Bad Kissingen Attractions for Slow Travelers

Bad Kissingen sights

Get off the beaten track and explore the local Bad Kissingen attractions! Find out what there is to see and do in this Bavarian city, from quaint cafes to places of cultural importance.

Bad Kissingen city map with sights

With our city map you can easily discover Bad Kissingen's sights for yourself. From the famous spa gardens and the Wandelhalle to the historic old town and the Regentenbau.

 

These Bad Kissingen sights are also destinations in Franconia for all slow travelers who like to travel slowly through Bavaria. To the spa Franken you come to enjoy a break. To recharge your batteries. Or to relax in the city, its parks and its grounds. "Discover the time" is the motto of the city. It fits perfectly. Because you can only experience the rhythm of this city if you have enough time. Visitors walk through the parks as they have for centuries. They drink the water from the healing springs. Many enjoy a few hours in the Kurcafé or one of the other cafes in the city. Or they are looking for the sun's rays that heat the benches in the park on these October days. Here you meet to see and be seen.

 

 

 

 

A guide to local attractions and things to do in Bad Kissingen

Bad Kissingen is packed with interesting attractions and activities, from breweries and spas to stunning architecture and monuments. If you're looking for a fun way to explore this charming Bavarian town, discover the hidden gems and must-see sights that make Bad Kissingen a great slow traveler destination.

 

 

• The healing springs in Bad Kissingen

There are a total of 7 springs that supply water from the earth that has been enriched with trace elements. The water from the Maxbrunnen comes from the oldest spring. It also tastes least like salt. The water of the Ludwigsprudel is completely different. This is usually only consumed for health reasons. In any case, its taste is not tempting to drink it regularly. Its high salt content and musty taste keep me from doing it. Visitors and guests alike tap the medicinal waters from Bad Kissingen directly from the source.
Interesting is the story of how the mineral springs were discovered. So they tell themselves that they were sheep, they found. A shepherd hundreds of years ago observed that his animals preferred to drink from a particular source. This intrigued him and he wanted to find out what was the reason. So he discovered that the water at the Maxquelle tasted salty. A circumstance that particularly pleased his sheep. After that, it did not take long for people from the region to collect this water.

The Maxquelle and all mineral springs discovered later were outside of Kissingen. Therefore, well girls carried the water in vats into the accommodations in the city, where a growing number of bathers waited for the bathing troughs in the inns to be filled with the valuable water. This is how spa tourism began in Kissingen.

 

 

 

Sights Bad Kissingen old town

Bad Kissingen's old town invites us to discover. As we stroll through the streets we feel the history. The narrow streets and historic buildings allow us to immerse ourselves in times gone by. There are interesting corners everywhere. The old town combines tradition and liveliness. We can experience the atmosphere during a leisurely walk. Bad Kissingen always surprises us with its rich culture.

The Bad Kissinger Kurviertel is perhaps the most distinctive feature of Bad Kissingen and should therefore not be missed. The facilities from the 19th century include the pump room and function rooms for the spa guests. Enjoy a bit of the old days while you taste the healing waters and enjoy culture in one of Bad Kissingen's historic buildings - that's what vacation is all about! The site also hosts classical concerts during the summer, making it a great place to unwind both physically and mentally.

• Fountain and Wandelhalle - one of the top Bad Kissingen sights

Today the business is much more sophisticated. In the fountain and fountain hall, fountain women pour out the healing waters of Bad Kissingen at certain times of the day. Some guests bring medical instructions with them, according to which the composition of the healing waters is mixed. However, if you want, you can also taste all the waters. They differ a lot in taste.

Discharge times in the Brunnenhalle:

Mon - Sat: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m., 16:00 p.m. - 18:00 p.m.
Sun and public holidays: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

The fountain and fountain hall was built at the beginning of the 20th century. It is built according to the plans of Max Littmann. Using reinforced concrete, he erected a building in the style of a multi-aisled basilica above the Pandur and Rakoczy springs, two of the four drinking water springs in Bad Kissingen. The Maxquelle and the Ludwigsprudel arise outside the building. The remaining three springs provide water for the thermal baths and the hotels.

• Culture and festivals

When it opened, the Wandelhalle was one of the most modern concert halls. The stage can be rotated. The Staatsbad Philharmonie Kissingen performs its outdoor concerts in summer. The guests sit on the numerous benches in the park and listen to the music. Concerts are held in the hall during the Kissinger Sommer, a summer music festival, and during the winter months. Bad Kissingen offers its visitors a lively concert and cultural program, with stars such as Cecilia Bartoli, Lang Lang, David Garrett and Diana Damrau performing.

In the fountain hall, the Pandur and Rakoczy springs are located in a basin behind the water tap. For a long time it was not known where the names came from. It was only when you rummaged through old reports about Bad Kissingen that you discovered that guests used these names. In official documents they were instead called the "Old Source" and the "New Source". It was only later that they were officially renamed in the familiar names that guests had given them. In the meantime, Bad Kissingen celebrates a lavish festival every year in honor of the Rakoczy spring: the Rakoczy festival is as important to the Kissing people as Christmas or the New Year. Then they meet in their homeland, no matter where in the world they live.

 

 

• The Arkadenbau - an insider tip among the Bad Kissingen sights

The arcade building is also a real gem among Bad Kissingen's sights. However, the beautiful halls and the inner courtyard of the building are only accessible on a culinary tour with Hermann Laudensack. Otherwise they are closed to the public and only accessible during concerts. We were lucky enough to take part in such a tour when we visited Bad Kissingen. We meet star chef Hermann Laudensack in his hotel, Laudensack Parkhotel * (advertisement) at Kurhausstraße 28 in Bad Kissingen.

 

 

Take a city tour and visit historical sights

Why not take a guided tour to get an overview of the cityscape? The local tourist information offers guided tours that offer insights and stories about the history of Bad Kissingen. You will learn more about important sights such as the spa district and the old town of Bad Kissingen. Alternatively, you can also explore the city on your own - Bad Kissingen has many surprises around every corner.

We take a tour with star chef Hermann Laudensack. A delicious appetizer awaits us at his hotel. Then we follow his historical tour of Bad Kissingen, which he presents with great humor. The most interesting part of the tour is definitely the walk through the halls and the inner courtyard of the arcade building. The photos give you a glimpse of how gorgeous they are. The halls serve as concert and venues for events in the city. The Tourist Info Bad Kissingen is also located in this building.

 

 

Explore the beer gardens and shops of Bad Kissingen

Bad Kissingen is also home to some of the best beer gardens in the region. Beer gardens are a popular Bavarian tradition, so it's no surprise that there are several in this charming city. For a truly authentic experience, visit the Bayerischer Hof beer garden or the one in the Forsthaus Klaushof. Here you can taste local beers and lagers while enjoying the views of nearby parks and forests.

• The market square and the KissVino regional wine shop

The path finally leads us past the Regentenbau into the old town of Bad Kissingen. The local wine shop KissVino is also worth a visit. The wines from the wine towns in the Franconian wine country are served there. Although Bad Kissingen is not a wine town itself, it is only a few kilometers away from these wine regions. Therefore, as slow travelers and wine lovers, we are particularly interested in the spontaneous tour of the operator's regional wine shop. On our culinary city tour we also take a break in one of the wine bars in Bad Kissingen. To strengthen yourself there is “Sauer Zipfel”, one Franconian specialty (sour dressed bratwursts in vinegar stock with vegetables). The host then takes a few minutes and sits down at the table with us. He tells about the history of his wine bar. Try those too Kissinger wafersthat are only available in Bad Kissingen.

• Shopping at the local market and shops

Bad Kissingen has a rich culture and history, which is reflected in its lively market, among other things. Every Tuesday and Thursday, the town's weekly market comes alive when local farmers offer fresh produce such as meat, jam, bread, cheese, wine and more. There are also numerous specialist shops where you can find Bavarian handicrafts, souvenirs and jewellery. Above all, don't forget to browse the side streets for its many winding paths, often overlooked by visitors, yet filled with wonder!

• Regular markets in Bad Kissingen:

small fish market (town hall square)

Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to around 10:15 a.m.

Grüner Markt (market square and pedestrian zone around the Old Town Hall)

Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to approx. 13:00 p.m.

Farmers' market (Rathausplatz or Stadtsaal)

Every third Saturday of the month from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

 

 

• The casino

The casino in Bad Kissingen is located in a wing of the Luitpoldbad. Here you can, for example, try your luck in the game after a day full of variety. However, we give it to ourselves and instead enjoy nature in the Luitpoldpark.

 

 

Visit the Kurpark and the spa facilities

Bad Kissingen is known for its spas and wellness facilities, including the famous Kurpark. A walk through the two parks - Rosengarten and Luitpoldpark - offers visitors a unique opportunity to see some of the most beautiful parts of the city. It's also a great way to relax, with tranquil ponds and tropical plant species found throughout. Additionally, for those looking for something a little more pampering, there are spa facilities in the area offering massage treatments and saunas for an invigorating experience.

• The rose garden - one of the top Bad Kissingen sights

Then we continue via the Rosengarten Bad Kissingen. This is a park in the Saale floodplains. As we learn on our city tour with Josef Kiesel, this part of the city is also a flood zone. The Franconian Saale overflows its banks again and again. Up until a few years ago, over the course of the centuries, there were floods that also flooded the city center of Bad Kissingen. Only since flood protection walls were erected has the risk of flooding for the city been reduced. However, the rose garden is and will remain a flood zone. On our city tour, however, it shows itself from its most beautiful side. The roses are still blooming in the park. In the evening, projector shows take place at the waterfalls, which light up in bright colors.

• The Luitpoldpark - one of the Bad Kissingen sights to relax

The park is just behind the casino. Here we also find a place of relaxation and silence. Away from the hustle and bustle in the center we walk through the autumnal park. Visitors to the park seem to agree that silence should reign supreme here. Because on our way we listen to the singing of the birds and the wind that blows through the deciduous trees. In the sound garden, ethereal musical sounds mix with the chirping of the birds, inviting visitors to sit down on one of the chairs and relax.

Just a few steps away is the Barefoot Labyrinth, where you can feel grass, gravel, bark moss, moss and more with your bare feet. If you prefer to try out Sebastian Kneipp's water rituals, you can do so in the nearby Mediterranean Kneipplandschaft, which reminds me of an Italian park with its palm trees and potted plants.

 

 

• The KissSalis Therme - one of the Bad Kissingen attractions outside the town center

Outside the center lies Bad Kissingen's latest achievement: the Kiss Salis Therme. On our pleasure weekend we spend half an afternoon in the Bad Kissingen swimming pool. The Bad Kissingen Therme is also fed by one of the healing springs. The 20,2° warm Schönborn spring provides the water here. This is heated in the thermal baths to 32° to 38° and thus ensures pure well-being. Since there is too much hustle and bustle in the thermal spa's adventure area, we look for one of the relaxation areas and relax after a bath in the intensive brine. In the wellness area we treat ourselves to a pumpkin seed back massage for two and finally end our stay with a meal in the thermal spa restaurant.

 

 

 

 

Sights in Bad Kissingen and the surrounding area

The Klaushof wildlife park

The Klaushof wildlife park is just outside the city. This is well suited for a trip with children. For little money you can buy food and feed the roaming deer. The paths in the wildlife park lead uphill and downhill past the animal enclosures.

Klaushof Wildlife Park
Klaushofstrasse 101
97688 Bad Kissingen

The Wittelsbach Tower

The lookout tower is located on the 420 meter high Scheinberg a good three kilometers outside of the city. It offers a beautiful view of Bad Kissingen. In the brewery restaurant there are Franconian specialties, but also vegetarian dishes.

Wittelsbach Tower Brewery
Wittelsbach Tower 1
97688 Bad Kissingen

Botenlauben Castle

The former noble castle Botenlauben dates from the early thirteenth century. Today only a ruin remains. This is located in the Bad Kissingen district of Reiterswiesen. From there you have a beautiful view of the city.

Botenlauben Castle
Burgstrasse
97688 Bad Kissingen

The Bismarck Museum

Chancellor Bismarck was a guest in Bad Kissingen fifteen times. Each time he moved his seat of government to the Franconian Saale. During his stay in Bad Kissingen he lived in the residential building of the Upper Saline. In the meantime, the living quarters and exhibition rooms there have been set up as a museum. In it you can learn more about his life in Bad Kissingen and Bismarck's world politics.

Museum Upper Saline
Upper Saline 20
97688 Bad Kissingen

The graduation tower in Bad Kissingen

Finally, not far from the Upper Saline is the Bad Kissingen graduation tower. This salt extraction plant was set up to increase the salt content of the medicinal waters in Bad Kissingen. The historic wooden construction is now being used to create a health-promoting microclimate. Consciously breathing in the surrounding air can clean the respiratory tract, regenerate lung function and, on top of that, strengthen the immune system.

 

 

 

Have you already been to Bad Kissingen?

What were your experiences? Have you discovered anything special that you would recommend to other travelers? Share your tips in a comment on this blog post. Other travelers are happy about it.

Questions and answers about Bad Kissingen:

What is there to see and do in Bad Kissingen?

In Bad Kissingen there are many sights and activities that you should not miss. These include the KissSalis Therme, the rose garden, the foyer, the Regentenbau Theater and the graduation house.

What is the KissSalis Therme and why should I visit it?

The KissSalis Therme is a wellness and adventure pool with many different saunas, pools and slides. It offers relaxation and recreation for body and soul and is a highlight for every visitor to Bad Kissingen.

What is the graduation tower and what is so special about it?

The graduation tower is a construction made of wood and blackthorn sticks through which salt water flows and evaporates. The resulting salty air is said to have a positive effect on health and is therefore a popular destination for health-conscious people.

Are there also cultural sights in Bad Kissingen?

Yes, Bad Kissingen also has a lot to offer culturally. The Regentenbau Theater, the Old Saline, the City Library and the Upper Saline Museum are particularly worth seeing.

How can I best use my time in Bad Kissingen?

There are many ways to use your time in Bad Kissingen. For example, you can take a city tour, take a ride on the KissSalis train, take a walk through the rose garden or simply relax in one of the many cafés and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

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Travel Arrangements

Parking at the airport

Here you can reserve your parking space at the airport.

How to reach us

Compare and book flights here*. (Advertisement) The nearest airports are Frankfurt as well as Nuremberg. You can also travel by train or long-distance bus (to Würzburg). Alternatively, you can also take a rental car.

Car Rentals:

Cheap rental cars - book here!

Camper Rentals:

Compare motorhome prices here

Accommodations:

For example, we stayed at the Hotel Fontana *. We felt very comfortable there. The hotel is very conveniently located. From there, almost all of the sights mentioned are within easy walking distance. Search here too Accommodation in Bad Kissingen *

If you book through one of these offers, we receive a commission, which we use to run this blog.

City tours in Bad Kissingen:

You can take the culinary city tour with Hermann Laudensack as well as the highly interesting themed tour about the role of water in Bad Kissingen with Josef Kiesel at the Bayer. Book the Bad Kissingen public baths: gaestefuehrung@badkissingen.de

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Source for Bad Kissingen sights: own research on site. We would also like to thank Bad Kissingen Tourism for the invitation to this research trip. However, our opinion about the Bad Kissingen sights remains our own.

Text Bad Kissingen Sights: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline. We also publish the photos with the permission of KissSalis Therme.
Video: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline