This Rhine Valley spa town produces acclaimed Riesling wines and hosts an annual jazz festival. Its restored Roman fort and therapeutic springs draw visitors year-round.
Bad Kreuznach, a town in western Germany's Rhineland-Palatinate region, winds along both sides of the Nahe River. You can walk across the 13th-century Alte Nahebrücke bridge with its wooden houses built directly on top, breathe in the salt-rich air at Europe's largest open-air inhalatorium, or swim in the warm mineral pools of Crucenia thermal baths. The surrounding hills contain rows of Riesling grape vines, and in the town center, you'll find Roman mosaics dating back to 250 AD.
Getting to Bad Kreuznach
Bad Kreuznach lies 70 kilometers from Frankfurt Airport and 40 kilometers from Mainz. Trains run every hour from Frankfurt (90 minutes) and Mainz (45 minutes). You can walk from the train station to the town center in 10 minutes, and most sights are within a 20-minute walk of each other.
The Medieval Bridge Houses
The Alte Nahebrücke's wooden houses, built between 1582 and 1612, extend over the water on both sides of the bridge. Each house has its own distinct architecture and color scheme. You can cross the bridge on foot and look up at the timber-framed structures, or walk along the riverside path for the best photo angles. The bridge connects the old town with the newer spa district.
Spa and Wellness Facilities
The Crucenia thermal baths include indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich water at 32°C (90°F). The baths are open daily from 9 AM to 10 PM. In the Salinental Valley, a 1.5-kilometer path runs past graduation towers where salt water drips down walls of blackthorn twigs, creating salt-enriched air that many visitors breathe in while walking or sitting on nearby benches.
Roman Discoveries
Inside the Römerhalle museum, two large floor mosaics from a Roman villa show detailed scenes of gladiator fights. The museum opens Tuesday through Sunday, 10 AM to 5 PM. The exhibits include everyday items from Roman times, such as pottery, jewelry, and coins found in local excavations. Information panels in German and English explain the significance of each item.
Wine Region and Vineyards
The vineyards around Bad Kreuznach cover the south-facing slopes of the Nahe Valley. Local winemakers focus on white wines, especially Riesling. You can follow marked trails through the vineyards - the 6-kilometer Weinwanderweg starts at the tourist office and includes signs explaining the wine-making process. Many wineries open their tasting rooms from April through October.
Walking Trails and Nature
The 12-kilometer circular trail to the Rotenfels cliffs takes you up 202 meters above the Nahe River. From the viewing platform, you can see across the entire valley. The path is well-marked but steep in places. For an easier walk, follow the riverside path from the bridge houses to the spa gardens, a flat 3-kilometer route with benches along the way.
