Even if you have never been here, you are bound to know the name of Bad Ems. The little town on the Lahn became famous around the world as a spa resort for emperors and kings in the 19th century. Although you are not as likely to bump into royalty these days, it is still worth a closer look. In summer 2021, UNESCO granted Bad Ems World Heritage status as one of seven ‘Great Spa Towns of Europe’. It is arguably the greatest international honour that can be bestowed on a spa town.
The banks of the Lahn in the spa town of Bad Ems, Lahn valley
View of the Emser Kränchen in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Natural mineral water springs form the heart of these spa resorts. They have been the focus of European spa culture since the early 18th century. Pump rooms, colonnades and galleries grew up around them so the springs could be used for bathing and taking the waters. Then came gardens, assembly rooms, casinos, theatres, hotels and villas. In Bad Ems, you can soak up this wonderful spa culture as a haven of modern wellness in a sophisticated historical atmosphere, with top-notch food and events, and treatments for both prevention and well-being. There are 15 healing springs in Bad Ems, the most famous of which is the Emser Kränchen, which is renowned for its healing effects on respiratory ailments. No doubt you have also heard of Emser Pastilles, which have been produced from Bad Ems spring salt for 150 years. So you can suck on the spring water as an alternative to drinking it.
The spa quarter in Bad Ems still makes for an impressive sight, which you can enjoy in all its glory from the bridge over the Lahn. The Kursaal building with its marble hall forms a key part of the complex. The styling of the room is dominated by the many different facets of Lahn marble. This local stone is really at its finest when polished to a high-gloss finish. The columns, floor and wall coverings are all fitted with Lahn marble. It is something the marble hall has in common with the Empire State Building, the Hermitage in St Petersburg, the Brühl Palaces and many other magnificent buildings all over the world. Lahn marble was a real export hit for centuries. This glittering backdrop takes you back to imperial times, when the world’s powers that be held court here. A guided tour provides more insight into the glorious past of the spa resort and the history of Lahn marble.
The impressive marble hall for events in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
After all the glitter and glory, you will have earned a bit of a break. One of the most modern and most attractive wellness spas in Germany sits right on the banks of the Lahn. It is sheer well-being over a space of 6,600 m2. You can relax and recharge your batteries at the ThermenLandschaft, the SaunaPark, the WellnessGalerie and the FitnessPanorama. It also boasts the FlussSauna, the only river sauna in Germany. It is built over the Lahn, and you can watch the gentle flow of the water as you enjoy your sauna. Sitting on the terrace, you feel like you are floating over the river. It has a relaxation quality all of its own, and you can simply leave your troubles behind.
The FlussSauna of the Bad Ems thermal bath invites you to relax, Lahn valley
In the Bad Ems thermal baths the focus is on health, relaxation and well-being, Lahn valley
What connects the baths in Bad Ems to the Empire State Building in New York? It is the shimmering marble from the tranquil Lahn valley that is fitted in both buildings! And it is not even real marble. But the colourful limestone polished to a high shine by the region’s expert stonemasons is so lovely that you can happily gloss over that! Martin Seidler tells you how it got from the Lahn to the rest of the world.
