Bad Karlshafen, Baroque spa town in Kassel district, Germany.
Bad Karlshafen sits where the Diemel and Weser rivers meet and features natural thermal salt springs alongside baroque-era buildings that line its streets. The spring water has a high salt content that local wellness facilities use for bathing and therapeutic treatments.
The town began in 1699 as a refuge for French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution and later took the name of the ruling landgrave who welcomed them. The change honored Charles I of Hesse-Kassel and reflected the shelter he provided to these settlers.
French Huguenot settlers shaped the town's layout with straight streets and classical facades that still define its appearance today. Walking through the center, visitors naturally notice this organized grid pattern and the architectural style that these religious refugees brought with them.
The Weser Thermal Spa operates with multiple saunas and pools fed by the natural springs throughout the year. Plan to spend several hours exploring the facilities and bring comfortable clothing for moving between indoor and outdoor areas.
A floating sauna boat on the Weser River lets visitors experience thermal baths while drifting on the water instead of staying on land. This unusual combination of wellness and river travel sets the experience apart from typical spa visits.
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