Emser Therme in Bad Ems: Wellness weekend in the world heritage city

From spa town to spa town: Oops, did I end up back in the Black Forest? At least that's what I thought for a brief moment when I arrived in the picturesque spa town of Bad Ems after a train ride of several hours. Since I live in a health resort myself, I immediately noticed the similarities between Bad Ems and my new home. But Bad Ems particularly stands out among the health resorts.

The enchanting spa town is not only known for its healing thermal springs, but also for its impressive architecture and its exciting history. For good reason, Bad Ems is part of the UNESCO World Heritage and, together with 10 other European spas, is one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”. In this article I share with you my personal highlights from our wellness weekend in the World Heritage spa town of Bad Ems and our stay at the Emser Therme. Let's go!

On a walk into another time: Holidays in Bad Ems

Surrounded by rolling hills, Bad Ems lies picturesquely on the banks of the Lahn between green forests and magnificent buildings. These are grand hotels and villas from the era of emperors and tsars who enjoyed the beneficial effects of the springs during their lifetime. Bad Ems was once “The Place To Be” for nobles and everyone of rank and name who regularly visited the city for treatment and relaxation.

This sophisticated magic of bygone times can still be felt today when you walk past the elegant spa houses and magnificent Art Nouveau villas. As if Tsar Alexander II and his uncle Kaiser Wilhelm I were about to appear around the next corner, engrossed in a reconciliation conversation about the so-called slap letter. But this is another story…
Because we are here in 2023 to immerse ourselves in today's wellness world of Bad Ems and, above all, to test the relaxation factor of the spa town.

It's getting hot: the healing springs of Bad Ems

Even today you can still bathe like a king in Bad Ems: A total of 15 thermal springs bubble up here and attract millions of visitors to the city every year. Because the health resort is located on a so-called healing spring saddle. Probably the most impressive spring in terms of record temperatures is without a doubt the Robert Kampe Spring. With a temperature of 57°C, it is one of the hottest springs in Germany. "When you're in a good mood" the geyser turns into a meter-high fountain.

Emser Therme in Bad Ems

The Robert-Kampe-Sprudel even supplies the Emser Therme thermal bath with its thermal spring water. After the water has evaporated, the famous "Ems pastilles" are made from the mineral salts.

Wellness experience in a class of its own in the Emser Thermenhotel in Bad Ems: modern temple of well-being with a touch of luxury

In the midst of the idyllic river landscape lies the beautiful Emser thermal hotel. As soon as I entered the modernly designed entrance hall, I immediately got in the holiday mood: comfortable seating areas everywhere, a fireplace, rooms flooded with light, the furnishings in soothing, dark natural tones. After the quick and friendly check-in, we went to the spacious, stylish room. A highlight is the breathtaking view of the rushing Lahn and the river sauna, the first sauna of its kind in Germany. A special feature that struck me as particularly positive at the Emser Thermenhotel concerns the orientation of the rooms: All hotel rooms face the sunny river side. I was also impressed by the comfort and the well thought-out furnishings. From the sockets to the light switches to enough storage space; every detail is stylish, modern and practical at the same time. After slipping into my cozy bathrobe, which was provided, I could have made myself comfortable in the room. But the heart of the Emser Thermenhotel was still waiting to be discovered.

Emser Therme in Bad Ems

So I grabbed my wellness bag (by the way, every guest gets the practical wellness bag with slippers, towels and clothespins with room number for the bathrobe in their room) and set off for the thermal world. A special highlight for overnight guests is the comfortable one bathrobe walk, which enables you to get from the hotel directly to the thermal baths and sauna area comfortably in your bathrobe. They enjoy direct access and can immerse themselves in the wellness world of the Emser Therme without any detours. But the soothing thermal baths with mineral-rich water are not the only highlight.

Unique in Germany: river sauna with a phenomenal view

Tired of staring at walls while in the sauna? No problem, because in the Emser Therme in Bad Ems your sauna sessions take place on the river. Awaiting you in the sauna park the only river sauna in Germany so far. There are two saunas on the floating building with a breathtaking view of the idyllic Lahn Valley. The “midnight sauna” is also outstanding, as the thermal baths are open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Have you ever had a sauna on a river under the full moon? No? Then it's time 😊

Emser Therme in Bad Ems: Beware of addiction! My first aromatic candle oil massage

In addition to the thermal baths, the Emser Thermen also offer an extensive range wellness offer. From soothing massages to hammam treatments to the "imperial bath" in a luxury bathtub - here you will find everything your wellness heart desires. I opted for an aromatic candle oil massage including a foot massage. (The first massage of this type that I have tried so far). And what can I say: I was in seventh heaven for almost an hour. Instead of ordinary wax, warm nourishing oils are dripped onto the skin and worked into it with a massage. By the way, you can also buy the candles on site to take home.

Honeymoon day in Bad Ems

It remains exciting: If you come from Bad Ems or the surrounding area, then it could Honeymoon Day be particularly interesting for you. The Honeymoon Day Pass includes:

• two day tickets for the thermal baths and sauna areas,
• two wellness massages of 20 minutes each
• two rental bathrobes
• 1x imperial bath in the luxury tub for 2
• 2-course menu in the Halberts restaurant

And maybe you will feel inspired to try the fragrant massage candles at home afterwards ;-)... Because you can buy them in the thermal baths.

Our Bad Ems highlights: sights & activities

For its quite manageable size, the town of Bad Ems has a large number of sights, excursion destinations and exciting photo spots. Here is a small selection that we particularly remember:

Impressive architecture: the casino in Bad Ems

The 300-year-old casino in Bad Ems is an eye-catcher, especially from the outside, and a wonderful photo opportunity.

Kurtheater & event location in Bad Ems – celebrate majestically

When I entered the Kurtheater in Bad Ems, I felt transported back to another time. The majestic façade of the theater, adorned with ornate decorations, still gives the building a touch of the elegance of bygone centuries. The heavy wooden doors creaked open to reveal the sumptuous interior with golden detailing and a stunning Neo-Rococo style chandelier.

Wedding location of a special kind

Getting married where emperors and tsars used to dance? Both the Marble Hall and the Kurtheater still serve as venues for cultural events: the premises can be rented for everything from large conferences to wedding celebrations. The outdoor bandstand provides a scenic backdrop for free weddings right next to the chestnut garden and the big fountain. Alternatively, the Blue Salon is available as an elegant interior space, which is also ideal for free weddings in the colder months of the year.

House four towers, also called Karlsburg von Bad Ems

This delicate, baroque building was once the unofficial summer residence of Tsar Alexander II. In the past, however, many other celebrities have stayed here, including the famous composer Carl Maria von Weber and several European monarchs.

Bad Ems through the eyes of Oscar Barneck: The Leica Photo Point

Oscar who? Maybe the name doesn't mean anything to you, but the company that is associated with it certainly does. During the Romantic era, the Bäderlei high above Bad Ems enjoyed great popularity as a sought-after excursion destination. And it was precisely in this idyllic place that Oscar Barnack carried out an exciting test with a strange device that would later become one of the most groundbreaking inventions of the last century. As the creative mind behind the Leica 35mm XNUMXmm camera, he took the very first snapshots at the Bäderlei with the legendary “original Leica”. As a tribute to this remarkable experiment, the enchanting Leica Photo Point was built on behalf of the Leica company.

Canoe tour on the Lahn - from Obernhof towards Nassau

A highlight of our trip was definitely the canoe tour from Obernhof towards Nassau. And what better way to explore the landscape and surroundings than in a happy round of canoeing? But before we started, we were allowed to do a small wine tasting with an original Lahn wine nudge.

So we set sail in a four-person canoe – or rather we set sail on the Lahn. From the Wolff boat rental we went on the taster route of 5 km through the Nassau Nature Park. Incidentally, the canoe tours are available in different lengths – from a two-hour taster trip for beginners to adventures lasting several days for professionals.

While we glided leisurely over the calm waters in the best weather, an enchanting landscape stretched out before our eyes. The shores are surrounded by lush greenery that is reflected in the sparkling water. Gentle hills and idyllic forests stretch along the river bank and right in the middle we also caught a glimpse of the Arstein Monastery in Obernhof, which is impressively embedded high above the river in the picturesque location. I immediately felt slowed down and at the same time fascinated by the stillness and tranquility of this place. Passing various birds and even a beaver, I would have loved to spend the whole day on the river, but the taster tour was probably just the right thing for my arms.

Hiking like the emperors and tsars: Romantic tour of Bad Ems

Another way to discover the idyllic river landscape but also the historic spa district of Bad Ems is on a hike along the romantic circuit. Fantastic views of Bad Ems open up from the numerous viewing temples and thanks to the information boards you get a feeling for how noblemen, artists, tsars and emperors used to hike here and marveled at the wonderful view.

Restaurants in Bad Ems

Bad Ems has an exciting restaurant landscape. From traditional German cuisine to international specialties, there is something for every palate. Here is my personal selection of restaurants & cafés in Bad Ems.

VONUNDZU - Restaurant & wedding location in the heart of Bad Ems

The name alone makes you curious, doesn't it? The TO AND FROM in the Kursaal of Bad Wildbad is a highlight both inside and outside. The large terrace, designed in an inviting Mediterranean flair, makes you want to spend mild summer evenings and is ideal for dreamy wedding celebrations. The historic Kurhaus shines in a modern and at the same time romantic and cozy atmosphere. May is asparagus season and there are deliciously refined dishes and menus based on asparagus. The food is lovingly and creatively prepared. Vegan menus are also available on request. There is one right now Pop up restaurant, which is very well received. You can find available dates on the website.

Restaurant Concordiaturm – Feasting with a heavenly view of Bad Ems

This is a beautiful place where culinary delights and breathtaking views go hand in hand Restaurant Concordia Tower right next to the Concordia Tower in Bad Ems. Ideal to stop off after a hike or to start from here. A popular hike is the 4 towers tour. In addition to the panoramic windows with a magnificent view of Bad Ems and the Lahn, the summer terrace is another highlight. But not only the panorama is impressive, but also the cuisine of the restaurant Concordiaturm. Here, traditional German cuisine is combined with creative influences to create true culinary delights. The menu pays homage to local produce and offers a varied selection to suit all tastes. The wild garlic soup is truly a poem!

Restaurant Benedetti – Grand Hotel Experience in Bad Ems

If you are exploring Bad Ems, you should definitely visit the Häckers Grand Hotel, if only because of the historical ambience. This historic hotel is also home to the elegant Restaurant Benedetti. When the weather is nice, you can enjoy a fine meal here with a glass of wine and feel the atmosphere of the spa town. The building also houses the award-winning Maharishi Ayurveda Clinic, which we also paid a visit to and received a small introduction to Transcendental Meditation.

Emser Therme in Bad Ems: Emser Thermenhotel restaurant for hotel guests

You can also feast deliciously in the restaurant in the Emser Thermenhotel. In addition to the daily changing buffet, hotel guests have the choice between à la carte and the buffet in this restaurant. I was particularly pleased about the extensive drinks menu with many interesting non-alcoholic options, such as the more exotic Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic.

You can also find more travel inspiration within the Rhineland-Palatinate in our articles Vacation in the monastery at Laacher See & Out and about with the e-bike in Gerolstein and Bitburg.

Did our tips help you plan your trip or inspire you to take a trip to Bad Ems? Then feel free to share the post with your friends, save it on Pinterest or tag @linazerrella in your Instagram story!

This article is part of a press trip with Experience Rhineland-Palatinate developed. Thanks a lot for this!