Mother Nature has been particularly kind to Bad Ems. The spa resort sits on a col of mineral springs, which allows healthy water to bubble to the surface from deep underground through 15 different springs. The magnificent palace hotel, the marble spa hall, the wonderful spa garden with views over the Lahn, the Quellenturm and the impressive baroque buildings in Bad Ems all hark back to the 18th and 19th centuries, when many spa guests, including emperors, kings and famous artists, strolled along the promenade in the Lahn valley between Limburg and Koblenz. They came for the healing water, which has particularly high levels of hydrogen carbonate and sodium and chloride ions.
Emser Therme: One of the most modern thermal spas in Germany stands right on the banks of the Lahn in the middle of the spa resort and is fed by Bad Ems spring water. The spacious spa complex, the sauna garden and the Fitness Panorama provide a wide range of relaxation and active rehabilitation options. With a herbal steam bath, Bad Ems saline inhalation, a hot candle massage in the hamam or a warming rain shower, you can pick the feel-good moments you want and enjoy in the relaxed atmosphere. The river sauna is extraordinary. It floats on the Lahn and can be reached via a jetty from the spa.
View of the outdoor pool at the Emser Therme thermal baths in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Relaxing in the outside area of FlussSauna at the Emser Therme in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Brunnenhalle: The elegant Badeschloss, now the Grand Hotel, sits in an impressive position on the banks of the Lahn. The Nassau-Orange residence was built in the early 18th century on exactly the spot where the people of Bad Ems once enjoyed the mineral springs in the Middle Ages. Kaiser Wilhelm the 1st stayed in the east wing on the more than 20 occasions he came to take the waters in Bad Ems.
The Brunnenhalle is home to three different springs right next to one another, the Kesselbrunnen, the Kaiserbrunnen and the Emser Kränchen. Guests can wander through the Brunnenhalle, glass in hand, drinking from each of the springs and deciding which they like best. Guests at the adjoining hotel can relax on the rococo sofas next to shimmering gold tables and dream of the wonderful imperial era many years ago.
The magnificent Kurhaus is considered one of the major landmark of Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Emser Kränchen: The ‘Emser Kränchen’ (which translates as the ‘Ems little crane’) is one of the four springs in the Brunnenhalle and undoubtedly the most famous in Bad Ems. Why? It was Kaiser Wilhelm the 1st favourite spring. This is set in stone in the monument in the spa garden, which depicts the emperor relaxing in casual attire. One of the reliefs shows the emperor drinking from the Emser Kränchen. Around the turn of the 20th century, the water was so highly regarded that more than two million litres of it were shipped out all over the world in stoneware jugs every year. The spring is a ‘sodium hydrogen carbonate chloride mineral acidulous spring’ containing fluoride and can help with respiratory and bronchial conditions. You can try the Emser Kränchen water free of charge in the Brunnenhalle. It is also available in many restaurants or you can take it away as a souvenir in a little bottle with a special spa cup.
The famous Emser Kränchen in the Brunnenhalle in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
The impressive fountain from the Robert-Kampe-Sprudel in Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Robert-Kampe-Sprudel: The water column of the Robert-Kampe-Sprudel in the east of the Kurhaus shoots up to eight metres into the air. With a water temperature of 57 degrees, it is one of the hottest springs in Germany. Every day, the geyser shoots up 800,000 litres of water, requiring no external power and providing the Emser Therme with a constant supply of fresh, crystal clear water. The spring water from the Robert-Kampe-Sprudel is very high in salt content and forms the basis for the production of the famous Emser Pastilles. Based on a process developed in the mid-19th century, the spring water is evaporated and the pastilles are pressed from the salty residues. They are still a popular remedy for sore throats and hoarseness. The gas-bearing spring is named after engineer Robert Kampe who captured it as a fountain in 1955. He is considered the founder of the science of mineral spring engineering.
The Römerquelle in the historic spa district of Bad Ems, Lahn valley
Römerquelle: A glass of warm mineral water from the Römerquelle at 42 degrees would no doubt have served the ancient Romans well after their famously extravagant feasts. It is said to be good for indigestion. However, there is no evidence as to whether the Romans drank from or even bathed in this water. But it cannot be ruled out. After all, they were very much aware of the delights of water, as evidenced by the Römerquelle, which sits between the banks of the Lahn and the Badeschloss and is covered by a little temple with a mosaic floor. Hikers on the Lahn Trail, which leads directly past the spring, enjoy filling up their drinking bottles from it. Free of charge, of course.
