Bad Nauheim at a glance

One special night in 1846 was to change the history of the former salt settlement forever. The Christmas miracle made Bad Nauheim what it is today – an eventful spa town.

It was just before Christmas, the night of 21 to 22 December. The night watchman was making his rounds through the town. No one else ventured out that night because a hurricane-like storm had made the earth tremble. On his patrol, he walked across the River Usa – and was in for a big surprise.

He passed a meadow where, years before, attempts had been made to transport highly concentrated mineral springs to the surface by drilling. These attempts failed, so the shaft was covered with beams and soil and fell into oblivion. On this day, however, the night watchman couldn't believe his eyes: a powerful jet of foaming and steaming brine burst through the cover.

This “Christmas miracle” was the beginning of Bad Nauheim's development from a salt-boiling village to a modern therapeutic spa resort for cardiac conditions. The springs' power and significance can still be felt everywhere today – and in one place in particular: in the Sprudelhof (fountain courtyard), the town's iconic landmark. Two impressive mineral spring streams gush out here, surrounded by bathhouses where countless spa guests used to bathe in a tub. Every August, the people of Bad Nauheim celebrate the traditional “Quellendank” (source thanksgiving) in the Sprudelhof, paying tribute to their healing waters.

Anyone who gets to know the spa town on the edge of the Taunus mountains will fall for its cosy charm and lively atmosphere: breathe in the sea air at the blackthorn graduation towers, hike along exciting, themed routes, discover blossoming park landscapes, enjoy Hessian specialities, splash around with the family in the wave pool or be inspired by the abundance of festivals, concerts and cabaret – you can experience it all in Bad Nauheim!