This spa town in the Ahr Valley has thermal springs dating to 1875 and two medieval town walls from the 13th century. The area produces red wines along steep slate slopes.
Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler sits in the Ahr Valley of Rhineland-Palatinate, where natural thermal springs bubble up at 34°C from underground. You can swim in modern thermal pools, explore a massive Cold War bunker complex, or taste mineral water from the historic Apollinaris spring. While the 2021 floods caused significant damage to this spa town near Bonn, many of its medical clinics and wellness centers continue to welcome visitors.
Getting to Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler
You can reach the town via the A61 motorway from Cologne or Mainz. For public transport, take an hourly train from Bonn to any of the five stations along the Ahr Valley Railway line.
Thermal Baths and Wellness Centers
The town's thermal springs produce 34-degree water that rises 95 meters from underground, creating jets up to 10 meters high. You'll find 13 specialized medical clinics staffed by more than 100 resident doctors. The mineral-rich waters specifically help with immune system support and muscle relaxation, according to medical studies.
The Government Bunker Museum
A 200-meter section of Germany's former emergency government bunker now serves as a museum beneath the Ahr Valley hills. The original complex, built from 1960 to 1972, stretched 17.3 kilometers and contained 936 sleeping quarters and 897 offices. You can take a 90-minute guided tour to see original Cold War-era equipment and documents in what was once Germany's most secret building project.
Natural Springs
The town's first mineral water source, "Heppinger," began operations in 1584. The Apollinaris company started bottling water here in 1852, and today you can still drink from several active springs throughout the town. The springs remain central to the local economy and continue to supply water for the thermal baths and bottling operations.
Recovery from 2021 Floods
The July 2021 floods severely damaged Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler's historic center. While reconstruction work continues and some damage remains visible, many businesses and medical facilities have reopened. Before visiting specific locations, check current operating status as some areas are still under renovation.
