The spa resort of Bad Breisig in the district of Ahrweiler combines the benefits of the Middle Rhine Valley and the Eifel. This little village is perfectly located between the cities of Bonn and Koblenz to provide a break offering both countryside and city experiences. Besides having good public transport connections, it is the perfect starting point for excursions on foot, by bike or by boat.
Bad Breisig is a spa town, as is evidenced by the ‘Römer-Thermen’ thermal baths. The current baths were built in 1991 and modernised in 2010, but the warm mineral spring was first tapped in 1914 by researcher Peter Lang and Baron of the Empire Maximilian von Geyr zu Schweppenburg as part of a sensational drilling project. In 1936, Johann Martin Schuh, a pioneer of the Bad Breisig spa movement, completed the construction of the ‘Heilbäderhaus Geyrsprudel’ therapeutic baths. The businessman wanted to enable professional use of the healing waters.
The crystal clear water still bubbles out of the tap of the drinking fountain inside. It helps with arterial hypertension, circulatory disorders, skin problems and cardiovascular issues. Bathing in the healing waters relieves pain in the musculoskeletal system and accelerates the healing of broken bones.
As well as the spring water, the Römer-Thermen also incorporates a sauna complex with a steam bath and a fitness studio. One of the other highlights is the ‘Braune Grotte’, which includes separate pools where you can enjoy the spring water in its original form. The water gets its characteristic brown colour from its high iron content.
Apart from the Römer-Thermen, there are also other attractions in this spa and holiday resort. As well as more energetic activities, such as hiking or cycling, you can also just simply wander along the pedestrianised Rhine promenade, which has a really Mediterranean feel.
Sauna complex at the Römer-Thermen in Bad Breisig, Romantic Rhine
The Rhine Cycle Route is a real challenge for cyclists, as it stretches the entire 1,200 kilometre length of the Rhine from its source to its mouth. But there are also less taxing cycling routes into the nearby Ahr valley, or circular routes along both sides of the Rhine, providing plenty of opportunities to explore the romantic Rhine valley on a bike or even an electric bike.
Evening sunshine over the Rhine and Castle Rheineck near Bad Breisig, Romantic Rhine
Gentle walk near Bad Breisig, Romantic Rhine
Bad Breisig has lots to offer walkers too, with more than a dozen marked footpaths. These include walks with themes such as fairy tales or springs, local circuits, premium regional trails, such as the Breisiger Ländchen or the Eifelleiter, and the RheinBurgenWeg, a long-distance trail taking in various castles along the Rhine. There are wonderful views of the Rhine Valley and the Eifel along the way, not to mention plenty of benches, little huts and swings, which are all perfect for a short break. Some of the paths lead past the fairy-tale forest, which is a popular destination for all ages.
A trip on the ‘Volcano Express’ is also a must. This nostalgic narrow-gauge railway has been running from the Rhine to the heights of the Eifel for 120 years, crossing several viaducts and climbing nearly 400 metres in altitude. There is also a popular excursion to the nearby town of Andernach and the cold water geyser that erupts at regular intervals.
Bathing in the warm spring water or enjoying a sauna or a massage in the Römer-Thermen is the best way to relax after a busy day in Bad Breisig and its beautiful surroundings. Bad Breisig offers activity, relaxation and nature close to the city, making it the perfect break for those seeking a little variety.
View of the beautifully decorated interior of the Römer-Thermen, Romantic Rhine
Dining in the sunshine on the terraces of the Rhine promenade in Bad Breisig, Romantic Rhine
