Germany Reopens Its Doors to Endless Relaxation

As travel begins to grow, Germany is welcoming back visitors to explore its culture and timeless spa traditions. [Photo by Roman Kraft]

As travel begins to grow, Germany is welcoming back visitors to explore its culture and timeless spa traditions. The German National Tourist Office held a press conference explaining what visitors can expect once being able to return.

As of June 20, travel restrictions were lifted for U.S. travel into Germany, but proof of vaccination, of recovery from Covid-19 or a negative test must be given upon entry. As the U.S. is the most important overseas market for Germany, the German National Tourist Office prepared two campaigns that wish to get travelers acquainted with their country. 

One of the campaigns is called “German.Spa.Tradition,” focusing on the importance of health and wellness. Even as the Covid-19 pandemic began to subside, the German National Tourist Office found that U.S. consumers have requirements of safe traveling, mandating a decrease in Covid-19 infections, availability of the vaccine and no mandatory quarantine at destination (study taken by IPK International: Study on Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on International Tourism, September 2020). 

A study by the European Travel Commission conducted in in February revealed that leisure is the main reason to travel in Spring and Summer 2021 for 66% of Europeans hoping to travel in the next six months. Of this percentage, 14.8% are mostly interested in nature and outdoor activities, 13% in culture and heritage, 10.2% in wellness and relaxation, and 3.9% in culinary experiences.

“Visitors will benefit from local remedies that can only be found in these locations,” says Petra Hedorfer, Chief Executive Officer of the German National Tourist Board. “A long-standing spa tradition and the highest quality standards in medical care can help with recovery and illness prevention, while a healthy diet and exercise in unspoilt countryside allow body and mind to recuperate.”

One way visitors can experience Germany’s spa culture is by experiencing a treatment at spa resorts based on Sebastian Kneipp’s therapeutic principles, included by UNESCO in the list of Germany’s intangible heritage (2015). Kneipp was a German priest and naturopath who pioneered modern therapeutic principles.

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In the mid-19th century, Kneipp was diagnosed with tuberculosis and experimented with water cures by taking brief cold baths in the Danube River along with short sprints, which cured him. Kneipp used this process in treating the ill, and today, his holistic hydrotherapy is well-known.

Other pillars Kneipp added alongside hydrotherapy are herbal medicine, regular exercise, fresh air, a nutritious and balanced diet, and an appeal to live a moderate, balanced, and meaningful life. His treatments are offered at 80 state-approved spas across Germany and his cures are certified in 700 facilities such as nurseries, schools, companies, and retirement homes. 2021 marks the 200th anniversary since Kneipp was born. 

Aside from Kniepp’s therapy, Germany provides a variety of ways you can heal from the power of nature. The world’s largest thermal spa is located in Erding in Bavaria, is one of more than 200 baths, and many of them feature spa and sauna facilities. Over at the North Sea islands, you can explore Thalassotherapy centers, which offer sea-water based cures in Norderny and Sylt, as well as the Baltic Sea resorts Travemünde and Warnemünde. 

Throughout the country, Germany offers its tourists to discover spas and their rich histories. Well-known spa resorts such as Aachen, Wiesbaden, and Baden-Baden have their roots in Roman Times. If you’re looking for spa parks, some of the best locations are in Bad Homburg, Bad Oeynhausen, and Bad Neuenahar. The parks were all created by garden designer Peter Joseph Lenné in the 19th century.  Lenné’s work was essential in the development of that century’s garden design in the Neoclassical style.

Throughout the country, Germany offers its tourists to discover spas and their rich histories. [Photo by Kai Pilger]

Germany’s spa culture ties with nutritional value. Chefs at many of Germany’s spa and health resorts combine their cooking with regionality, seasonality, and healthy eating. Some spa resorts also provide outdoor concerts, adding to the ambiance of the atmosphere. Germany is also noted as a sustainable place to travel. 

“Join us on a journey through some curated green oasis in Germany,” says Ameri Gold, Head of Public Relations for the German National Tourist Office in North America. 

The country is also inviting tourists for exploration through healthy outdoor adventures. In parts of Germany, you can indulge in a forest bath, where you are surrounded by the solitude of nature. The trees produce a space filled with oxygen, which prevents noise, heat, and environmental influences. Treetop trails are also available for tourists to be invited into nature. Germany’s first treetop trail was created in the Bavarian Forest and now you can explore most trails—15 of which climb over 40 meters.

Germany also offers a variety of cycling options. Bikes are available for hire at spa resorts and E-bikes can be found throughout the country. The Black Forest also has the resources for a battery change. Different types of yoga and a variety of walking trails of varying difficulty are also available.

Germany’s spa destinations combine with exploring the culture. Through its other campaign, German.Local.Culture, the German National Tourist Office invites people to explore the country through a variety of activities such as  food tastings, crafts, historical tours and more. 

As sustainable and health and wellness tourism is on the rise, the German National Tourist Office has curated campaigns for travelers to enjoy Germany without worry. 

For more information about Germany, visit germany.travel and follow on Instagram: @germanytourism

Holly is a college broadcast and print journalism major at DePaul University. She is originally from New York City, but has lived in Chicago and is now based in Los Angeles. Currently, Holly works as an Editorial Intern at The Argonaut, where she serves its communities by writing articles on business features, special events, health and wellness, food spotlights, amongst other topics. She’s also a Staff Writer at her university’s newspaper, The DePaulia, and served as a news director at their award-winning radio station, Radio DePaul. Holly has written on a plethora of topics but her favorites are global events, travel, and health & wellness. When she’s not writing, she enjoys swimming, hiking, exploring, and reading. She’s also fluent in French. Follow her on Instagram @holly_jenvey