Germany
Baden-Baden is Europe's most concentrated single-city thermal spa destination. Caracalla Therme combines Roman-inspired thermal pools with a three-level Saunalandschaft — one of the most architecturally ambitious public sauna complexes in Germany, with outdoor heated pools and panoramic views over the Black Forest. Friedrichsbad, the grand 19th-century Roman-Irish bathhouse, takes guests through a 17-stage ritual of thermal pools, steam baths, and full-body scrubs that has been operating since 1877. Neither venue permits swimwear in the sauna areas — Friedrichsbad is entirely textile-free throughout the bathing circuit. The town's tourist infrastructure is entirely built around the thermal tradition: arriving in Baden-Baden without booking at least one sauna session is like visiting Rome without entering a church.
Baden-Baden is a UNESCO World Heritage spa city (as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe). Friedrichsbad — an 1877 Roman-Irish bathhouse — and Caracalla Therme are the two flagship facilities, fed by natural thermal springs that reach 68°C at source.
An extraordinary 19th-century Roman-Irish thermal bathhouse with 17 stages of progressive heat, steam, brush-down massage, and cool plunge pools. Entry requires full nudity (no swimwear at any stage) and it is one of Germany's most famous bath experiences.
The more modern, family-friendly counterpart to Friedrichsbad — thermal pools, saunas, and steam rooms in a glass-and-stone complex. Swimwear required in the pools; textile-free in the sauna area. Day entry without hotel booking.
Mid-to-premium — Friedrichsbad entry runs €35–45, Caracalla Therme €20–30. Baden-Baden is a luxury destination overall but sauna entry is cheaper than London or Zurich equivalents.
