Carolus Thermen's Aachen Bath's: Sauna and More in Rhineland

The baths at Aachen are known for their healing waters and the city of water's history is steeped in this connection. Even its name, Aachen, derives from the German word for 'ahha" and the thermens (baths) here have been called the "Baths of Kings" with over 2000 years of Celts, Roman legionaires, Frankish warriors, medieval monks and a bevy of royalty delving into the healing "aquae granny", mineral thermal waters.

Today, Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen brings those wellness traditions into modern day with a state of the art facility for pure relaxation. Built upon the renowned springs of Aachen, the mineral rich waters ease the body's muscles, bones, joints and skin while soothing the mind and spirit. Carolus Thermen provides four worlds of relaxation each designed to lift the spirit.

Thermal World

Indoors, Carolus Thermen's Thermal World retraces history in modern steps. The great bathing hall reflects roman architecture with 18 massive columns that trace the central terrace pool which stands at a comfortable 33◦C. Water grottos weave in and out of the great hall offering diversion in 18◦C or 38◦C. And for complete temperature indulgence the whirpool and sparkling pools keep it warm at 35◦C. A steam grotto lifts even more into a 40◦C atmosphere of 85% humidity.

Throughout the day, the terrace pool becomes a lively scene of fitness with guided aqua gymnastics. The warm thermal waters engage every muscle and joint through a series of professionally directed moves.

Outdoors, Thermal World breathes in an expanse of sun and space. Open all year, the outdoor pools and grounds of Carolus Thermen invite guests to relax in the fresh air. The sun pool is a generous and refreshing 32◦C and the rocky grotto matches in temperature with quieter escape. The sun terrace and sunbathing areas sprawl around the waters and spill out onto the meticulous lawns amid stunning sculptural architecture.

Sauna World

Divided into four distinct areas, sauna world is an endless indulgence with fifteen saunas. Every detail is designed to whirl the visitor away into an exotic themed world of warmth and powerful healing.

The Baltic Sauna Landscape features the Aufguss Sauna with a piping 95◦C. Aufguss is where they pour it on, literally. It is the process of pouring water on hot stones. Here guests can gather throughout the day to try one of Carolus Thermen's many aufguss sessions including Fruit Aufguss, Ice-Salz-Aufguss, Birch sprig Aufguss, Tropic-Ice Aufguss, quiet Aufguss and Rose Aufguss.

The Herbs sauna is the perfection transition from hot aufguss with a 70◦C environment of 15% humidity. Nearby, the colored light sauna offers a visual journey in 60◦C at 50% humidity. A soothing foot basin balances out the Baltic Sauna Landscape experience with views across the outdoor pools and the fireplace room is the perfect quiet retreat into steady warmth.

The Japanese Sauna Garden is an oasis of escape with saunas situated around a large natural pool, sprawling sun terraces and views of the Aachen cathedral. The Lake sauna is an invigorating 95-115◦C in 5% humidity that perches on the edge of Sauna Lake's refreshing 32◦C waters. An Earth and Gallery sauna is the opportunity to sit in the ambiance of a glowing fireplace within 100◦C temperatures and a mild 5% humidity. The Stone bath steams 60◦C air in a pore awakening 50% humidity and the Winter garden "Meditarium" is the perfect spot to sit and relax on ample chaise lounges in a glowing retreat.

The Oriental World of Baths at Carolus Thermen whisks guests into an ambiance of 1001 nights. A 14 meter high dome cascades over a central pool in perfect replication of the famous Hungarian Rudasz Bath. The Ottoman Bath is a steam saturated indulgence in a comfortable 45◦C. A traditional Hamam is an enclave of warmth and invigorating humidity perfectly complemented by the Ice-Snow-Water World's 18◦C and offerings of fresh ice and cool waters. More traditional features are found in the Roman Baths, from 18-38◦C. Relaxation waits in the Oriental World's rest terrace and rest pool, a cozy 32◦C.

The Feminarium is a ladies-only exclusive world with its own 80◦C sauna. A steam bath offers 45◦C in a limit pushing 98% humidity. For women only, a foot basin and quiet rest zone complete this oasis within. Honigeinreibung, a honey unction, is available during here during sauna. A specially-granulated honey cleans and soothes the skin with a soft peeling effect.

Indulgence World

Indulgence is the theme at Carolus Thermen but is heightened here. The Caravane Oasis is an escape from grey days. White sands and soft light play against a backdrop of ambiance music to create the sensation of a day away. A daylight treatment of soft UV washes away winter blues by fooling the mind and subtle fragrance brings refreshing aromas of sand and sun. A nearby Solaria brings the look of summer to soothed skin in a Ergoline solarium.

More indulgence can be found in the overflowing menu of massages at Carolus Thermen. Holistic TAO massages help restore harmony to the body, mind and spirit. The "Revive Team" stands by offering stimulating foot massage, facial massage with Vitalis Tonic and flower essence, a deep sport massage for sore muscles, and an energy releasing Jin Shin Jyutsu ® massage.

The varieties of massage continue with aroma massage, relaxation massage, traditional Chinese reflexology, Shiatsu, Thai massage, harmonizing hot stone, and acupressure pointed Siberian massage.

Inside the Hamam, Carolus Thermen offers traditional treatments including head and facial massage, foot massage, Kese peeling treatment with full body massage, a sudsy foam massage or a combination of all in the complete Hamam treatment.

Massage chairs are also available for quick refreshers between steam bath, sauna and pool.

Indulgence World at Carolus Thermen is the perfect place to find quiet space or partake in guided meditation. Fantasy journeys, relaxation practice and meditation are all led by the Freizeitpastoral of the dioces Aachen. Meditations are held in the quiet room of Thermal World and in the Winter garden "Meditarium" of Sauna World.

Beauty treatments abound in Indulgence World drawing from all the elements. The Earth treatment tends to tired feet with a soft foot massage and healing foot mask in combination with a healing facial mask, neck massage and a helping of harmonizing Ayurvedic herbal tea.

The Air Treatment revives the face with a fresh peel, steam and facial mask topped with a refreshing body spray and tall glass of orange juice.

The Water Treatment draws from ocean forces with a smoothing hand and arm massage, a hydro mask for the face followed by a cooling eye mask and a glass of pure water with lemon.

The Fire Treatment fuses hot stone hand and foot massages with warming facial mask, neck massage and an ayurvedic tea.

Gourmet World

Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen offers three world class eateries to choose from during your visit. The Bella Vista offers light cuisine while overlooking the pools of the central terrace. The Lemon Grass fills the bill as the sauna bar offering fresh fruit and vegetable juices alongside hot drinks and a mix of European and Asian dishes. And the full service Mediterraneo restaurant features Mediterranean dishes, a salad and cake buffet and seasonal culinary specialties all with views of the bathing hall. A beer garden sits beckoning in warm weather next to the nearby city park.

The Carolus Thermen Bad Aachen is open daily from 9am - 11pm. Prices start at 10 Euros for 2 ½ hours without sauna and a full day including sauna is just 29 Euros.