A Guide to Bad Kissingen
Our guide on Bad Kissingen, Germany, includes helpful tips on the best things to do, must-see attractions, how to get there, where to stay, or when to go.
After several long days of road-tripping Bavaria, and with even more to come, we wanted just to relax and unwind.
When we finally made it to Lower Franconia, Bad Kissingen seemed like an obvious choice.
This UNESCO spa town is renowned for its thermal baths, spa treatments, mineral springs, and relaxing atmosphere.
Being from Czechia, home to several famous spa towns, we already sort of knew what to expect from Bad Kissigen.
And without spoiling too much, we must say that the overall experience exceeded our expectations.
Despite its small size, Bad Kissingen offers plenty of things to see and do for all kinds of travelers. So here's everything you should know about Bad Kissigen before you go.
1 Day in Bad Kissingen
So, if you plan to spend a full day here, your Bad Kissingen itinerary could look like this.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast, and spend the morning exploring the Brunnenhalle and Wandelhalle, as well as the various mineral springs these places offer.
After you see everything here, head out to the historic town center, which is quite picturesque, and where you can find some restaurants if you're not eating at the hotel.
In the afternoon, you can explore the trails at the Altenberg or walk along the Franconian Saale.
If you're looking for something slightly more challenging, hike to Botenlauben castle ruins
In the evening, you should head out to the thermal baths, where you can spend the rest of the day.
We can't fail to mention that the interpretative Sisi Tour trail is worth exploring as well. Bad Kissingen offers a variety of activities, from easy walks to good food, thermal baths, and mineral springs, ensuring there's something for everyone.
Just rinse and repeat if you want to stay two or three days here.
Enjoy the Laid-Back Atmosphere
There is something about Bad Kissingen's atmosphere that is hard to describe. It's like the moment you arrive in the town, you can leave all your worries behind.
We happened to visit Bad Kisingen during the shoulder season on a cold, rainy day, and it felt like we had the town for ourselves.
The town felt very empty and serene, and while the weather played a big role in it, it was still a welcome change.
Probably the biggest difference between places like Karlovy Vary or the City of Bath is that Bad Kissingen offers a much more relaxing atmosphere.
This is ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds but remember that the summer months will definitely be busier.
Embrace the Spa Town Experience
Bad Kissingen has a charming historic center you can easily explore on foot.
We do have a feeling that you include it in your Bavaria itinerary, mostly for the spa buildings, thermal baths, spa treatments, mineral springs, and everything that comes with it.
The easiest way to soak in the spa town atmosphere is by heading to Brunnenhalle and adjacent buildings.
This complex of 19th and 20th-century buildings is the historic heart of Bad Kissingen's spa life and a place that will immediately take you back in time.
The time when European royalty walked along these halls, seeking here the healing effects of the local springs and peaceful atmosphere.
One of the most confusing parts for us about the whole spa-town experience was which historic spa buildings you can actually see or even visit.
So, before you book your spa treatments or tickets to thermal baths, be sure to do some sightseeing.
Regentenbau
We'll start our walk through the main spa complex at Regentenbau.
Built between 1911 and 1913, Regentenbau is one of the most iconic buildings of Bad Kissingen
The main feature of Regentenbau is the Max Littmann Hall (who was the main architect of this complex), one of the best concert halls in Europe.
The concerts are held frequently at Max Littmann Hall, so check the Kissinger Sommer website for the upcoming shows.
Arkadenbau
We headed then to Arkadenbau, a historic landmark on the west side of Kurgarten.
The yellow sandstone building from the 19th century, designed by Friedrich von Gartner, is one of the most striking buildings in this spa complex.
Here, you will find Rossini Hall and the tourist information center (open from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM), where a knowledgeable staff should answer all the questions you have about this place.
Brunnehalle
From Arkadenbau, we headed directly to Brunnehalle, which is a highlight of every Bad Kissingen visit.
As the name suggests, Brunnehalle, which means Fountain Hall, is home to Pandur and Rakoczy springs.
You can sample one of the healing springs right here.
There are two ways to taste the springs. You can fill your water bottle from a small public fountain just before the beautifully decorated Brunnehalle by yourself.
Alternatively, you can enter Brunnehalle, where the staff will pour you a glass of a mineral spring of your choice.
The best part is that no matter which option you choose, the mineral springs at Brunnehalle (and generally in Bad Kissingen) are free.
Wandelhalle
After exploring Regentenbau, Arkadenbau, and Brunnehalle, Wandelhalle was our last stop on our journey through the spa complex.
It was built between 1911 and 1912 (Max Littmann was also the main architect) to accommodate the increasing number of spa guests at the turn of the century.
Today, the 90-meter hall hosts concerts daily, as well as conferences and events. You can enter Wandelhalle for free.
Maxbrunnen
Only a short walk from the Arkadenbau, we found Maxbrunnen, a neoclassicist temple-like building with the oldest healing fountain in Bad Kissingen.
Unfortunately, the temple named after King Max I Joseph of Bavaria was closed during our visit, but we could still taste this spring in Brunnehalle.
Luitpoldbad
Just across the river is Luitpoldbad, once one of the largest European bathhouses visited by European kings and emperors.
You can easily get there from Brunnehalle via a wooden pedestrian-only bridge.
This 19th-century Neo-Renaissance-style bathhouse was closed in the 1980s, and the building was left to their fate.
It was eventually repaired, but the bathing facilities were replaced by a large casino (Spielbank Bad Kissingen) and municipal offices.
Despite that, the Luitpoldbad is still worth seeing from the outside.
Explore Bad Kissingen on Foot
Bad Kissingen offers walks for all ages. The town sits on Franconian Saale, so you can be sure to find lovely walking paths along this river.
Botenlauben Castle ruin and Altenberg Hill are easy hikes that are ideal for those who want to enjoy some gorgeous views of Bad Kissingen.
Our favorite trail in Bad Kissingen was the 3.3-kilometer Sisi Tour, an interpretative trail that focuses on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria, familiarly known as Sisi (or Sissi).
If you haven't heard of her before, note that she was one of the most famous women in Habsburg history known for her tragic life.
She was also obsessed with her looks and worked out regularly, which was not very common then. On her numerous visits to Bad Kissingen, she walked this path frequently.
If European history is not your thing, the Habsburgs, with a seat in Vienna, were one of the most important dynasties in the history of this continent.
Visit the Thermal Baths
It comes without a surprise when we say that taking a bath and relaxing at thermal baths is one of the best things to do after a few hours of walking around Bad Kissingen.
KissSalis Therme is the main spa complex in Bad Kissingen, with a wide range of thermal baths, saunas, and other wellness facilities.
Our hotel had a basic spa with a small pool and an area for wellness and beauty treatments such as massages, sea salts, etc., but it was unavailable when we were there.
Regardless of that, we planned to visit KissSalis Therme right from the start.
In fact, this thermal bath was one of the main reasons that convinced us to visit Bad Kissingen in the first place.
Remember when we mentioned that the city was almost deserted? The thermal baths were, largely due to bad weather, very busy.
We bought the combo ticket, which was more expensive but included the spa area, which offered a more soothing experience.
The outdoor spa area was incredible and well worth the money.
The entry ticket at KissSalis Therme was €25 for three hours per adult (Kombitarif Therme & Sauna).
So, if you're looking for the best thermal baths and an amazing place to relax in Bad Kissingen, KissSalis Therme is the place to go.
How Much Time Do I Need
One day in Bad Kissingen is more than enough if you're looking for a regular tourist experience that includes some sightseeing, a few walks, and a visit to a thermal bath.
You can see a lot in a half day, but your overall spa experience will definitely feel rushed.
Two, three, or even more days are ideal for those who have extra time and want to have a more relaxing experience or arrive for medical reasons.
If you plan to stay longer, we recommend planning to make a few day trips from Bad Kissingen.
Places like Wurzbug and Bamberg can be explored on a day trip, giving you enough time to visit thermal baths or hotel spa facilities each evening.
There are plenty of wellness programs and medical and beauty treatments that make some visitors stay a week or two in Bad Kissingen.
To conclude, the answer to the question of how long you should stay in Bad Kissingen lies in your preferences and reasons why you want to visit in the first place.
When to Go
Bad Kissingen is a traditional spa town, so it's not surprising that you can visit it at any time of the year.
We believe the ideal time to visit Bad Kissingen is late spring (May or June) or early fall (end of September).
There are several great walking trails, everything is green and blooming (or you can admire autumn foliage), and you can take advantage of warm and long days.
We traveled around Bavaria during April, and Bad Kissingen was very quiet at the time of our visit (it was a weekday, though).
The weather was changeable, to say the least, with rain and low temperatures.
In fact, relaxing in the thermal baths on a rainy day is one of the best things to do in Bad Kissingen.
Bad Kissingen comes alive during the summer months, which bring great weather with warm days and plenty of daylight.
You should expect higher accommodation prices, though, and more people around.
Thanks to all the spa facilities and the general nature of the destination, Bad Kissingen is worth visiting, even in winter.
What to Pack
Remember that Bad Kissingen is a spa retreat, and you might want to pack some extras to improve your experience (and save some money). We prefer to travel as lightly as possible so we decided to rent everything when we got there.
So, the only essential things we packed for Bad Kissingen were our swimsuits and flip-flops.
Bathrobes and large towels could be easily rented at the thermal bath. Most spa facilities offer all the essentials (shower gel, shampoo, conditioner), but you can bring your own if you have preferences.
As we mentioned earlier, it was pretty cold when we got to Bad Kissingen.
We didn't mind, though, as we brought some extra layers - a down jacket, a rain jacket, etc.
The walking paths and trails in the town and around were well-maintained, and our regular pair of shoes were more than enough. You can also bring a small reusable water bottle for the mineral springs to avoid using plastic.
Our last piece of advice is that some of the spa facilities in your hotel offer free robes, slippers, and toiletries, so you should check with your accommodation beforehand to avoid overpacking.
How to Get There
Thanks to its somewhat central location, Bad Kissingen is easily accessible by car, train, and bus.
We traveled to Bad Kissingen from Bamberg by car, and the journey took us about 75 minutes.
Car
Bad Kissingen is easy to get, especially if you plan to drive. The town is located between A7 and A71, two major German highways.
Bad Kissingen is about 90 minutes from Bayreuth, 100 minutes from Nuremberg, two and a half hours from Regensburg, and three and a half hours from Munich.
Rent a Car
We use Rentalcars.com, a reliable rental website that helps you compare prices, find the best car rental deals, and make reservations for your next trip.
Parking
When it comes to parking in Bad Kissingen, a centrally located Parkhaus Theater is your best bet.
Parkplatz Tattersall is a paid parking lot with an abundance of places, which is less than 10 minutes from the Brunnenhalle.
Alternatively, you can leave your car at Parkplatz Kurhausstraße or Bergmannstraße.
A free Parkplatz Kaserne is a bit further from the town center but still within walking distance.
Most hotels do have parking facilities, so check this option before you go if you want to stay overnight in Bad Kissingen.
Public Transport
You can get to Bad Kissigen by bus or train from nearby Fulda and Wurzburg.
Getting to and from the station is simple, as the main Bad Kissingen train station is located about 700 meters from Brunnenhalle.
Check the DB (Deutsche Bahn) website for train schedules.
If you travel in the peak season (from May 1st to October 31st), you can take a Baderlandbus (operated by KOB GmbH), which connects Bad Kissingen with other spa towns like Bad Konigshofen, Bad Neustadt, Bad Bocklet, and Bad Bruckenau.
Where to Stay
When it comes to accommodation, Bad Kissingen has a lot to offer. Tourism plays an important role in this lovely spa town, so most hotels are located within a 10-minute walk of the Brunnenhalle.
This is incredibly convenient as practically all the hotels have a central location, making getting around the town quick and easy.
When searching for accommodation in Bad Kissingen, we learned two things. There weren't many affordable hotels even though we traveled during shoulder season. That's not very surprising, though, as this is a German spa town, after all.
We also found out that not every hotel had been modernized, and some of the accommodations still did not look that great (for the money they asked).
Eventually, we stayed in a relatively budget-friendly 4-star hotel about 5 minutes from Brunnenhalle, but the rooms were old and tired. It was not perfect, but we saved a lot of money.
Finally, we recommend first checking what spa facilities and treatments each hotel offers, as not all of them are equal in this regard. So here are our tips on the best hotels in Bad Kissingen.
Budget | Hotel Rhonkitz - Rhonkitz has an amazing location about 3 minutes from the Brunnenhalle. This hotel offers modern decor, cozy rooms, paid on-site parking, and a buffet breakfast.
Mid-range | Hotel Frankenland - With a central location, modern spa facilities, great breakfast, spacious rooms, and on-site pad parking, Frankenland is one of the most popular hotels in Bad Kissingen.
Mid-range | Parkhotel CUP Vitalis - This well-positioned 4-star hotel offers comfortable rooms, free spa facilities, two indoor swimming pools, and two saunas. Free private parking is available at the hotel.
Staying Safe
Bad Kissingen is a popular tourist town and generally very safe to visit.
Laid-back spa towns are usually low-crime destinations, and Bad Kissingen is no exception.
We thoroughly explored the town on foot and felt very safe everywhere we went, whether it was during the day or after dark.
Remember that no matter how safe a place may be, always follow basic safety advice, and your trip should be without major issues.
Our last tip is that if you bring your phone, car keys, or anything valuable to the thermal bath, it's better to use a safe deposit box instead of the regular lockers.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is Bad Kissingen Worth Visiting?
Bad Kissingen is one of the most prominent European spa towns, and if you're passing through Bavaria, it's definitely worth seeing.
We had a great time there, and the thermal bath experience was simply exceptional. Admittedly, you will find more famous names on the list of Great Spa Towns of Europe.
Bad Kissingen, unlike these places, offers a more relaxing experience.
As we've already visited plenty of busy places during our Bavaria road trip, like Regensburg, Nuremberg, etc., this kind of experience was exactly what we hoped to find there.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
