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Baden-Baden Spa Guide: Naked or Clothed?

I was so looking forward to my Baden-Baden spa experience. The word “Bad” means bath in German. When it is added to the name of the town it means that it has a spa.

Indeed, Baden Baden Germany has 12 hot springs and has been welcoming those seeking to relax and reconnect for centuries. Baden Baden’s heydays were in the 19th century when its fantastic location, spa facilities, and fabulous casino attracted the elite of Europe to travel to southwest Germany.

Today Baden Baden has managed to keep all of those wonderful historical elements but added in more modern spa facilities, fantastic food, modern art and much more.

The city has so much on offer but in this post, I am going to focus on how to get to choose the Baden-Baden spa options that you will most enjoy.

A critical factor of that choice is your level of comfort in getting naked with strangers. But don’t worry, there are Baden Baden spa with clothes options as well.

Dome of Freidrichsbad Baden Baden Spa
Dome of Friedrichsbad – one of the leading Baden Baden Spa Germany options

The reason to be naked in a Baden Baden Germany spa is one of hygiene. Sweat is the body’s way of cooling itself down. When in a sauna or a steam room any clothing slows that process down.

This means that the body will not cool as well and therefore you may not be able to take being in the sauna or steam room for the recommended time. Wearing a bathing costume is considered unhygienic and uncomfortable by those who prefer a Baden Baden nude spa experience.

However, for those of us that aren’t German or from a country where wandering naked apart from a plastic bracelet would not happen in public, this is a very daunting prospect.

I was determined to try all the Baden Baden thermal spa options – A Baden-Baden spa with clothes and a Baden-Baden nude spa – and was quite surprised by how I ended up feeling about my spa options.

Entrance to Friedrichsbad spa baden baden germany
Entrance to Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden history spa resort

What is the Best Baden-Baden Spa?

The best spa in Baden-Baden very much depends on what you would like to get out of your Spa experience. Friedrichsbad Baden Baden is the oldest and most traditional of the Baden-Baden Thermal Spa options.

However, the only option for visiting Friedrichsbad is to have a naked experience. Also, this spa in Baden Baden is all about bathing rather than treatments or swimming etc.

Baden Baden spa Caracalla is the most modern option of the therme baths and combines 12 curative thermal springs with amazing modern facilities. There are some naked areas within the sauna area of Caracalla but it is possible to experience virtually all of the spa clothed.

In my view, Caracalla baths Baden Baden is the best choice if you are looking for a Baden Baden spa with clothes option.

If you are looking for modern and medical-style treatments then Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa Baden Baden is the place to go. For a more unique Baden Baden spa day experience try the Salina Sea Salt Grotto Baden Baden.

Finally, Baden-Baden even has its own Thai spa with the traditional Thai massage at Sabai Jai.

map of Friedrichsbad spa baden baden germany
Map of Friedrichsbad, the oldest thermal baths Baden Baden

There are quite a few Baden-Baden spa hotel options and Heliopark Bad-hotel Zum Hirsch where I stayed even has its own hot spring so it is also possible to experience Baden Baden baths without leaving your hotel!

However, the two most famous spas in Baden Baden are Friedrichsbad Spa and Caracalla Spa. I’ll go through all the spa options in detail to help you make a decision on which – or which combination – of Baden Baden bathhouse options is best for you.

For another amazing place to spa check out my post on the 3 Best Czech Spa Towns.

Baden Baden Spa – Getting to the Baths

Caracalla Spa and Friedrichsbad Spa are virtually next door to each other and are less than a five-minute walk from the main shopping street in Baden-Baden. Salina Sea Salt Grotto is also in the main town and a short walk away.

Brenners Park Hotel and Spa is located on the famous Lichtentaler Allee and about a ten-minute walk from the main shopping street. Sabai Jai is a fifteen-minute walk in the other direction from the centre of town.

Sculpture in the garden at Brenners Park Hotel and Spa
Sculpture in the garden at Brenners Park Hotel and Spa

1. Best Baden Baden Spa with Clothes option – Caracalla Spa Baden-Baden

Caracalla Therme Spa Baden-Baden Germany has 43000 square feet of thermal waters, saunas, hot and cold pools and a stylish wellness lounge. It is extremely impressive. Caracalla Baden Baden has 12 curative thermal springs, a café, giant pools, outdoor areas – really it has everything.

It is home to what seems to the largest Baden Baden swimming pool. Upon arrival at Caracalla Spa, you will choose which spa options you would like to experience.

After receiving a plastic bracelet next up is the mixed changing areas which have many lockers as well as private sort of dressing rooms. It is very easy to get changed in the Caracalla spa changing rooms with complete privacy.

baden baden spa caracalla inside
PC Baden-Baden Kur and Tourismus Gmbh

Once out of the change rooms the first area you will encounter is the Caracalla thermal baths Baden Baden bathing area. It is easiest to divide Caracalla Baden Baden Spa into the bathing area and the sauna area.

There is a huge indoor pool with a fountain/mushroom inside it. There are then two outdoor pools at Caracalla Baden Baden Germany that are accessed by swimming through.

The two outdoor pools at Caracalla feature water currents, whirlpools and lots of different options to enjoy bathing at different temperatures and pressure levels. The pool area also has a rock grotto with hot and cold water pools as well as an aroma steam bath and a brine inhalation room.

There are lounge chairs everywhere at Caracalla for relaxing and a few even have infrared lamps above them which can be used free of charge.

entry area at caracalla spa baden baden germany
Inside Caracalla, one of the top Baden Baden spas

If you are most comfortable clothed or with kids this is definitely the area to be in. There is also a café at Caracalla Germany with indoor and outdoor seating and quite a good menu.

The Baden-Baden Spa Caracella sauna area is upstairs in the complex. In this area, you must remove your bathing suit but can have a towel. The majority of people in the area are naked and it is mixed-sex.

I did think I would find this sauna Baden Baden uncomfortable but I was quite surprised by how quickly it just seemed quite normal. Having said that I kept my towel around me.

Baden-Baden Caracalla Spa has five different saunas, a steam bath and two log cabin saunas outside. The saunas are kept at different temperatures – from 47 degrees in the steam bath to 95 degrees Celsius in the fire sauna.

I didn’t brave that last one. 85 degrees was as hot as I got and that was more than sufficient.

entrance to caracalla therme baden baden germany
entrance to Caracalla spa

I really liked heading outdoors. In addition to the log cabin saunas, there are many deck chairs at Caracalla Spa etc for relaxing. It felt very peaceful out there and the air was so fresh. This area also has a bar area with fresh juices and some snacks.

Spa Etiquette Tip – If you are going to keep your towel wrapped around you it is important that you sit on the bottom level in the saunas. This is so that your feet are only on the ground and not on any of the seating areas.

It is recommended that your towel should be under your body so your skin does not make direct contact. However, this means removing the towel.

I didn’t realise this until a man kept gesturing at me and I finally realized it was because I was on the second “step” of the sauna and had my feet on the sitting area below.

Finally, Caracalla baths Baden-Baden has a wellness lounge that offers beauty and well-being treatments. It also has indoor and outdoor relaxation areas.

back of caracalla spa seen from a distance
A view of the Caracalla Baden Baden Baths Germany from above PC Baden-Baden Kur and Tourismus Gmbh

Baden Baden Caracalla Spa Prices

Baden Baden Caracalla prices start at 15 euros for 90 minutes for the bathing area only. Adding the sauna costs an extra 4 euros per person. 3 hours for both is 23 euros and a full day ticket for 27 euros. It is generally not necessary to make appointments at Caracalla.

NB – No photos are allowed to be taken after the reception area – the shots in this post past that area were supplied by the Baden-Baden Tourism Board.

It is easy to find Baden Baden baths pictures online but it is generally not okay to bring your camera into the spa areas – which is understandable.

2. Best Modern Spa Option – Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa Baden-Baden

Do you remember when the world cup was held in Baden-Baden and the WAGs became household names? They were staying at Brenner’s and apparently it was not possible to move on lovely Lichtentaler Allee due to all of the photographers.

brenners-park-hotel

Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa Baden Barden has an absolutely stunning location actually on Lichtentaler Allee. This is the most upmarket of the Baden Baden resort spa options. The hotel doesn’t have thermal waters or springs but it does have its own spa called Villa Stephanie.

Villa Stephanie is a state of the art spa with a focus on treatments. They have multiple offers and programmes including detox, medical treatments, weight loss etc.

Entrance to Brenners Park Hotel and Spa Baden Baden
Entrance to Brenners Park Hotel and Spa Baden Baden

Brenners Park-Hotel and Spa is also home to Fritz and Felix, one of the new up and coming restaurants in Baden-Baden.

Another fantastic European Spa option is Monart Spa Ireland

3. Best option for something different – Sabai Jai Thai Massage

For a very different type of spa experience check out Sabai Jai. To be honest, the location and look of Sabai Jai are quite basic after the majestic more traditional spas of Baden-Baden.

However, Sabai Jai Baden Baden is well known and rated for offering an excellent Thai massage.

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Entrance to Sabai Jai thai spa baden baden germany
entrance to Baden-Baden Thai Spa

The spa is run by Thai ladies – to be clear there is no erotic massage here just good old fashioned Thai massage and hot stones etc.

Taking on these treatments does require being naked apart from those throwaway underpants but you are in a private room and there are towels – so just the same as most other “typical” spas.

These Baden Baden spa prices are terrific, starting at 25 euros for a 30-minute massage.

If you like heading to Thailand for a spa treatment check out my post on my favourite spa experience Kamalaya Thailand.

sathu-thai-spa-baden-baden treatment room
treatment room at Sabai Jai spa baden baden

4. Best Traditional Spa Option – Friedrichsbad

Baden-Baden spa Friedrichsbad is probably exactly what you envisaged when you thought of European classic bathing. 140 years old, this beautiful spa combines traditional Roman Bathing Culture with Irish Hot Air Bathing and Baden Baden hot springs.

When Friedrichsbad spa opened back in 1877 it was considered to be the most modern bathing establishment in Europe.

friedrichsbad spa baden baden exterior
The exterior of Friedrichsbad Baden Baden, the home of classic Baden Baden thermal baths

Friedrichsbad Spa Baden-Baden is all about experiencing its 17 stations. The stations are a mix of warm and hot, dry and wet, steam and thermal pools.

The main thermal pool at Friedrichsbad has a stunning domed roof. The process begins with a shower. This is followed by a warm area room.

In this room, there are lounge chairs with slats for lying and relaxing. Next up is a hot air room which was 68 degrees Celsius which I found too hot for me. I didn’t last long.

This warm air time was followed by some wet time with a soap and brush massage. A staff member administers this.

Entrance to Friedrichsbad Spa Baden Baden
Entrance to Friedrichsbad

The woman at Friedrichsbad asked me if I preferred my massage hard or soft. I chose soft. I would very much dread to imagine what hard must feel like. It was rather full on – but gosh my skin felt amazing and oh so soft after.

Another shower and then on to steam rooms. At this point, I was given a seat “pad” to sit on. That is then disposed of for these Baden Baden baths.

This was a mix of lovely warm water for floating and relaxing including a whirlpool bath at 34 degrees which I think was my favourite. This is all followed by another shower.

There is then a cold water bath option at 38 degrees which I chose to mix after dipping in my toe! After drying off there is an area where you can apply moisturizer to yourself and then relaxation rooms.

baden baden spa friedrichsbad interior pool and domed roof
PC Baden-Baden Kur and Tourismus Gmbh

So will I be really completely Naked?

The key question when it comes to Freidrichsbad! On Monday, Thursday and Saturday women and men bath separately. I visited on a Monday.

After arriving and making payment at the spa the next step is the change room. Each locker at Friedrichsbad contains a sheet of sorts. I wasn’t sure whether I was supposed to take this with me so I didn’t – I was then handed one as I moved out of the locker room.

Apart from the sheet and the plastic bracelet I was completely naked. The journey starts with the sheet. The sheet can come with you into the first two warm rooms.

The sheet goes at the soap and brush massage stage. There is then a brief time with a seat pad before it is just you.

The exterior of Friedrichsbad Spa Baden Baden
Friedrichsbad

The completely naked with no comfort blanket stage at Friedrichsbad is really just for the bathing pools – where most of your time is spent in the water.

After the pools, there is the super cold bath or shower and then to the drying rooms which are filled with warm sheets/towels. I found that I was far more comfortable wandering around naked than I expected.

I thought I would feel terribly exposed when I had literally nothing with me but I feel they kind of break you into it with the sheet and seat pads.

I am not sure how I would have felt if the pools at Friedrichsbad had been mixed. I do think it would have felt a bit odd but I think it would rapidly have seemed quite normal as no one else appears to be phased by the whole experience.

⇒ Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Don’t miss my posts on 14 Great Things to do in Verbier that aren’t skiing and 20 Reasons to Visit Verbier in Summer.

Entrance inside Friedrichsbad spa
Entrance inside Friedrichsbad

How much does Friedrichsbad Spa Cost?

The entry-level price at Friedrichsbad Baden Baden which covers 3 hours is 35 euros.

NB – No photos are allowed to be taken after the reception area – the shots in this post past that area were supplied by the Baden-Baden Tourism Board.

Looking for a fully clothed option? No one will be telling you to get naked in Scotland! Check out my post on 9 Brilliant Spa Breaks Scotland.

5. Something Different – Salina Sea Salt Grotto Baden Baden

Alas, the Salina Sea Salt Grotto was closed for renovations when I visited Baden-Baden! The grotto is in a lovely old building in Baden-Baden. The salt has been brought in from the dead sea and Himalayas.

Special generators and technology create an environment where the air at Salina Sea Salt Grotto is 40 times saltier than at the North Sea.

Fountain of Thermal Water in Baden Baden
Fountain of Thermal Water

A visit to the Salina sea salt grotto is recommended for those suffering from respiratory diseases, hay fever, skin conditions and those just generally looking to relax. The Salina Sea Salt Grotto is generally open every day and prices start from 12.50 Euros.

Another fantastic city to visit in Germany is its second-biggest – check out my post on One Day in Hamburg

Baden-Baden Hotels

I stayed at the Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch, one of the oldest buildings in Baden-Baden. It is also one of the few places outside the spas to offer thermal waters – even in your own bathroom.

heliopark-hotel-zum-baden-baden exterior
The exterior of Hotel heliopark baden baden

Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch has 71 rooms and is decorated in an Art Noveau style. The rooms are huge and feature all the expected modern conveniences.

The buffet breakfast was a highlight for me. There is an extensive range of hot and cold options with some excellent yogurt and granola.

Room at the Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch
Room at the Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch

Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch Baden Baden also has its own spa. As well as a range of treatments it offers a sauna, steam bath, and bio-sauna.

The location of this Baden Baden spa hotel could not be better. This hotel is literally in the centre of town and just off the main shopping area. It is also less than a five-minute walk to Caracalla and Friedrichsbad.

Heliopark Bad Hotel Zum Hirsch > Read Reviews on Trip Advisor Book Your Stay

bathroom at Heliopark Bad-hotel
bathroom at Heliopark Bad-hotel

Some other Baden Baden Hotels are:

For top-end luxury and a stunning in house spa, it has to be Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa

⇒ Brenner’s Park Hotel and Spa > Read Reviews on Trip Advisor Book Your Stay

The newest boutique hotel in town is Roomers. It is super modern and has a fancy rooftop bar and a sushi restaurant with a great reputation.

⇒ Roomers > Read Reviews on Trip Advisor Book Your Stay

For a mix of art nouveau and townhouse and a fantastic location near Lichtentaler Allee check out Hotel Der Kleine Prinz

⇒ Hotel Der Kleine Prinz> Read Reviews on Trip Advisor Book Your Stay

Baden-Baden Restaurants

Baden-Baden is a fantastically foodie town! Let’s start with the fact that it has a Michelin starred restaurant Le Jardin de France which has a wonderful terrace in the courtyard.

Fritz & Felix is the new modern restaurant at Brenners Park Hotel and Spa that I mentioned earlier in the post.

I had a great meal – delicious goulash soup and salad – at Le Bistro. This French street café was buzzing when I visited with a menu that was a terrific mix of French and German and lots of atmosphere.

bowl of goulash soup with bread, salad and wine at Le Bistro Baden Baden
Goulash soup at Le Bistro

Restaurant Rizzi is a Mediterranean style restaurant in a gorgeous pink building that also has outdoor and indoor seating. I enjoyed the fantastic bouillabaisse.

Baden-Baden also has some restaurants with excellent reputations located inside some of its main tourist sites. Restaurant Kurhaus is inside the Kurhaus of course – and has some lovely views of the garden. And Leo’s or Nigrum come highly recommended.

plate of bouillabaisse in a black and white bowl at Rizzi restaurant
Bouillabaisse at Rizzi Restaurant Baden Baden

Rive Gauche has a brilliant location on Lichtentaler Allee, all-glass walls to enjoy the view and a modern French menu.

If you feel like an Indian try Namaskaar.Moriki is known for great sushi at Roomers Hotel – and have a drink at their Rooftop Bar after your meal.

Baden-Baden Cafes

I don’t think you should visit Baden-Baden without a trip to Café Koenig. My goodness, the cakes. They are things of beauty.

I did have some fantastic quiche at Cafe Koenig as well – before I decided I couldn’t go past having black forest cake considering where I was – and it was fantastic.

multiple cakes on display at cafe koenig in baden baden
Amazing Cakes at Cafe Koenig

Cafe Koenig Baden Baden has a lovely lovely outdoor seating area which is a great option.

coffee and slice of black forest cake set on a pink table at Cafe Koenig
Black Forest Cake at Cafe Koenig Baden Baden

Kaffeehaus Baden-Baden also serves a good coffee as well as some rather amazing chocolates.

white cup of coffee and saucer on silver tray with milk and chocolates
Coffee and chocolate at Kaffeehaus Baden Baden

My best Baden-Baden coffee was at Kaffeesack. Literally a few feet away from Heliopark Bad-Hotel Zum Hirsch, this super cute and cool café serves the best flat white in Baden-Baden by far. I went to Kaffeesack Baden Baden three times during my stay.

⇒ Looking for some more spa inspiration? Check out my posts on some great spas in England such as Ockenden Manor, Whatley Manor, Rockliffe Hall and The Thurlestone and Mullion Cove in the southwest. 

How to get to Baden-Baden Spa Town

Baden-Baden is in the south-west of Germany and on the edge of the Black Forest. It is only 40km from the French town of Strasbourg. The only direct flight (90 minutes) is with Ryan Air from Stansted to Baden Airpark – Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden.

The airport is about 20 minutes in a cab from Baden-Baden. There are also indirect flights but the layovers can be lengthy.

Flights to Baden-Baden

The next option is Strasbourg in France. Strasbourg is just under one hour by car from Baden-Baden and 90 minutes by train. However, if you are coming from London there are no direct flights which is a bit of a pain.

Flights to Strasbourg

Exterior of Brenners Park Hotel and Spa Baden Baden with sculpture on garden
Brenners Park Hotel and Spa

I ended up flying into Stuttgart as I can only fly with Ryan Air when I literally have no other choice. British Airways and Germany Wings fly directly from Heathrow to Stuttgart and Easyjet from Gatwick. I went with BA.

Flights to Stuttgart

Drive time between Stuttgart airport and Baden-Baden is only one hour and ten minutes. However, it isn’t cheap to get a taxi. Ours was 154 euros each way with Kiwi Taxi and that was considerably cheaper than all other options.

Having said that, Kiwi Taxi was excellent and I would absolutely recommend them.

There are bus and train options to Baden Baden but they are lengthy and rely on making at least one change – most times of day two changes.

Once you have arrived in Baden-Baden the town is very much walkable. There is no need for any form of transport other than just your two feet.

brenners park hotel and spa baden baden seen from Lichtentaler Allee
Brenners Park Hotel and Spa as seen from Lichtentaler Allee

Who Paid for What in this Post

A big thank you to the fantastic team at the City of Baden-Baden. They sponsored my trip (eg covered my accommodation, spa entry, and most meals) and were fabulous. I paid for my flights. The views in this post, as always, are all my own.

And while we’re on that track – some of the links in this post will take you to websites with whom I have a commercial agreement. If you make a purchase on those sites I will receive a small commission. I wanted to make sure you knew this.

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various images of baden baden germany - spa pool, cakes and old style spa
inside of Friedrichsbad spa in baden baden germany
spa pool in baden baden germany
Inside Friedrichsbad spa baden baden germany
pool inside Caracella spa baden baden germany
Do you have to get naked for a Baden-Baden spa experience? Here are all the spa options available with clothing levels so you can decide for yourself! #germany #badenbaden #spa

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WHC

Sunday 7th of January 2024

My wife & I made our 3rd visit to Friedrichsbad In December. Normally, during mixed days most of the spa is experienced in separate, identical wings. Genders only come together in the central part of the spa, where the pools surrounding the central dome are.

However, in December the entire men’s side was closed for what appeared to be extensive renovations. So everyone used the woman’s side, including the locker area at the beginning. So if stripping down in front of strangers is going to freak you out, you should confirm at the check in area if the renovations have been complete. Of course, you’ll be missing out on one of Germany’s most wonderful historic experiences.

Amanda OBrien

Monday 15th of January 2024

thanks so much for this helpful update!

Kyle James Beatty

Monday 6th of December 2021

Been there a few times many years ago. Wonderful. Naked- no problem - when in Rome! Just enjoy.

Danne L.

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

Been there with my wife. Naked, both of us. Nothing to be ashamed of, and when in Rome...

E. Kwong

Thursday 17th of August 2023

@The Boutique Adventurer,

Freidrichsbad 2023 - After the pandemic "Women's days" are no more. Also no soap brush massage as establishment claims staff shortage. Now charge 35 euros. Go check their website.

The Boutique Adventurer

Wednesday 14th of April 2021

Well done!!! Absolutely nothing to be ashamed of - I think we all wish we were like that!

Chris

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

As someone who always uses saunas or steam rooms naked I find it odd that anyone would want to wear cloths. It is a wonderful feeling relaxing naked. The first time it feels a bit odd but after 5 min it just feels normal and right.

The Boutique Adventurer

Wednesday 20th of January 2021

I understand Chris - I think it is just for many people it feels odd to be naked with strangers vs it not feeling lovely being naked. thanks for the comment

Dinka

Saturday 30th of March 2019

I feel kinda guilty saying this but I live so close to Germany but haven't been to Baden-Baden, yet. This post really inspired me to visit this awesome place! Thank you :)

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