bathroom. There are paintings on the walls. I really liked it. I recommend

1 mark “helpful review”

Fabulous

• . Rest
• . Solo traveler
• . 2 night stay
• . Sent from phone

Very central, clean, great breakfast

Length of stay: December 2019

2 marks “helpful review”

5,4

"Christmas Weekend"

• . Rest
• . Pair
• . 5 nights stay
• . Sent from phone

A tiny room in the attic, my husband and I are tall, so we constantly walked bent over. The furniture is old, there are two single beds, there is a gap between them. Breakfasts for German hotel just terrible. I have often been to private hotels in Germany, but this one disappointed me.

I liked the location and the discounts in the thermal baths, that’s about all

Length of stay: December 2019

4 marks “helpful review”

8,0

"Old family hotel near the thermal baths"

• . Rest
• . Family with small children
• . 4 nights stay
• . Sent from phone

The hotel is old and needs some cosmetic repairs, but everything is in working order. The room has two narrow single beds placed side by side. It can be a problem for a married couple))

Friedrichsbad is located right across the road, you can park your car for 15 euros per day right in front of the hotel, near the entrance to the ruins museum (if there is space, check when checking in). Caracalla Baths - a couple of minutes walk. During the Christmas period, the surrounding streets are amazingly decorated! Just a fairy tale! The Christmas market is 10 minutes at a leisurely pace. The hotel has a restaurant, Czech cuisine, you don’t have to worry about food until late in the evening (there is no supermarket type store nearby or we couldn’t find one). The food is delicious, the strudel is the most delicious we've ever tried. The room is clean, wet cleaning every day. They put the bottle mineral water daily. The mattresses are soft, the pillows suited us. Calm, helpful staff, some even speak a little Russian. Wonderful holiday, very calm. The room was on the third floor, there is an elevator. The owner himself or his daughter often sit at the reception; they are very nice people. You can purchase at the reception entrance tickets to the thermal baths at a discount, which we took advantage of. If you also ask for a guest card, then in Karkalla they give you an additional hour for free.

Length of stay: December 2019

8 marks “helpful review”

"Comfort and tradition in the heart of Baden-Baden"

• . Rest
• . Pair
• . 2 night stay

Since we arrived just before Christmas, our room even had a small Christmas tree with garland - what's not to like??? But, so as not to be accused of bias, I will write here that the TV in the room was quite small. But who needs it in such a wonderful city?

This hotel is a shining example of the combination of Czech and German traditions in their in the best possible way. It is imbued with history and comfort. We got a large attic room with a double bathroom - fantastic. Special thanks to the hotel owner and staff: always ready to help. The day before check-out, I sent a request to the hotel email to print boarding passes- done without unnecessary reminders. Perhaps those who are looking for ultra-modern hotels with a large TV in the room will find this hotel a little outdated. But for those who appreciate comfort and the unique atmosphere of traditions, this is ideal option. Without a doubt, we gave the hotel the highest scores. For those who care: 1) rooms are cleaned every day; 2) there are many different cafes and restaurants near the hotel, but believe me, the hotel restaurant deserves the highest praise both in terms of quality and prices. Next time we won't even look for something else; 3) there is a food delivery service to your room. We asked to bring us mulled wine and literally within a few minutes 2 cups of the aromatic drink were already on our table; 4) the Internet works fine; 5) if you are going to visit the baths, get discounted tickets at the hotel desk; 6) we highly recommend visiting the Faberge Museum - it’s just a couple of minutes from the hotel. 10 points out of 10.

Length of stay: December 2019

1 mark “helpful review”

9,2

“Great hotel in the city of dreams”

• . Rest
• . Pair
• . 7 nights stay
• . Sent from phone

The smell of the kitchen was still present 🙁

Good quality European 3* hotel. It’s hard to even imagine a more convenient location. Hearty, good breakfasts, warmth, hot water with good pressure, comfortable beds. Everything a normal person traveling around Europe needs without any special complaints😃. Towels are changed every day, linen is changed every 3 days. Shower gel and shampoo - as needed. Liquid soap and even cosmetic wipes. The staff responded promptly to all our requests, provided bathrobes and slippers in the room (and this is already a 4* level), and printed out boarding passes. Wifi is good. Yes, there is a hairdryer. Having read in the reviews about the absence of a kettle, we took a boiler with us and didn’t need anything😁. Drinking herbal tea after thermal baths is the best thing ☕️. It’s more profitable to buy tickets to the thermal baths at the hotel, don’t forget to ask for a guest card, it gives you the right to an extra hour, which you will need 😉. It is important for me to feel that the hotel is taking care of me; such a feeling was definitely present here. In general, we were pleased with the holiday and the hotel. We will be happy to come to Baden-Baden again, and will be happy to stay at this hotel again😊. P.s. There was a decorated Christmas tree in the room 🎄😁

Length of stay: December 2019

3 marks “helpful review”

"Great"

• . Business trip
• . Group
• . 1 night stay
• . Sent from phone

Warm, cozy room with comfortable beds. At the reception they understand and speak Russian. City center, close to both thermal baths. The hotel gives a discount of 2 euros plus an hour. The hotel has a restaurant, tasty and fast, full breakfast.

Length of stay: December 2019

35 marks “helpful review”

“A wonderful hotel in a wonderful city.”

• . Rest
• . Pair
• . 2 night stay

Everything was great.

The hotel is located next to the thermal baths, literally a hundred meters away. Very friendly staff, they immediately called us a woman who spoke Russian, she explained everything about discounts in thermal baths and transport. The room was lovely and was cleaned very well every day. All attractions are within walking distance. The breakfasts are excellent, and in the evenings in the restaurant the Czech cuisine is beyond praise. We will definitely come back here again!

Length of stay: November 2019

5 marks “helpful review”

Fabulous

• . Rest
• . Group
• . 3 nights stay
• . Sent from phone

Location

Length of stay: October 2019

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Wellness complex Friedrichsbad, located in the city, is a modern thermal complex located in the most beautiful palace, built in the 19th century in the classical Renaissance style. Tall marble columns, impressive domes and floors lined with exquisite mosaics form the unforgettable appearance of this extraordinary bathhouse. The spacious round pools with emerald-colored water are also admirable. Its temperature ranges from +59 to +69 degrees, and healing moisture comes from springs on a hill rising nearby. Staying in this complex contributes to the effective treatment of many diseases, and also provides the opportunity to truly enjoy your vacation in a pleasant atmosphere.

In terms of the quality of treatment and the effectiveness of treatment programs, the Wellness Complex Friedrichsbad is one of the leading in Europe. During the healing process, patients can use mineral, steam, pearl and air baths. On the recommendation of doctors, acupuncture, various massages and therapies are used. A unique highlight of the thermal complex is the Roman-Irish bath program. It involves immersion in a cool pool after successive exposure to hot, moist steam and dry air. Already in the water, rubbing with soap and massage with a hard brush occurs. This process is considered the best way to prepare for global thermal procedures.

The Kaiserbad imperial bath is located in a separate hall of the Friedrichsbad complex. Here you can appreciate all the advantages of a jacuzzi, combined with a high level of service. Waiters bring all kinds of cocktails and champagne to the sufferers directly into the bath. Treatment at the center is recommended for people suffering from diseases of the musculoskeletal system, rheumatism, as well as those experiencing problems with the nervous system and respiratory tract diseases. Very often people come here to recover from serious injuries and operations. Treatment in Friedrichsbad is also extremely effective for colds.

For the convenience of visitors, the baths are open daily, and in addition to general days that do not provide for gender distinction, there is a division into women's and men's. Children under 14 years of age are not allowed to enter the baths due to the fact that it is customary to swim here without clothes. The cost of a visit depends on the length of stay and the range of services ordered. All bath accessories, including towels, cream and slippers are provided to guests free of charge. A visit to the Friedrichsbad wellness complex is an excellent opportunity to improve and gain a complete understanding of the quality of German thermal spas.

What Russian wasn’t going to give up everything at least once in his life and go to Baden-Baden! The most aristocratic and most Russian water resort in Europe, glorified by all our great writers, and today remains the top place for the “rich and famous” of the whole world. However, quite affordable prices of 30-40 euros per visit bath complexes make it attractive to mere mortals too.

Bath Palace

As usual, they were the first to discover the healing power of Baden mineral springs ancient Romans 2000 years ago. The ruins of Roman baths are still preserved in the city. However, they decided to revive bath traditions here only in the middle of the 19th century, when as a result of the German-French war, the treasury of Baden-Baden was noticeably depleted. By order of the Grand Duke of Baden, Frederick I, in 1869-1877, a huge palace in the Renaissance style was erected on the site of the thermal spring and called it Friedrichsbad. As they say, when passing by, you will never guess what is hidden behind its luxurious façade.

Friedrichsbad is rightfully proud of the title of one of the most beautiful thermal complexes in the world. The monumental structure was created after a thorough study of Roman baths, Turkish baths and the famous Budapest Gellert baths by architect Karl Dernfeld.

Above the central portal of the building rise the statues of Aesculapius and Hygieia, and above them is a colossal bust of Frederick I himself. Along the upper gallery there are bas-reliefs of people involved in the development of thermal culture: Caesar Hadrian, Caesar Caracalla, Paracelsus, Hippocrates. The Bath Palace is crowned by a classic Roman dome 17.5 meters high, under which is the main pride of Friedrichsbad - a unique pool made of Carrara marble with columns and walls decorated with magnificent frescoes.

Having opened the door of the palace, visitors find themselves in an amazingly luxurious lobby with a grand staircase leading to a gallery of fountains with drinking water from Baden-Baden springs. Around the gallery on two floors there are all kinds of treatment rooms. Further, as in Roman baths, the room branches into two wings: male and female, the exits to the pools of which are decorated with sculptures of the Venus de Milo and Apollo Belvedere.

According to Roman canons, bathing should be done naked, so swimsuits are prohibited here. However, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, women and men steam separately and meet only in the central pool; on other days, all Friedrichsbad premises are open to both sexes.

Roman-Irish system

Friedrichsbad is the only place in the world with a unique 17-step wellness program developed by German doctor Richard Barter. An active promoter of hydrotherapy, he combined into one chain the Roman tradition of taking thermal baths at different temperatures and the Irish tradition of taking hot air baths.

Upon entering Friedrichsbad, guests are placed in the care of staff who accompany and guide them throughout the bathing ritual. The action is designed for 2 hours and begins with dry steam rooms at 54 and 68 degrees, followed by a soapy massage with special brushes, wet steam rooms, in which it is no longer so hot, and, finally, thermal hydromassage pools, each of which is slightly colder than the previous one. After water procedures guests apply a special cream to their skin, after which they are carefully wrapped in blankets and laid on the bed, having first asked: when to wake them up? After waking up, everyone goes to the relaxation room, where they serve herbal or fruit tea and offer to read newspapers or magazines. This is where the program ends.

Spa doctors call the Roman-Irish system the most perfect form of balneotherapy. As Mark Twain described it in Friedrichsbad, “You can find for yourself every bath that has ever been invented, with all the herbs and essences that exist. And this is all in order to defeat diseases that affect humans.”

Baden-Baden in Russian

The beginning of the Russian fashion of “relaxing on the waters” was marked by the marriage of the heir to the Russian crown, Alexander Pavlovich, with the Baden princess Louise, the future empress Elizaveta Alekseevna, concluded in the 18th century. From that moment on, the Russian aristocracy - the Gagarins, Volkonskys, Vyazemskys, Menshikovs and Trubetskoys - flocked to Baden.

Then the resort was chosen by the tsarist generals returning from Paris after the victory over Napoleon. They were so delighted local beauties, healthy climate and peace, that a year later they returned there with their families.

In the 19th century, the Russian intelligentsia flocked to Baden-Baden. Gogol, Tolstoy, Chekhov, Turgenev, Dostoevsky created their best works there. It was in the Baden casino that Fyodor Mikhailovich became addicted to playing roulette and left not only his wedding ring there, but also lost his wife’s dress.

The great Russian poet Vasily Zhukovsky wrote: “Baden-Baden is a place marked by God, where there is absolutely no contradiction between nature and civilization, here at any time of the year - paradise land."

Want to try it?

Friedrichsbaden is located at the address: Germany, Baden-Baden, Römerplatz 1.