Victor
On July 24th 2021, UNESCO recognized Bad Ems as part of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe” as a world heritage site. The spa town on the Lahn has thus received the highest international award that a cultural site can bestow.
The history of the city goes back to Roman times. At that time, the Ems fort and the Auf der Schanz fort were already in what is now the inner city area. Today there are no more remains of it. The auxiliary troops were stationed in both to protect the Limes, which crossed the Lahn near Ems. To the west of it was a Roman brick factory. In the forests around the city, traces of the old Roman border system can still be found today. At that time, the silver found around the city was exploited. Later in the Middle Ages, Emperor Ludwig the Bavarian granted the place city rights, and the mineral springs were discovered and noted in the 14th century.
In the 19th century, Bad Ems was one of the most famous spa towns in Europe when famous people and members of the European nobility spent the summer months here. The spa area east of the city centre, on both sides of the Lahn, therefore has a very sophisticated appearance with its lavishly designed buildings, spacious promenades and well-tended parks. In addition, the spa area is surrounded by steep and rocky slopes on which observation towers and hiking restaurants await guests.
The Emser Therme is located on the beautiful banks of the Lahn in the spa town of Bad Ems. The thermal bath, built in 2012, is an architectural highlight with its warm colours, rounded shapes and unique ambience and is one of the most modern and beautiful thermal baths in all of Germany. A varied combination of wellness, activity and relaxation awaits guests in an area of 6,600 m² thermal baths, a sauna park and a wellness gallery.
The late Staufer castle of the archbishops and electors of Mainz was built around 1245 to protect the area at the mouth of the Lahn. The rectangular core castle is surrounded by four wings and a shield wall with corner towers. The pentagonal keep is 29m high; the palas rise on the north side. The castle chapel is dedicated to St. Ulrich. Lahneck Castle fell victim to the destruction by the Swedes in the Thirty Years War, and the French carried out further destruction in 1689. In the sight of the ruin, Goethe wrote his spiritual greeting in 1774. Lahneck Castle was rebuilt in the English Gothic style between 1852-1937 and has been privately owned since 1850.
Originally named Burg Braubach, The Marksburg rises high above the right bank of the Rhine River, crowning a cone-shaped hill overlooking the town of Braubach. The Marksburg is the only castle on the Middle Rhine to escape destruction or ruin. The castle had some additions in the 17th and 18th centuries but maintained its medieval character.
Even entering the fortification through three huge castle gates is an experience. Inside the castle, the knight’s hall, the chapel, a whole range of knight armour, the torture chamber, the forge, the castle kitchen and the wine cellar, but also bastions with old cannons can be visited.
The castle to the south of Koblenz city centre lives up to its name. The walls and towers adorned with battlements rise proudly halfway between the banks of the Rhine and the hilltop. The fairytale look of the building could also come from a knight film. In fact, the property was only built between 1826 and 1842 for the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm IV., on the ruins of the medieval Stolzenfels Castle, as a summer residence. The famous architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel, who was inspired by the English neo-Gothic and developed an independent neo-Gothic style, had a decisive influence on the appearance of the complex. Walled gardens and fountains create a unique atmosphere. The furnishings of the royal living quarters are still original.
The Casino in Bad Ems is one of the oldest casinos in Germany. As early as the 18th century, the place, whose origins go back to Roman times, was one of the most famous seaside resorts in the country. In the 19th century, the place became the summer residence of many European monarchs and artists. Kaiser Wilhelm I, Tsars Nikolaus I and Alexander II, and many other celebrities came here for their summer vacation.
The place also became world-famous through the Ems dispatch that was sent when Wilhelm I was in Bad Ems. It led to the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, so gambling was over in 1872.
It was not until 1987 that the old tradition was resumed and gaming operations resumed.
Kurwaldbahn is a funicular railway in the town of Bad Ems in the Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany. Over a distance of 220 meters in length and 132 meters in altitude, the railway links the city with a viewpoint at the Bismarck Tower and lies opposite the closed Malbergbahn funicular on the other bank of the River Lahn.
When you arrive at the mountain station, you have a great view of the spa town, Lahntal and Taunus. The mountain station is also the starting point for many hiking trails and the Nordic walking course.
The funicular was constructed in 1979 and reconditioned in 2005. It operates daily every few minutes between 06:15 and 22:30.
The Deutsches Eck is a headland in Koblenz at the point where the Moselle and Rhine meet. Relax with a wonderful view of the water, surrounded by historical attractions and a calm atmosphere.
Admire the statue of Kaiser Wilhelm I originally erected in 1897. After being destroyed in World War II, it was rebuilt after the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification in 1993.
Three original elements of the Berlin Wall were placed next to the monument. In addition to the German flag, the 16 flags of the federal states fly here. They represent German unity.
You can visit the Deutsches Eck headland free of charge at any time. Take a stroll along the waterfront and grab a bite to eat at a restaurant overlooking the water. You can take the cable car for a trip across the Rhine to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress.
Take the cable car to Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and enjoy the second-largest fortress in Europe with many museums, exhibitions, historical walls and an unforgettable view over Koblenz and the Deutsches Eck.
THE KOBLENZ CABLE CAR CAN TRANSPORT UP TO 7,600 PEOPLE PER HOUR, MAKING IT THE CABLE CAR WITH THE HIGHEST TRANSPORT CAPACITY IN GERMANY.
Archaeological finds indicate that the area on the rock was inhabited as early as 3,000 BC. Ehrenbreitstein Castle was first mentioned in 1139. The fortress has been restored many times over the centuries; its current appearance dates back to the early 19th century.
With its butterfly garden, Sayn Castle Park has a particularly fascinating attraction. In the midst of a tropical flora of palm trees, banana trees and blooming orchids, hundreds of colourful, exotic butterflies fly around between the visitors. Bridges lead over densely overgrown pools in which turtles and koi romp. Even tropical birds and quail scurry through the palm and fern fronds. An iguana can also be discovered. It is also fascinating that the voracious caterpillars and peculiarly shaped pupae of the butterflies can be admired in a second pavilion. If you are lucky – and have a lot of patience – you can even watch a butterfly hatch. An exciting destination for the entire family.
Outside of the butterfly house, a nature trail leads through the palace park, where you can learn a lot about their native butterflies and get ideas for designing your own garden.
