The threatened beauty: Thuringia's health resorts through the ages

The threatened beauty: Thuringia's health resorts through the ages

The importance and development of Thuringia's health resorts will be the focus of two upcoming lectures that will deal with architecture and its influence on health tourism. How University of Weimar reported, these events will take place on March 31 and April 1, 2025 in Bad Berka and at the Bauhaus University Weimar. Dr. Oliver Sukrow, architectural historian from TU Darmstadt, will explain how the architectural design of health resorts changed in the 20th century and which political and social upheavals influenced this development. Admission to these lectures is free.

Bad Berka and Bad Salzungen in particular, the two most important health resorts in Thuringia, have shown over the years how architectural influences have reached from the early 20th century to modern times. Both places are known not only for their healing springs, but also for their architectural heritage, which is threatened in many places. This threat is a central theme in the lectures, which take place in cooperation with the International Heritage Center at the Bauhaus University Weimar.

Thuringian health resorts at a glance

There are a large number of health resorts in Thuringia that are part of extensive health tourism thanks to their health offerings and beautiful landscape. According to that Thuringia Tourism Network In addition to Bad Berka, Bad Salzungen, Bad Colberg and Bad Frankenhausen are notable examples of such places. These health resorts contribute to Thuringia's attractiveness as a tourism and business location.

In order to be recognized as a spa or health resort, certain quality standards must be demonstrated. These standards include aspects such as accessibility in order to appeal to a mixed audience of spa guests, rehabilitation patients and those seeking relaxation. Certification by the German Tourism Association is essential for tourist information and hosts.

The development of health resorts

The analysis of Thuringia's spas and health resorts, which was carried out in 2020 in collaboration with the Thüringer Heilbäderverband e.V., highlights how essential it is to use the potential in health tourism. In view of growing competition, Thuringia's health resorts must develop further in order to remain competitive compared to other German health resorts, such as those in Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria.

In Germany, health resorts are spread across the federal states. The development of health resorts has a long tradition, especially in Thuringia, with Bad Berka as an important center. According to the Wikipedia The remarkable features of medicinal springs and spas that promote people's health persist in these regions. During the lectures, the important role of architecture in the development of these healing springs and the associated spa facilities will be emphasized again.