Thermalquelle

## Overview Thermalquelle Baden-Baden is a natural hot spring located in the heart of the historic spa town of Baden-Baden in southwestern Germany's Black Forest region. Situated along Schloßstraße, near the town's famous castle and bathing quarter, this thermal spring is part of a network of geothermal sources that have made Baden-Baden one of Europe's most celebrated spa destinations for over two thousand years. Baden-Baden's thermal waters were first utilized by the Romans, who established the settlement of Aquae Aureliae around 80 AD and built elaborate bathhouses to take advantage of the naturally heated mineral-rich waters rising from deep beneath the northern Black Forest. The town's very name — "Baden" meaning "to bathe" — reflects its identity as a bathing destination. Over the centuries, the springs attracted European royalty, artists, and travelers seeking the reputed healing properties of the warm, mineral-laden waters. The thermal springs of Baden-Baden are fed by rainwater that percolates deep into the earth along geological fault lines in the Rhine Graben rift valley, where it is heated by geothermal energy before rising back to the surface. The waters in the Baden-Baden area have historically been recorded at temperatures ranging from approximately 50°C to 68°C (122°F to 154°F), making them among the hottest thermal springs in Germany. The mineral content has traditionally been noted to include chloride, sodium, and various trace elements, though exact composition can vary by source. This particular spring on Schloßstraße is freely accessible, offering visitors a chance to experience Baden-Baden's famous thermal waters without the cost of the town's renowned bathhouses such as the Friedrichsbad (built 1877) or the modern Caracalla Therme. ## Directions 1. The spring is located at **Schloßstraße 22, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany**. 2. From Baden-Baden's central pedestrian zone (Lange Straße), head south toward the Stiftskirche (Collegiate Church). 3. Continue uphill along Schloßstraße, which leads toward the Neues Schloss (New Castle). 4. The thermal spring is situated along this street — look for signs or visible water features near number 22. 5. **GPS coordinates:** 48.7653, 8.2420. 6. If arriving by car, public parking is available in the town center (Festspielhaus or Vincenti garages). The spring is best reached on foot from the town center, approximately a 10-minute walk uphill. 7. Baden-Baden is well served by Deutsche Bahn rail; from Baden-Baden Bahnhof, take bus lines 201 or 205 to the town center (Leopoldsplatz), then walk uphill. ## What to Expect Visitors to Thermalquelle on Schloßstraße will find a freely accessible thermal spring in one of Germany's most elegant and historically rich spa towns. The spring area is located on the hillside leading up to the Neues Schloss, surrounded by the charming architecture and tree-lined streets of Baden-Baden's old town. The water emerges warm — noticeably hot to the touch — and may carry a faint mineral scent characteristic of Baden-Baden's geothermal sources. While the thermal waters of Baden-Baden have been used for bathing and wellness for millennia, visitors should note that the water at this free spring has not been independently verified for drinking safety. Historically, Baden-Baden's thermal waters have been consumed and bathed in for their reputed therapeutic benefits, but modern visitors should exercise their own discretion. The surrounding neighborhood is picturesque and walkable, with cobblestone streets, cafés, and views over the town and the Black Forest hills. The Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Therme are both nearby for those wishing to enjoy a full thermal bathing experience. The area is accessible year-round, though the uphill walk to Schloßstraße can be slippery in winter conditions. This is an excellent stop for anyone exploring Baden-Baden's rich spa heritage and wanting to see where the town's famous thermal waters actually emerge from the earth.