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Bad Oeynhausen

Bad Oeynhausen

Bad Oeynhausen, a town nestled in the Minden-Lübbecke district of North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, boasts a population of nearly 50,000 inhabitants, making it the second-largest city in the district. This charming locale, steeped in history and renowned for its therapeutic springs, offers a fascinating blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and modern medical advancements.

The town’s origins can be traced back to the 19th century when a thermal spring was discovered in the area. This serendipitous find led to the establishment of Bad Oeynhausen as a spa town, which rapidly grew in prominence to become a health resort of national importance. The town’s development was significantly influenced by the creation of a spa park, originally designed by the esteemed landscape architect Peter Joseph Lenné between 1851 and 1853.

Geographically, Bad Oeynhausen is strategically positioned between the Wiehen Hills to the north and the Lipper Hills to the south. The Werre River, a tributary of the Weser, flows through the heart of the town, shaping its landscape and contributing to its picturesque setting. The town’s topography is diverse, with elevations ranging from 45 meters above sea level along the Weser to 267 meters at the summit of the Uphauser Berg on the Wiehenge mountain ridge.

The spa culture that defines Bad Oeynhausen is deeply rooted in its geological makeup. Since the mid-18th century, numerous springs have been drilled to extract salt and thermal brine. The Bülow fountain, dating back to 1806, stands as the oldest existing spring, while the Oeynhausen spring, completed in 1845, made history by reaching a world record depth of 696.4 meters. This remarkable feat caught the attention of the renowned scientist Alexander von Humboldt, who documented the spring’s characteristics.

Over time, additional springs were drilled to meet the changing demands and properties of the brine. Notable among these are the Kaiser Wilhelm Spring (1898), the Jordan Spring (1926) – considered the world’s largest carbonated thermal brine spring, and the Alexander von Humboldt Spring (1973), which reaches an impressive depth of 1034 meters. These springs have played a crucial role in establishing Bad Oeynhausen’s reputation as a premier health destination.

The town’s spa area, known as the Oeynhausen State Spa, forms the core of its identity. At its heart lies the expansive Bad Oeynhausen spa park, covering approximately 26 hectares. This verdant oasis, part of the European Garden Heritage Network, has evolved over time while maintaining its original structure, including the distinctive Korso-Ring. The park’s centerpiece, the Jordansprudel fountain, named after spa director Albert Jordan, serves as the town’s iconic landmark, springing to life hourly during the summer season.

Surrounding the park, a collection of impressive spa buildings showcases architectural styles ranging from classicism to neo-baroque and neo-renaissance. These structures, including the neo-baroque spa house, the late-classical bathhouse I, and the neo-classical promenade, stand as testaments to the town’s golden age as a sophisticated spa destination in the early 20th century.

Bad Oeynhausen’s significance extends beyond its spa heritage. During the post-World War II era, the town briefly served as the seat of the British military government before it relocated to Berlin following the Potsdam Conference. The headquarters of the British Rhine Army remained in Bad Oeynhausen until 1954, further cementing the town’s place in modern European history.

Today, Bad Oeynhausen continues to evolve while honoring its past. The town has become a hub for specialized medical care, housing numerous clinics, including the prestigious North Rhine-Westphalia Heart and Diabetes Center. This blend of traditional spa culture and cutting-edge medical facilities underscores Bad Oeynhausen’s commitment to health and well-being.

The town’s landscape is further enriched by unique architectural gems, such as the Ronald McDonald Parents’ House designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry. This modern structure, with its distinctive snail shell-shaped roof, provides temporary accommodation for families of young heart patients, exemplifying Bad Oeynhausen’s compassionate approach to healthcare.

Bad Oeynhausen’s rich history is also reflected in its religious and social institutions. The Wittekindshof diaconal institution in the Volmerdingsen district, born out of the Protestant revival movement prevalent in East Westphalia, stands as a testament to the town’s spiritual and charitable traditions.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

1847

Founded

+49 5731

Calling code

49,566

Population

64.8 km2 (25.0 sq mi)

Area

German

Official language

52 m (171 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Time zone

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