This historic spa town in Hesse draws visitors to its ancient hot springs, once used by Roman emperor Caracalla. Located near Frankfurt, it includes the grand Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz.
Bad Homburg sits at the foot of the Taunus mountains, just north of Frankfurt. Take a mineral bath in the oriental-style Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, walk through the 40-hectare Kurpark with its Russian Chapel, or try your luck at the casino that inspired Monte Carlo's gambling scene. The town's 14 mineral springs, known for treating rheumatism and cardiovascular conditions, bubble up throughout the area, while the 12th-century White Tower of Landgrave Castle marks the skyline.
Getting to Bad Homburg
From Frankfurt, take the S5 regional train or U2 subway line to reach Bad Homburg. By car, access the town via the A5 and A661 autobahns, with the "Bad Homburg - Stadtmitte" exit leading directly to the city center. Frankfurt International Airport lies 30 kilometers away.
Mineral Springs and Wellness Centers
You'll find 14 mineral springs throughout Bad Homburg, each containing saline waters rich in carbon dioxide and iron. Stop by the Elisabethenbrunnen, discovered in 1834, to see its temple structure designed by Emperor Wilhelm II. The Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, built in 1908, houses the Kur-Royal Day Spa where you can book mineral baths and massages. At the 1,400-square-meter Taunus Therme, swim in therapeutic pools, relax in steam baths, or schedule a massage in rooms decorated with Japanese designs.
Parks and Castle Grounds
The 40-hectare Kurpark contains tree-lined promenades, mineral water fountains, and the casino building. Look for the golden domes of the Russian Chapel (All Saints' Church) from 1896, and tee off at Germany's oldest golf course within the park. The Landgrave Castle's White Tower dates back to the 12th century, while its main building emerged in the 1680s. Walk through the Schlosspark to see its large pond and stop by the Gothic House, a former hunting lodge.
Saalburg Roman Fort
Take a bus from Bad Homburg or ride the "Taunusbahn" to visit this UNESCO World Heritage site. From Saalburg station, walk 45 minutes along the ancient Roman Limes wall to reach the reconstructed frontier fortress. The museum displays Roman tools, weapons, and everyday items. Walk through the rebuilt barracks and workshops to understand how Roman soldiers lived and worked.
Sports and Recreation
Play a round at the Bad Homburg Golf Club in the Röderweisen area, which opened as Germany's first golf club. During summer, watch professional tennis at the Bad Homburg Open, a WTA 250 tournament played on grass courts at the TC Bad Homburg. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Jubiläumspark, opened in 1913, has several cycling paths connecting different parts of town.
