Bad Kissingen

A well-known resort situated right in the heart of Germany. It’s conveniently located near the main motorways, making it a great place to stop and relax during a road trip - which is exactly what we did.

The springs in these places were known in the Middle Ages, but the real development began much later. In the 18th and 19th centuries, Bavaria actively developed spas, and Bad Kissingen became one of the main projects. It was then that mineral springs were systematically explored, baths and pavilions were built, and resort infrastructure was created. The real heyday came in the 19th century, when the resort became popular among the European elite. The resort specializes in the treatment of the cardiovascular and nervous systems, as well as the musculoskeletal system and metabolism.

Bad Kissingen did not develop haphazardly, but as a well-planned spa town. Large pavilions for drinking water were built here, concert halls were created, and parks were laid out for daily walks. The centre of this life was formed by the large buildings in the centre: the Wandelhalle Bad Kissingen - a place where people drank mineral water on doctors’ orders - and the Regentenbau, where concerts were held.




The resort was visited by Bavarian kings, European nobility and representatives of diplomatic circles. The most famous guest is Otto von Bismarck, who came here repeatedly for treatment. He was the main politician of Germany in the 19th century, the first chancellor of the German Empire, who united the country in 1871. It was here, at Bismarckstraße 16, that an attempt was made on him in 1874 - one of the most famous episodes in the history of the city. The unsuccessful attempt, by the way, was made by a religious fanatic who was against Bismarck's policy of reducing the influence of the church on people's lives.




































The town is surrounded by mountains, which offer numerous viewing points. We visited the ruins of Burgruine Botenlauben, the remains of a castle built around the 12th century. It was destroyed during the Peasants’ War of 1525, when rebels captured and burned down the castle. You can drive almost right up to the castle (50.189111, 10.087833), and entry to the site is free. There is another lovely viewing point is here 50.194722, 10.070472.






Getting there: we parked here at 50.195667, 10.075083. There is a railway station in Bad Kissingen, from which it is a 10-minute walk to the centre.