Franken-Therme

Franken-Therme is a brine thermal spa in Bad Windsheim, in the German state of Bavaria. It is built around naturally warm sodium-chloride thermal water and is organised into three linked areas: thermal bathing halls, a sauna landscape and a wellness zone. The site covers roughly 17,500 square metres and is open on 364 days a year.

The water

The spa draws on thermal water rich in sodium and chloride (a sodium-chloride brine). The bathing offer is graduated by salt concentration. The first thermal-brine basins run at a salinity of about 1.5% to 4% and a temperature of roughly 30–34°C, while the high-concentration brine basins are held at around 12% salinity and 34–36°C, warm enough for guests to float. The centrepiece of the outdoor area is a heated salt lake branded the "Fränkisches Totes Meer" (Franconian Dead Sea), with a brine concentration of 26.9%; the operator describes this salt lake as unique in Europe. The water is recognised as a certified medicinal brine.

Pools and bathing

According to the operator, the thermal area comprises six brine pools, two floating (flotation) pools and two steam baths, with warm thermal water available both indoors and outdoors. The high-brine section lets bathers float weightlessly, and a "Sinn-fonie" experience adds music and lighting while guests float in the 12% brine.

Sauna and wellness

The sauna landscape includes indoor and outdoor saunas together with a snow sauna and a sauna garden, described by the operator as five indoor saunas, three outdoor saunas and a snow sauna. Regular scented infusions (Aufgüsse) are offered, alongside events such as sound infusions, meditations and a midnight sauna. The separate wellness area provides massages, cosmetic treatments and sound-bath sessions, as well as physiotherapy and photo-brine therapy (Photo-Sole-Therapie). Rest zones for recovery are available throughout. On-site catering is provided by the Restaurant Salza.

Visiting

The thermal bathing halls are open daily from 09:00 to 22:00 (bathing ends at 21:30) and the sauna landscape daily from 10:00 to 22:00. Admission to the thermal halls is priced by length of stay: from prices valid as of 1 March 2024, a 2.5-hour ticket costs €18.50, 3.5 hours €20.00, 4.5 hours €21.50 and a full-day ticket €24.50. Access to the high-concentration brine area is an add-on of €5.50 and the sauna landscape an add-on of €6.00. The spa is located at Erkenbrechtallee 10, 91438 Bad Windsheim.