Germany’s Therme Bad Dürkheim Celebrates Opening
(v.l.n.r.): Bürgermeisterin Natalie Bauernschmitt, Geschäftsführer der 4a Architekten Ernst Ulrich Tillmanns, Stadtwerke Geschäftsführer Dr. Peter Kistenmacher und Staatssekretär Dr. Stephan Weinberg. Foto: Stadt Bad Dürkheim
(eap) In the presence of representatives from politics, business and society, the new Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Therme was officially inaugurated yesterday following several years of planning and construction. As part of an extensive redevelopment project, the original facility – opened in 1984 as a leisure pool (cf. EAP 4/2024) – was expanded to include a directly connected large-scale thermal bath with sauna and thermal areas. Located in the heart of the town’s spa gardens, the new complex is designed as a modern destination for health and well-being, with the aim of sustainably strengthening tourism in the region.
Dr. Stephan Weinberg, State Secretary in the Ministry of Finance of Rhineland-Palatinate, emphasised: “With the construction of the new thermal bath, Bad Dürkheim is sending out a strong message for quality of life, health and the future of the region. It was an important and necessary step that the state government invested around 11 million euros in the development of this facility. Thermal baths are more than just places of relaxation – they are social spaces that bring people together, offer rest and recovery, and provide access to preventive healthcare. Moreover, the new thermal area will serve as an attractive draw for both regional and national visitors. A major asset for the spa town of Bad Dürkheim.”
Ernst Ulrich Timmermanns, architect and managing director of Stuttgart-based 4a Architekten, who led the design of the new thermal bath, stated: “Our core idea was to create a place that reflects the natural tranquillity of the surrounding spa gardens and translates it into a contemporary wellness architecture. Light, materials and spatial sequences have been selected to ensure visitors experience a sense of openness, warmth and relaxation in every area.” Also involved in the project was Kannewischer Ingenieurgesellschaft, which was responsible for the technical planning and construction management.
Starting tomorrow – when the spacious sauna and wellness area opens for regular operations – guests will be able to enjoy various sauna experiences (the highlight being the panoramic sauna on the second floor with its adjoining bar and rooftop terrace), as well as spa treatments (in the Beauty Lounge). ■
