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Bad Brückenau

Bad Brückenau

Bad Brückenau, an enchanting spa town situated at the base of the Rhön mountains in the Lower Franconian region of Bad Kissingen, with a storied past and a populace that values its therapeutic waters. This scenic Bavarian town has been an accredited spa destination since 1747, providing guests with a distinctive combination of historical architecture, natural splendor, and therapeutic services.

The town’s spa heritage originates from the 18th century when the therapeutic qualities of its mineral springs were initially acknowledged. The State Spa Brückenau, a vital component of the town, is overseen by the State Spa Administration as an internal operation of the Free State of Bavaria. This collection of structures and the adjacent castle park are the core of Bad Brückenau’s spa culture.

The classicist hall building with arcades is one of the most notable features in the spa complex. Commissioned by King Ludwig I and designed by Johann Gottfried Gutensohn, this architectural masterpiece was opened in July 1833. The cornerstone was established on August 25, 1827, coinciding with the king’s birthday, at a lavish party with 700 attendees. The inside of the building features ceiling paintings in the Italian Renaissance style, created by Munich painters Ludwig Höger and Jakob Hochbrand. Currently, the King Ludwig I Hall and the Lola Montez Hall accommodate a diverse array of cultural events, encompassing dance performances, galas, concerts, and theatrical plays.

The Elisabethenhof, built in 1894 in the classicist style, is another notable structure within the spa complex. Named in honor of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, often referred to as “Sissi,” who resided here for four weeks in 1898, the structure first functioned as a boarding house including 48 rooms. The establishment also accommodated the practice of spa physician Felix Schlagintweit, who conducted groundbreaking kidney and bladder surgeries around the turn of the century. Currently, the Elisabethenhof accommodates the offices of the State Spa Administration, visitor information services, and medical clinics.

The Schlosshotel Fürstenhof, constructed in 1775 at the behest of Prince-Bishop Heinrich von Bibra, occupies a significant position in the history of Bad Brückenau. King Ludwig I of Bavaria was a regular visitor, residing at the Fürstenhof on 26 occasions and even engaging in governmental affairs from the location. In 1823, Ludwig I, then crown prince, commissioned an addition of the left wing, which was subsequently reconstructed in 1979 to align with the original plan. Currently, the completely refurbished Schlosshotel Fürstenhof functions as a subsidiary of the Dorint Resort & Spa.

The Park Hotel, an Art Nouveau masterpiece crafted by Munich architect Max Littmann, was built from 1899 to 1901. Recently refurbished and transformed into a contemporary hotel, it also includes the Vital Spa, a premium wellness facility providing physiotherapy and a range of additional treatments.

The Bellevue, erected in 1819, is recognized as the first structure created during the Ludwig era. Conceived by construction officer Bernhard Morell in the classicist Tuscan style, it first functioned as a guest residence for Crown Prince Ludwig I. Its advantageous position on the southern incline of the valley offers breathtaking vistas of the spa complex.

The Badhotel, conceived by acclaimed architect Leo von Klenze, was constructed in 1823 as a bathing establishment under the directives of King Ludwig I. The neighboring “Old Bathhouse” was constructed in 1901, based on designs by Munich court architect Eugen Drollinger.

The Coach House, an elongated structure built in 1827, exemplifies King Ludwig I’s direct engagement in the town’s advancement. The king dismissed the preliminary proposals and tasked senior architect Johann Nepomuk Pertsch with designing the edifice. The completely refurbished Coach House now serves as the State Spa Gardens and depot.

The Wernarzer Spring Temple, constructed in 1911 by court architect Eugen Drollinger, supplanted an earlier edifice from 1828. This octagonal temple, characterized by eight pairs of columns that support a domed bell roof, incorporates Art Nouveau elements in its dome paintings, window glazing, and external façade embellishments.

The ecclesiastical architecture of Bad Brückenau is similarly remarkable. Christ Church, inspired by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and St. Mary’s Church, constructed in the Bavarian Baroque style, were both designed by Eugen Drollinger. The Parish Church of St. Bartholomew, dedicated in 1783, was constructed based on designs by master builder Johann Georg Link.

The town’s historical importance surpasses its spa amenities. The ancient town complex includes inns from the 16th century, and the Old Town Hall currently accommodates a local history museum, city library, and register office. Proximate points of interest are the Volkersberg Monastery in the Volkers district and the notable Grenzwald and Sinntal bridges.

The essence of Bad Brückenau’s spa culture is its therapeutic waters. The town’s mineral springs, especially the Steel Spring, first documented in 1747 and sunk to a depth of 300 meters in 1965, are celebrated for their medicinal benefits. The water is distinguished by its mineral equilibrium, lack of nitrate and nitrite, and elevated potassium levels relative to sodium. The carbonated water, abundant in readily absorbable iron, calcium, and magnesium, is utilized in the treatment of anemia, cardiovascular illnesses, and vegetative disorders.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

1296

Founded

+49 9741

Calling code

6,674

Population

44.32 km² (17.11 sq mi)

Area

German

Official language

305 m (1,001 ft)

Elevation

CET/CEST (UTC+1/+2)

Time zone

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