What better way to cool one's heels after a long day of sightseeing than relaxing in the thermal, mineral enriched water of a spa? All thermal spas work differently, therefore it's helpful to do a little research before going in order to make the experience more comfortable and relaxing. The Roman Irish Bath in Baden Baden is a top choice for spa goers in Germany, visited and even raved about by author, Mark Twain.
Baden Baden / Roman Irish Bath Location
Friedrichsbad, the spa's name in German, is found next door to the Caracalla Spa in the center of Baden Baden. The town of Baden Baden, located in the Black Forest region of Germany, is 60 km east of Strasbourg, France, and approximately an hour from Stuttgart. A visit to the spa can make a great day trip from either of these locations. Buses run regularly from the Baden Baden train station to the city center.
Friedrichsbad - Roman Irish Bath Prices and Hours
The spa is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. Visitors should arrive at least two hours before closing time.
2009 Spa Admission Fees
- Single entry with 8 min. soap brush massage and a time allowance of 3.5 hours: 31 EUR/ 44 USD
- Single entry without massage and a time allowance of 3 hours: 21 EUR/ 30 USD
Visitors are charged 0.50 cents with each additional 10 minutes that extends past the allotted time.
The 17 Stages of Friedrichsbad - Roman Irish Bath
After purchasing a ticket and receiving a wristband for a locker at reception, visitors walk upstairs to changing rooms. The kind receptionists speak both German and English. After leaving clothing in a locker, visitors are provided with a sheet, as bathing suits are not permitted, and nudity is the policy.
In order to keep track of time, signs are posted in each room with the recommended amount of time to spend there. There are visible clocks in every room.
Stage 1: Visitors stash sheets in a cubby hole, get bath sandals and start off with an enormous shower.
Stage 2: Warm air bath at 54 degrees Celsius / 129 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 3: Hot air bath at 68 degrees Celsius / 154 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 4: Return to showers
Stage 5: Soap brush massage if chosen
Stage 6: Showers
Stage 7: Thermal steam bath at 45 degrees Celsius / 113 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 8: Thermal steam bath at 48 degrees Celsius / 118 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 9: Thermal full bath at 36 degrees Celsius / 97 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 10: Thermal whirlpool bath at 34 degrees Celsius / 93 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 11: Thermal therapy pool (domed central pool) at 28 degrees Celsius / 82 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 12: Showers
Stage 13: Cold water bath 18 degrees Celsius / 64 degrees Fahrenheit
Stage 14: Attendants wrap visitors in warm towels.
Stage 15: Visitors can use moisturizing cream.
Stage 16: Visitors are "tucked into a bed" for approximately 30 mins. and can sleep.
Stage 17: Visitors can sit in lounge chairs and read magazines (mostly in German) provided by the spa.
Important Things to Know Before Going to Friedrichsbad
It's okay to go back to stages already visited. In fact, some visitors prefer to spend more time in the pools than in the reading room. It's completely up to the preference of the visitor.
Everyday with the exception of Tuesday and Sunday, women and men bathe separately. The only places where men and women would meet are the domed pools of stages 10 and 11. On Tuesdays and Sundays, men and women are together in each stage. For this reason, it's important to plan a visit ahead of time for individual preferences.
With the knowledge of what to expect when going to the Roman Irish Bath in Baden Baden, visitors can relax and enjoy the professional and well kept thermal spa that has people coming back again and again.
 |
