Bad Ems, GERMANY: The Picturesque Imperial Spa

Bad Ems, is a compact ‘Great Spa’, showing in both form and function, the depth of the European bathing tradition over time. Set in a deeply cut valley of a tributary of the Rhine, the picturesque ‘Imperial Spa’ became one of the most important spa towns in Germany; a venue for major political events and decisions, pioneering gaming and a vibrant musical heritage. Its thermal springs are clustered by the river where the spa quarter has continually occupied the same site throughout history. Architectural developments range from the medieval ‘Wildbad’ through courtly life in the Baroque, to the sophisticated international resort of the nineteenth century and modernising developments of the early twentieth century. The spa landscape has challenging therapeutic trails and high rocky overlooks. Bad Ems mineral water has a long bottling history, and its salts are still used in the famous Emser pastilles.