Friedrichsbad Roman Irish Bath, Baden-Baden
Ultimate Historical Spa in the Black Forest, Germany
Jan 19, 2009
The Friedrichsbad Roman Irish Bath in Baden-Baden, Germany has a well-deserved reputation as one of Europe’s Top Thermal Spas. It is a welcoming and relaxed place that offers excellent value. Spa novices will soon feel at home in the magnificent tiled surroundings of the Friedrichsbad.
The Stages of the Friedrichsbad
The 16 stages of the Friedrichsbad are clearly marked at each stage of the experience, along with guideline times for each stage. Many people disregard these time guidelines, particularly in the hotter rooms. The experience is divided into 4 main stages, with plentiful thermal mineral water showers in between:
- Increasing dry heat, very much like a dry sauna, up to 68° (approx 155°F), followed by the option of a quick soap and brush massage.
- Increasing humid heat in steam rooms, up to 48°C (approx 118°F)
- Decreasing temperature thermal water baths from 36°C (approx 97°F) to 28°C (approx 82°F), followed by a very brief cold water bath for the few people that dare!
- Drying off with hot towels, application of moisturizing cream, and then a well earned rest. It is well worth allowing a little time for a rest in the peaceful resting room which is lined with comfortable beds – many visitors have a nap and awake feeling thoroughly relaxed and peaceful.
Arrival and Prices
After paying the entrance fee visitors are directed to the changing rooms, and again friendly staff are available to guide visitors into the first stages of the bathing experience, which is wonderful for apprehensive first time visitors!
As of January 2009 admission to the Friedrichsbad baths costs 21 euros for 3 hours, with an optional soap and brush massage and additional half hour for a 10 euro supplement. This is generally sufficient time to relax and appreciate the experience, but if you wish to stay longer then each additional half hour costs 3.50 euros. The reception is in the main entrance hall, to the left hand side. The friendly staff all speak excellent English.
Opening times are from 9am to 10pm. The baths are closed 24th and 25th December, and close at 6pm on 31st December. Last admission is two hours before closing
- Couples’ bathing days - couples may complete all of the stages together: Tuesday and Sunday
- Mixed bathing days – men and women use stages 7 to 11 together: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday
- Separate bathing days – men and women meet only in the main domed hall bath: Monday and Thursday.
What to Take to the Friedrichsbad
You can walk in off the street into the Friedrichsbad. Towels, sandals, soap and moisturizing cream are all supplied by the baths. As the baths are strictly nudist you will not need a swimming costume.
History of the Friedrichsbad
Mark Twain famously said, “Here at the Friedrichsbad you lose track of time within 10 minutes, and track of the world within 20…”
The current spa building was opened in 1877, and was considered to be state of the art at the time. And the sixteen relaxing stages are still a wonderful as they were then.
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- Caracalla Spa, Baden-Baden - modern, luxury, yet good value, sister spa to the Friedrichsbad.
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