[This post may contain affiliate links where we earn a small commission. Please see our disclosure for more information and thank you for supporting our site so we can continue to bring you awesome content for your travel inspiration!]
A day at the German Spas is truly a German cultural experience that is unlike any other. For me, a German Sauna day out is often just what this tired Mama needs to recharge my batteries and to feel ready to tackle the world (and my whiny cherub angel kids again)
Since the Kaisertherme Bad Abbach is just down the road from me, it has become one of my go-tos for finding relaxation and recovery. It isn’t one of the most popular spas in Germany, and it isn’t the biggest. However, this is actually kind of why I love it! It is less known, more local, and while it’s not HUGE, it’s definitely not small and has plenty to offer for a full day of spa paradise!
In this article, I’ll go into detail on what you can expect from the Bad Abbach Therme so you can decide if it is worth going to.
Heading To Regensburg? These Articles Might Also Interest You:
- DIY 1 Day in Regensburg Walking Tour
- What To Do With Kids in Regensburg (for all weather)
- Day Trip From Regensburg to Weltenburg Kloster
- Join Our Travel in Bavaria and Day Trips Facebook Group!
Where Is the Kaiser Therme Bad Abbach
Address: Kurallee 4, 93077 Bad Abbach
Kaiser Therme is located in Bad Abbach, which is about 20 minutes south of Regensburg by car. You can also take bus 16 from the Regensburg HBF straight to the Therme in Bad Abbach and be there in about 45 minutes.
It can also make for a great, local, off the beaten path Day Trip From Munich. You can be to Bad Abbach from Munich in less than 1.5 hours and is a much more “local” experience than Therme Erding, near Munich.
German Spas: Know Before You Go
If you have never been to a German Spa and Sauna, check out that article. I go into elaborate details on what to expect from a German Thermal Bath and Saunahof, how to overcome that scary nudity factor (for us ‘Mericans!” ), and I go over all the etiquette and unspoken rules of a German Spa…all things you’ll need/ want to know before heading to Kaiser Therme.
Other German Spa Guides That You Might Like:
A Day At Bad Abbach Kaiser Therme
When you arrive at the Therme, you’ll go to the entrance desks. I have found that I almost never encounter English Speaking staff. No worries though, even if you don’t speak German. Just make sure you know which packages you want before entering. They have a price card at the desk, so if all else fails, just point and smile!
Both cash and cards are accepted.
Choose Your Package
1) Choose how many hours you want to stay for. The way most German Saunas and Thermal Pools work is that you will pay by how many hours you want to stay. You can choose just to stay in the thermal pools (which is one set price- see below) or do a combo ticket with the pools and saunas, which is another price. I HIGHLY suggest, doing the combo ticket so that you can experience it all, plus it is SO affordable!
These are the prices for both the pools and saunas:
- 30 Minutes: €12.00
- 2.5 Hours: €14.00
- 3.5 Hour: €16.00
- 4.5 Hours: €18.00
- Day Ticket: €22.00
2) Next, You’ll Receive A Stylish Bracelet (ok, not really…it will be just a plastic thing with a tracker inside, but when you aren’t wearing anything else, surely it’s fashion at its finest, right?). This is for your locker (see below.)
The Locker Rooms
Once you walk through the turnstile, head down the stairs to your right. This will lead you to the locker rooms that are directly on the same floor as the pools.
There are no separate locker rooms for men and women, they are all the same. However, there are private dressing rooms and gender-specific bathrooms.
First, find a locker that is open. I always do a little test run with my bracelet before I put all my belongings inside. You can do this by closing the locker door and then putting the tracker piece of your bracelet up to the button on the locker. Push the button in with your bracelet and you’ll see it light up, and then you can turn it to lock it. Just simply press the tracker back into the button to unlock.
Next, you’ll walk through an individual dressing room. There are actually two “entrances” to each stall, so if you need to change, make sure that both doors are locked (look at the bottom, there is a little lever that locks them).
The Thermal Pools
In order to get into the pools, you’ll have to go through the shower room. Like most public pools, go ahead and rinse off before heading into the main pool
The main room has two pools and then there are two outdoor ones. If you want to swim laps, bring whatever gear you’d like for that, such as goggles.
See that line of people along the walls in the pool that somehow all magically move a few feet to the right all at the same time? No, it’s not synchronized swimming. Listen carefully and you’ll hear a bell every so often. Hop in line along the wall and follow the string of people. You’ll soon feel a jet hitting your lower leg. Each jet along the way goes slightly up along your body and then back down, each massaging a part of your body that you didn’t know needed some TLC! After the last one, hop back in line at the beginning or head off somewhere else.
Therapie Pool (34°C)
This therapy pool can be used for all, unless there is a specific class going on.
Relaxation Pool (36°C)
This is the pool that you can just float around in, or use the massager jets to get into full relaxation mode!
Outdoor Swimming Pool (28°C)
This pool is used for actual exercise and lap swimming.
Outdoor Relaxation Pool (34°C)
Similar to the indoor relaxation pool, but outside in the gorgeous rolling Bavarian hills.
“Wild Room”
There is also the “wild room” on the main floor. Watch out folks, things are about to get nuts. Just Kidding. Actually, it’s just a fun lazy river for us kids at heart. No protocol here. Just hop in and let the winding waters take over.
Steam and Sauna Rooms (Not in the Saunahof)- Swimsuit Required
If you like the idea of saunas but prefer your swimming suit over your birthday suit, there is a nice wet sauna (dampfsauna) in the same room as the lazy river. There are also a few more if you walk out of the locker rooms and keep heading straight and then down the stairs.
Note: Children 3 and under are not allowed (unless for special services booked). Kids 3-10 need a medical certificate for entry.
Lounging
Lining the decks of the pools, you’ll find people cozied up in their robes catching a few zzzs, flipping through a book, or gabbing (quietly) with a friend. If that’s your prerogative, grab a chair yourself and kick on back.
Kaisertherme Bad Abbach Sauna (Saunawelt)
To get to the saunas, you’ll head back to the main floor locker room. In there, you’ll see a set of stairs leading to the basement. If you aren’t sure about how to do German Saunas, just fake it ’till you make it, and follow the lead of others! I recommend taking off your swimsuit in the main locker rooms and putting it in your locker before heading down. You can read ALL of my tips on How To Confidently Go to a Naked German Sauna Here.
At the bottom of the stairs, you can head to the right. There is a set of mini lockers here to put things like keys and phones in. There is also a bathroom right here as well if needed.
Note: Everyone seemed to have robes with them. This was a great way to cover up as they went from sauna to sauna. If you don’t have a robe on, it’s no big deal. Have a towel handy, which you can wrap around your body as you walk from one area to the next. Even if you do bring a robe though, you’ll still need a towel to put down under you in the saunas themselves.
Now, there are actual unspoken “rules” on how long to spend in each sauna, and most bath house experts will tell you that you then need to hose off under some chilly water in between and rest a bit as well before heading to the next, but I’ll be honest, I just kinda do my own thang. I just went where I wanted, when I wanted, and for how long I wanted (I know, what a rebel!) If a particular sauna didn’t seem appealing or was too hot or too crowded, I simply grabbed my towel and made my way to the next one. When I was too hot and needed a break, I plopped down on a bench and hung out until I was ready for the next. It was very relaxing not having an agenda!
As you walk around, keep your towel with you. As you enter each sauna, use your towel to sit on. If you are still squeamish about the nude factor, you can use it to keep you covered, but by now I’m sure you’ll be relishing in your new found freedom from clothing!
Tip: Take TWO towels. One to wrap around you while you go sauna to sauna (in addition to the robe) because it will get quite wet and or sweaty. Have a second, fresh towel for drying off or showering at the end. See my German Spa Guide for other things to bring with you.
The Saunawelt Rooms
- Panorama Sauna (85°C): A beautiful sauna overlooking the gorgeous countryside
- Vital Sauna (100°C): Where you go to really get things steamy
- Apfelsauna (60°C): A wonderful aromatic sauna
- Herbal Aroma Sauna (60°C): Breathe in wonderful herbs as you relax
- Mountain Crystal Sauna (80°C): Another hot sauna
- Damp Grotto: A steam room
- 2 Quiet Rooms: Sit in hanging, swinging chairs or in lounge chairs in a room that is designed to be completely, blissfully silent
- Panorama Outside Pool (36°C): Soak in the relaxing thermal waters while taking in the views outside
- Sauna Garden: There is plenty of space outside to enjoy the sunshine and fresh air
There is also a small snack, food, and drink bar in the Saunawelt where you can get things like waters, coffees, and small things to eat.
The Cafe
The cafeteria is upstairs. If you’d like to go inside the actual dining room, have some clothes or a robe ready, if you just have a towel, there are tables that overlook the pools (all still inside) that you can sit at.
While most spas now allow you to put charges on your bracelet, the last time I went to Bad Abbach, your bracelet was JUST a key. Therefore, have some cash on hand for the restaurant (they do NOT take cards at the cafe).
They have typical German “pool food” ranging from wursts to pizza to full-on meals like schnitzel. Naturally, you’ll find a selection of beers, soda, and coffee as well for refreshments.
Wellness Offers
If you aren’t completely in a state of pure relaxation yet, you can up the anty by booking extra services. For example, there is a “Dead Sea Salt Cave” that is supposedly fantastic for respiratory health (prior booking required).
Of course, you can also book services like many different kinds of massages and even water shiatsu!
For Moms
If you are pregnant in Germany, Kaiser Therme offers a unique program with actual midwives for aqua fitness classes. There are even Mom and Baby swimming lessons and even a “Baby Sauna!”
Kaisertherme Bad Abbach Prices
| Thermal Pools Only | |
|---|---|
| 1,5 hours | €8.00 |
| 2,5 hours | €10.00 |
| 3,5 hours | €12.00 |
| 4,5 hours | €14.00 |
| Day ticket | €18.00 |
| SAUNAWELT (includes pools) | |
|---|---|
| 1,5 hours | €12.00 |
| 2,5 hours | €14.00 |
| 3,5 hours | €16.00 |
| 4,5 hours | €18.00 |
| Day ticket | €22.00 |
Kaisertherme Bad Abbach Opening Times
There are separate opening hours for the pools and the saunas. There are also different opening times depending on the season. And then, to make it even MORE complicated, depending on the day of the week, the hours range as well!!!
Check the official website to make sure you have the correct opening times for the Kaisertherme on the day you are wanting to go.
In Conclusion
I always enjoy a day at Bad Abbach’s Kaiser Therme, whether it’s a day trip from Regensburg, or just some “me time” to unwind. It is going to be the biggest therme in Germany (or even Bavaria) but it is going to be the perfect recipe for wellness and relaxation.
