Kyffhäusertherme

The Kyffhäuser-Therme is a brine bath (Solebad) in Bad Frankenhausen at the foot of the Kyffhäuser hills in Thuringia, Germany. It draws on the town's naturally saline mineral water and combines pools, saunas, a salt grotto, and therapeutic treatments. Bad Frankenhausen has been officially recognised as a state-certified brine spa (staatlich anerkanntes Sole-Heilbad) since 2007. Note: according to the operator, the facility closed for renovation on 28 February 2025, with reopening projected for 2028; the facts below describe its stated offering.

Thermal water and springs

The bath is supplied by two mineral springs. The Elisabeth-Quelle has a salt content of 3.5%, while the Kyffhäuser-Quelle reaches a concentration of 10% and is certified as a healing agent (Heilmittel). A 2018 laboratory analysis classifies the water as sodium-chloride water (Natrium-Chlorid-Wasser). The operator describes it as the only public brine-water bath using exclusively biological water treatment.

Pools

The bathing area features several brine pools. The leisure pool (Freizeitbecken, 0.90-1.35 m deep) is kept at 30 °C and includes a waterfall, whitewater channel (Wildwasserkanal), water spout, and bubble loungers. The brine swimming pool (Sole-Schwimmbecken, 1.35-1.90 m) is also at 30 °C, while the warm brine bath (Sole-Warmbadebecken, 0.90-1.20 m) is heated to 34 °C. A children's splash pool (Kinderplanschbecken, about 30 cm deep, roughly 30 °C) has a spout mushroom and a boat channel. There is also an unheated outdoor pool, plus a 68-metre water slide.

Sauna and wellness

The sauna landscape comprises five saunas with a sauna garden. Wellness and cosmetic offerings include massages, relaxation baths, wellness packages, and cosmetic foot care. A salt grotto features Himalayan salt and original Dead Sea salt from Jordan for inhalation.

Therapy and health

Medical and physiotherapeutic services are provided at the associated Kurmittelhaus, including manual therapy, specialised massage, lymphatic drainage, physiotherapy, breathing therapy, salt inhalation, and medical baths. The brine is stated to contribute to the relief of various illnesses.

History

Spa operations began in 1818 after Dr. Wilhelm August Gottlieb Manniske recommended bathing in and drinking the brine. The town received its "Bad" (spa) designation in 1927 and was officially recognised as a state-certified brine spa in 2007.