Frankentherme Bad Windsheim, how to: relax, rewind, rejuvenate!

Charming Bad Windsheim is one of my favorite small towns in Germany. This fantastic little medieval town was my first German home.

Bad Windsheim is located just down the road from Rothenburg ob der Tauber, one of Germany’s most famous (and touristed) towns.

One of my best tips for getting away from Rothenburg’s oppressive midday crowds is to make a day trip to Bad Windsheim and relax at the Frankentherme Bad Windsheim therme!

Frankentherme Bad Windsheim

I spent part of my childhood living in the charming town of Bad Windsheim and the town just keeps calling me back. Partially due to nostalgia, but also because there are a couple of very good attractions here.

One of my favorite ways to spend time in this adorable town is at the Frankentherme Bad Windsheim thermal bathing halls (think indoor hot springs) and spa!

If this is your first time, a visit to the baths can be a bit confusing so I’ve summarized everything for you in this article and included lots of great insider information and tips!

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This oasis offers a perfect blend of wellness and ultimate relaxation that’s sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated! It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

So, when you’re ready to take that small necessary step (kleiner schritt nötig) towards wellness and relaxation, Frankentherme Bad Windsheim is waiting to welcome you with open arms!

The Swimming Pools at Franken-therme Bad Windsheim

There are 10 swimming pools in the swimming halls at the Franken-therme, many with medicinal and mineral waters. Yes, you heard that right, 10! The pools are maintained at different temperatures, allowing guests to choose their ideal level of warmth.

Thermal waters are known for their therapeutic and healing properties and are said to help with things like arthritis, high blood pressure, bile secretion, digestive issues, circulation, inflammation, fibromyalgia, skin and respiratory ailments, and a long list of other ailments!

Each pool has a different brine concentration from 1.5% to 26.9%. Temperatures range from 30 to 36°C. (86 to 98.6°F.) Various pools offer additional features like massage jets, a great way to relieve muscle tension and stress, and bubble loungers. You’ll find plenty of seating areas with lounge chairs, and relaxation rooms.

I was just like Goldilocks trying out all the different dishes of porridge. You know how the story goes and I’d like to say that some were too cold but for me most were too hot! Except for the last pool I tried, and it was JUST RIGHT, I finally found MY perfect pool! Likely YOUR perfect pool will be different from mine!

Maps:

You’ll find a large map of the pools in the pool common area complete with the water temperature of each specific pool. Here is a rundown of each: (There is also a Kneipp pool and plunge pool which is near the massage showers.)

Indoor pools

• Thermal brine pool, 1.5% brine: 30 – 32°C: the largest brine pool includes: flow channel and whirlpool, plus daily water gymnastics (included with your entry fee)
• Thermal brine pool, 4% brine: 32 – 34°C: air bubble seats, floor jellyfish, massage jets, and air bubble loungers.
• Thermal brine pool, 12% brine: 34 – 36°C: This is the pool with the laser light show.
• Thermal brine pool is the 2nd 12% brine pool located in the new swimming hall: 34 – 36°C.

Laser Light Show

3 times per pay the room is darkened and music is piped through speakers as laser light beams dance around the room. The show lasts for 15 minutes at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 8 p.m. Enjoy the show from inside the pool or plunk yourself down on one of the loungers.

You’ll need to upgrade to the high brine package to access this pool. Make sure you arrive 5 minutes or so before show time since they do not allow entry during the show.

It gets very warm in this room, so I am unable to linger long in here but it’s worth seeing at least once! You’ll find this pool at the end of the corridor (I believe it is pool #13 on the map.)

Outdoor area

Several of the pools have access to an outdoor pool area. These pools are heated (except for the refreshment pool) and can be enjoyed year-round. These include:

• Salt Lake 26.9% salt content: 26 – 30°C: float your way to relaxation in the high saline salt water pool! The fully saturated brine (vollgesättigter Sole) pool has a salt content of 26.9%, similar to that of the Dead Sea (toten meer) allowing visitors to float effortlessly on its surface. The salt pool is housed in a dome which measures twelve square meters (qm großen) and has an outdoor swim area as well. Under the dome you’ll find beach chairs for sitting and cover from the elements.
• Thermal brine pool at the new swimming hall 1.5% brine: 30 – 32°C:
• There is an outdoor refreshment pool 12°C (54 degrees F so this one is for summer use.)

Fun for families

While the therme is a great place to relax and unwind, it’s also a great place for family fun! Bring the entire family out, find your favorite pool, and swim the day away! The kids are going to love it!

Sauna

Since I don’t like to be hot, the sauna isn’t my cup of tea. My husband, however, loves the sauna and was looking forward to warming up on a December day.

He walked in and immediately walked back out. It turns out that there were too many “wieners” in there for him, and in mixed company male and female none-the-less!

If you decide to give it a go do be aware that sauna areas are textile free so you can’t wear your swimsuit inside. Wrap yourself in a towel and be sure to keep the towel between yourself and the benches at all times. Hygiene is important! If you wear a robe to the sauna there are places to hang it just outside the door.

The sauna landscape includes a variety of saunas, each offering different heat levels for sweating out toxins. There is something for everyone in indoor and outdoor saunas.

Sauna Tips

• Be sure to shower before entering the sauna areas.
• Leave in your locker: cell phone and clothing (except for a robe.)
• They ask that you avoid entering or exiting the sauna when steam is being released.

Interior Sauna areas

• The classic Finnish sauna 90 – 100°C: Humidity: approx. 10%: dry heat in a traditional wooden sweat lodge, alternates between heat and cooling cleanses, an invigorating experience.
• Swiss pine sauna 65 – 75°C: Humidity: approx. 35%: made of the Swiss stone pine, experience the natural aroma of pine!
• Bio sauna 45 – 60°C: Humidity: 40 – 60%: Gentle heat infused with vaporized herbs.
• Brechel bath 38 – 55°C: Humidity: approx. 70%: vaporized herbs for ultimate relaxation
• Aroma bath | 42 – 45°C: Humidity: almost 100%: aroma steam bath with a humidity level reminiscent of the tropics!
• Snow sauna | approx. -10°C: Humidity: approx. 35%: dry and icy cold for maximum circulation benefits!

outdoor Sauna areas

• Finnish sauna
• Bio sauna | 45 – 60°C: Humidity: 40 – 60%: Gentle temperatures with soothing aromas.
• Panorama sauna | 80 – 100°C: Humidity: approx. 10%: 3-level Finnish-style sauna with panoramic views of the sauna garden.

steam baths

Additionally, the bathing halls feature a steam experience area with an aroma steam bath, salt steam bath, and experience showers which offer different water temperatures and pressures, enhancing circulation and promoting relaxation. Experience Franken steam!

• aroma steam bath: Enjoy vaporized natural aromas of pure essential oils like sea breeze, mint or passion fruit! approx. 45°C, Humidity: 80 – 100%
• salt steam bath: saline spray mist with a relaxing color and light display: approx. 40°C Humidity: 80 – 100%. Salt peeing treatments offered 3 times per day at: 11am, 3pm and 7pm.

Bad Windsheim spa services and Wellness Applications

The spa has a wide range of treatments to fit a range of personal interests (persönlichen Interessen.) The prices for the spa services are what I would call “middle of the road.” Maybe a little pricey by European standards but you could definitely pay more!

You need to make an appointment for all wellness treatments. I recommend booking early because appointments do tend to book up. Services can be easily booked online.

The wellness area has a separate entrance. Head straight for the registration entrance (at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment) and they will instruct you on how to proceed from there.

massage

I had a wonderful massage! The lady who gave it to me did not speak English but that’s ok, you’ll get by! Again, I stress, this is not a tourist town, and you won’t find a lot of English spoken here (I kind of like that!) Massages range anywhere from 25 to 90 minutes. You’ll find a description of each massage on the booking portal.

examples of massages include:

• hot stone massage
• full body massage
• saltstone massage
• Lomi Lomi
• Partial Body Massage
• Face and Head Massage
• Honey Massage
• Facial massage
• Candle Massage
• Pregnancy Massage
• Foot Reflexology Massage
• Wonder of the Arctic (cool massage)
• and more!!!

other spa services include:

• manicure
• pedicure
• waxing
• facials (including facials just for men!)
• full body peels

Therapeutic baths

• Imperial Bath (for singles or couples, add a glass of wine!)
• Caribbean Water Park Bath (complete with fruity cocktails!)
• Soft Pack Water bath (warm bath waters, wrapped in towels, plus aromatherapy!)
• Rasul (bathe yourself in mineral rich clay, then enjoy a steam bath)

What is Rasul?

I had never heard of Rasul before, but it was included in my spa package. You’ll undress, enter the colorfully tiled “chamber” where you’ll cover yourself in mineral clay.

After a few minutes the chamber fills with steam. After a nice steam bath, a shower of warm water assists in washing the mud from your body.

I am pretty sensitive to heat and I’m not going to lie, there were a couple of times when I almost pressed the panic button, but I calmed myself and was able to stay inside the chamber for the duration.

I am glad I tried it, and would do it again. I don’t know when my skin has ever felt so nice and in the dead of winter even!

Packages and special offers

Frankentherme offers a variety of wellness packages, allowing visitors to customize their experience. These packages often include access to the spa’s facilities, as well as additional services such as massages and beauty treatments. Check the Franken therme Bad Windsheim gmbh official website for further information (weitere Informationen) about spa services and packages.

Practical information

Upon arrival you will be shown to the dressing rooms and given a wristband that gives you access to the lockers and any of the controlled access areas that have been added to your ticket.

After changing into your swimming attire or robe, simply lock your belongings in your assigned locker and then head for the pools or the spa treatment area if you’ve booked a treatment.

opening hours

Open 7 days per week, from 9:00 am to 10:00 p.m. with slightly varied hours for the Sauna and Wellness treatments.

When is the best time to visit? Because most of the facility is located indoors, this is a great year-round activity! Plus, I love that they stay open late. You can spend the day being a tourist and then relax and unwind at the Frankentherme! Or if you are really in need of rest, consider spending the whole day (ganzen tag) indulging in the various wellness offerings.

tip on avoiding crowds: Consider visiting midday during the week or outside of peak hours to avoid crowds. Early mornings and evenings tend to be quieter.

for the most up to date information on opening times check the official website.

Closing:

Last admission is 75 minutes prior to posted closing time. The bathing areas and saunas must be vacated 30 minutes prior to closing time.

prices

Hourly rates are available for the swimming pools. Prices start at 18,50 euros. for 2.5 hours and go up from there. Day tickets for indoor swimming pools (from 4.5 hours) are 24.50 euros.

There is an extra charge of 5,50 euros for the high brine area which includes the salt lake. The extra charge for the sauna area is 6,00 euros. When we visited all areas were included in the price of our spa wellness package. You’ll want to double check that as their policy may have changed.

Reduced rates: Reduced rates are possible for entry after 7:00 p.m.

Rules

If you would like to review the rules, you can find them here (although they are in German only, use your Google Translate!) A few notable rules include:

• no saving of chairs or loungers with items like towels or bags
• no jumping or diving from the pool edges
• no running
• no photography or filming in the saunas
• no photographing or filming other patrons without permission

information for Disabled persons

Disabled person’s card with the symbol B and a companion will receive free entry to the Franken-Therme. Note that they have lifts in some of the pools for those who require a wheelchair. You can find further details on disability options here.

Children

Frankentherme isn’t just a place for relaxation. If you are looking for a fun activity for the whole family, it’s a great way to entertain the children. Do be aware that children must be 6 years of age to enter Frankentherme.

Official Website, it’s in German Only

The Franken Therme official website is in German only, so use Google Translate. Simply: a) right click with your mouse on the page and select “translate to English” or b) select the 3 dots in Google Chrome and select “translate.”

Nudity

Let’s get this one out of the way. There’s a good chance you’ll see nudity on your visit. You’ll see it in the the showers, the sauna, and maybe even the pools. My husband said he saw an old gentleman jerk down his swim shorts at one of the pools to change. So just be prepared.

Note that there are separate dressing rooms and showers rooms for men and women. Individual dressing rooms have doors.

the showers
You are expected to shower before entering any of the pools and saunas. This is a sanitary issue. You need not worry about being nude because Germans are used to it and won’t bat an eye, anyone else is probably doing their best to avoid looking at anyone else.

What to bring

• Swimsuit
• a towel and / or a bathrobe. If you have booked a spa treatment a towel and bathrobe rental are included in the price of the treatment.
• Flip flops or other pool appropriate shoes. I don’t believe they are required but I feel more comfortable with shoes.

what to wear inside

If you are looking to fit in, most people wear basic swimwear. You won’t see many wearing bright or tropical prints. My husband wears mid-thigh swim trunks. No need to go out and get yourself a Speedo.

rental information

Forgot something? No problem! They offer the following rentals:

• Bathrobe rental: 5.00 Euro (50.00 Euro deposit)
• Bath towel rental: 4.00 Euro (50.00 Euro deposit)
• Swimwear rental: 4.00 Euro (50.00 Euro deposit)

Pets

Have your furry friend along? Consider dropping them off at doggy daycare during your visit. Give Karin Krut Hundepension a call at +49 9841 79593 or drop them off for their own spa day at Fressnapf Bad Windsheim dog groomer, +49 9841 6958880.

Where to eat at Frankentherme

If you’re visiting Frankentherme, there’s no need to venture far when you get hungry because there is a restaurant right at the facility. Restaurant “Salza” is the onsite restaurant serving traditional Franconian cuisine and a selection of lighter choices.

You don’t need to worry about carrying cash or cards while in the pool and wellness area. Purchases are charged to your wristband. You’ll settle up before leaving Frankentherme.

There is no need to change into street clothes before entering, simply grab your bathrobe and go! When weather permits you can sit outside on the outdoor terrace.

Additionally, there is a bistro reserved for sauna guests. They do recommend making a reservation for a table if you don’t want to wait. We have not tried the restaurant, but their menu is very enticing!

Eating in Bad Windsheim

If you are looking for more dining options in Bad Windsheim there are plenty of choices serving traditional Franconian dishes. (We usually end up eating at the Muhi & Beate Schnellimbiss.) My tip for finding the best restaurants in town is to Google “best restaurants in…” and then check the Tripadvisor or Yelp inc. Yelp results.

How to Get to Frankentherme

Frankentherme is accessible by car, train, or bus. For those using public transport, the town’s train station is well connected, and it’s only a short walk from the station to the spa.

(GPS Coordinates: 49.51464036383197, 10.414030296295442)

by train

Bad Windsheim Train station (Bahnhof) is less than 1 km (ten-minute walk) from the thermal baths through the lovely and expansive Kirpark. (new to public transportation? Public Transportation for Beginners)

by car

Enter the address or GPS coordinates into your navigation system and it should take you right there. There are two large parking lots at the therme.

parking lot address:
Külsheimer Str. 14, 91438 Bad Windsheim, Germany

parking cost for spa visitors: €1 for a few hours (this is a reduced parking rate for guests at the spa. Ask at the reception about having your parking ticket validated)

You can even charge your car while you enjoy the facilities! GPS coordinates to the charging station: 49.5127792308182, 10.413666292030644

A Day Trip to Frankentherme

Bad Windsheim is an easy day trip and a short drive from several tourist towns in the surrounding area.

• Nuremberg: 1 hour 36 minutes by train, 1 hour by car
• Wurzburg: 1 hour 37 minutes by train, 40 minutes by car
• Bamberg: While it’s a long train ride (2 hours 38 minutes) it’s a mere 1-hour drive from Bamberg by car
• Dinkelsbühl: long by train but only 45 minutes by car
• Rothenburg ob der Tauber: 1 hour 12 minutes by train, 25 minutes by car

Explore Rothenburg ob der Tauber!

• Rothenburg 3-Day Itinerary
• Rothenburg Visitor Guide
• Rothenburg at Christmas

where to stay (Accommodations in Bad Windsheim)

While it’s easy to visit Bad Windsheim in a few hours, why not extend your stay? There are several accommodation options near Frankentherme.

The vital Hotel an der Therme GmbH

The Vital Hotel, located within walking distance of the spa, is a popular choice among visitors. This hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine, and direct access to the spa facilities. The hotel’s bathrobe corridor offers barrier-free access from the ground floor of the hotel directly to the thermal bathing area.

Check Vital Hotel Rates

Kurhotel Pyramide Bad Windsheim

The special feature of this hotel is the bathrobe corridor which connects the Kurhotel Pyramide underground with the entrance of the Franken-Therme Bad Windsheim gmbh.

Make your way from the hotel to the thermal bath and spa and stay warm and dry without having to go outside any time of the year at Hotel Pyramide Bad Windsheim!

Bonus, you can change into your swimsuit and bathrobe in your hotel room instead of using the dressing rooms at the therme. When you have finished your stay in the Therme, you can quickly and easily return to your room by the same route.

I love this feature because you could spend part of the day getting relaxed at the spa, head to your room for a nap, and then come back in the evening.

You can even check into the spa from the hotel reception where you’ll be given your admission band (transponder.)

check Kurhotel Pyramide rates

Hotel Späth

Another nearby option is Hotel Späth, which is known for its cozy atmosphere and excellent service.

check Hotel Späth rates

gasthauses

Bad Windsheim is the perfect place to book a cozy guest house (Gasthaus) for a more personalized touch where you can immerse yourself in the local culture. It was at one of these Gasthauses where I spent my very first months in Germany as a child, and for me, it was a magical time!

Explore Bad Windsheim’s cozy Gasthauses here.

bad windsheim therme reviews

Wondering how others rank the the therme? Trip Advisor reviewers give it a 4 out of 5 stars. Reviewer comments include “amazing!” “must do!” “Great Place to warm up and relax!!!” “refreshed” “fantastic and unique,” among many other glowing reviews!

Other things to do in Bad Windsheim

Kurpark: Consider a leisurely walk through the beautiful Kurpark, just steps away, before heading into the spa and thermal baths.

Franconian Open-Air Museum: Bad Windsheim is home to a fabulous open-air museum (Fränkisches Freilandmuseum Bad Windsheim.) It’s a real treasure trove for anyone who loves history or historic structures.

Explore the town: The picturesque streets of Bad Windsheim itself are also worth exploring, with their historic buildings and quaint shops. Take a stroll though the quaint streets with traditional German architecture, and rich history.

Bad Windsheim is located far from the tourist track and the perfect way to see the real Germany! Looking for more hidden gems in Europe? Here’s how to find them!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to bring payment into the spa for spa services or refreshments at the cafe or restaurant?

Der therme gmbh operates on a cashless settlement of all services. Any purchases that you make inside the facility will be charged to your wristband. You will then settle up before leaving.

What’s another thermal spa option in the area?

If you love a good thermal spa, consider Therme Erding, another popular German spa destination located near Munich. They bill themselves as the largest thermal spa in the Europe!

How much time does Frankentherme Bad windsheim require?

I’d allow 3 hours. This gives you time enough for dressing and undressing, showering, before and after, and about 2.5 hours for any spa services and / or pool time. However, you could spend the bulk of a day at the therme. Alternately, it could be done in as little as 2.5 hours.

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