Baden (Switzerland)

The Roman settlement Aquae Helveticae, the original Baden, was constructed some 2,000 years ago when Roman legionnaires discovered hot springs near the bend of the River Limmat. Healing properties were immediately attributed to these thermal springs, and the thermal baths became an important social meeting pace. During heyday in the Middle Ages the baths underwent a significant expansion. With two public baths and around 30 private baths, Baden became the most famous spa town in German-speaking Europe. A trip to Baden for a spa treatment, known as a “Badenfahrt”, was a standard feature in the life of the upper-cass.

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The opening of Switzerands first railway line from Baden to Zurich, known as the “Spanischbrödlibahn”, and the construction of the “Kursaal” with a wide range of entertainment (now the Grand Casino) brought about a further upswing in the baths’ fortunes. 

Then the First World War put an end to the scintilating spa activities of the Belle Époque, and after the Second World War the spa town of Baden focused more on medical services and rehabilitation. Visitor numbers declined, and by the end of the 20th century the baths were facing a crisis. The redesign and reopening of the thermal baths in 2021 has once again created a meeting pace and visitor attraction. In addition to the existing hot spring experiences, the contemporary wellness therme FORTYSEVEN continues the 2,000 years old spa Wellness-Therme FORTYSEVEN © Schweiz Tourismus culture and tradition. The focus on holistic wellbeing has created an attractive range of treatments that is in tune with the spirit of the times.

Links for more information

https://www.deinbaden.ch/en/

https://storage.flyo.cloud/52_cf5D3moItbveGt_flyer-baths-district-baden-english.pdf