Bad Abbach

A market town and spa resort of around 12,000 inhabitants, Bad Abbach is situated in the Danube valley near Regensburg in the Lower Bavarian district of Kelheim. It is one of the five spas of the Bavarian Golf & Thermal Spa Region. Bad Abbach lies on the border with the Upper Palatinate region and also encompasses the villages of Dünzling, Lengfeld, Oberndorf, Peising, Poikam and Saalhaupt.

City Highlights

Although we can't be sure, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the sulphur springs of Bad Abbach were enjoyed by the Romans. But we do know that these health-enhancing natural springs, mineral-rich thermal waters and the Naturheilmoor mud cure (known as 'Bad Abbach's natural apothecary') were first mentioned in 1262. The thermal baths have been operating here on a commercial basis since 1465, since when Kaisers and princes have been among the illustrious guests who have come here to take the waters. Then as now, visitors were enchanted by the pretty old quarter of the town. Arranged around the market square, it is overlooked by two imposing hills: the Schlossberg, with its well-fortified Heinrichsturm tower, and the hill on which the baths were built. A stroll through the beautifully laid-out spa park enhances the therapeutic effect of the baths. The animal enclosures, the fragrant scent of the herb garden, the publicly accessible exercise equipment, and the hydrotherapy facilities are all part of the attraction here. Well worth a visit are the lovingly restored St Christopher's market church, the neo-Gothic parish church of St. Nicolaus on Schlossberg hill and the romantic Frauenbründl pilgrimage church. Those looking for a more action-packed excursion should head for the island known locally as the Freizeitinsel (literally 'leisure island'). Created when the Rhine-Main-Danube Canal was built, today it's a popular leisure spot with visitors and locals alike. Linked to the town by a futuristic car-free bridge, the island is guaranteed to provide two things at least: relaxation and a fun day out on the water. The modern outdoor pool, which is cleaned naturally without chemicals, has features for swimmers of all ages and is a wonderful way to experience these beautiful natural surroundings.

Accommodation in Bad Abbach

Accommodation options in Bad Abbach range from various hotels (mostly three star/three star superior) and a wider choice of B&Bs, guesthouses, holiday lets and apartments. Most of them are happy to offer short stays – for people on city breaks, for example, or cyclists passing through Bad Abbach on the Danube Cycle Route.

There are also various camping opportunities.The site set aside for motorhomes next to the Imperial Baths is especially popular.

There are designated pitches and a large parking area, which even has a covered walkway linking it directly to the baths. Buses to Regensburg leave from the site.

But when it comes to accommodation, don't overlook the Freizeitinsel campsite. Situated near to the Inselbad swimming pool, this idyllic and peaceful spot enjoys superb facilities offering all the comforts of home. Campers (including long-stay campers) are welcome, as are motorhomes. There are also short-stay pitches for motorhomes.The Donaulände campsite is ideal for waterskiers and motorboat enthusiasts.

Activities in Bad Abbach

For an unforgettable holiday, Bad Abbach offers a unique combination of leisure activities right on your doorstep. A paradise for cyclists, it's the ideal starting point for many exciting rides. These include the Danube Cycle Route, the German Limes Cycle Route and the Altmühl Cycle Route through one of Europe's most romantic river valleys. Then there is the Five Rivers Cycle Route, which passes magnificent rock formations on its way from nearby Kelheim and features some marvellous sights.

The wonderful surroundings of Bad Abbach can be explored not just along, but on, the water, especially on a short cruise on the Danube. Formerly the preserve of the rich and powerful, a majestic river trip through the world-famous Danube Gorge, from the impressive Weltenburg Abbey to the foot of the Befreiungshalle monument in Kelheim, is today an affordable treat for everyone. The cruise picks up and puts down passengers at Weltenburg Abbey, Kelheim and Regensburg, all of which can be quickly and easily reached by car or public transport.

Walkers, hikers and fans of Nordic walking will also find plenty to enjoy in Bad Abbach, whether on one of the many routes around the historical centre, or on the Jurasteig trail, one of Germany's select quality-certified trails with its loop trails taking in Bad Abach and the Imperial Baths. Then there are the Danube Panorama trail, the Via Nova pilgrim trail and the many dedicated Nordic walking trails in and around the town. All of these routes guarantee you leisure, relaxation and exercise in the midst of unspoilt countryside.

Golf is one of the most enjoyable ways of keeping healthy, and Bad Abbach is a great place to indulge your love of the sport. A 27-hole course with an 18-hole championship course, a shorter nine-hole course, a driving range with covered tees, a pitching green and a putting green all provide beginners and experienced players alike with plenty to practise on. And those with more limited ambitions can try their hand at the miniature golf course in the spa gardens.

Bad Abbach's Inselbad, or island pool, is more than just an outdoor pool. It's a chance to surround yourself with nature. The silky-smooth water is cleaned not with chemicals but by natural biological processes in a special purification pond. And the view of the Oberndorf hillsides and the Heinrichsturm tower is like something out of a fairytale. A large wavy slide, a water swing, a 'love grotto' and two diving platforms provide plenty of fun, but serious swimmers can get into their stroke in the pools dedicated to lane swimming. For small children, there's a kids' pool with sun canopy, a paddling stream, a flat pebble beach and a play area for running and splashing around. There's also a terrace for relaxing and recharging your batteries. All facilities are suitable for people with disabilities.

The Imperial Thermal Baths

Relax and enjoy yourself like a king. The Imperial Thermal Baths are Bad Abbach's bathing, beauty, sauna and wellness paradise – a unique spa experience that will make you feel as good as new. Precious natural mud, sulphuric waters, and mineral-rich thermal springs will all work their magic on you. And that's not all. How about a bath in aromatic mare's milk? Or a relaxing back or full-body massage? Or some deep Dead Sea-style relaxation in the salt grotto? A great way to boost your lungs and respiratory tract and highly beneficial for skin complaints and stress. And if you're still not feeling relaxed enough, there's the extensive sauna suite with its panorama whirlpool. The spa gardens were originally created in 1872 but have recently been modernised and extended, with water features, grottoes, a new circular flowerbed in front of the spa treatment centre, extensive green spaces for sunbathing, the Hildegard von Bingen herb garden and a small animal enclosure.

Contact:

The spa management centre acts as Bad Abbach's tourist information office for all guests, travellers and holidaymakers. It also provides information for patients, residents and organisers of the many large and small events that take place in the town.

Kurverwaltung Bad Abbach
Kaiser-Karl-V.-Allee 5
93077 Bad Abbach

Tel.: +49 (0)9405 95990
Fax: +49 (0)9405 959 920

info@bad-abbach.de
www.bad-abbach.de

Opening hours:

Monday to Thursday: 8am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm

Friday: 8am to 1pm

Free Wi-Fi is available in the Kurhaus outside of these times as well, and there is also an online information point.

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