Guided tour of the “Palais Thermal”
Would you like to discover even more about the history and architecture of the “Palais Thermal”? The town of Bad Wildbad offers a special guided tour through the historic thermal spa.
Detailed information about this particular guided tour is currently published by the town of Bad Wildbad in German.
History of the “Palais Thermal” – where luxury meets heritage
Wellness in the Black Forest meets centuries of bathing culture here: today’s “Palais Thermal” in Bad Wildbad is one of Europe’s largest and most artistically designed historic thermal spas, combining thermal water, Moorish-oriental architecture and modern wellness.
For centuries, the thermal spa has been extended, transformed and carefully restored, while preserving the distinctive character of this historic bathing palace.
Since its reopening at the end of 1995, the “Palais Thermal” has combined historic bathing culture with an extensive sauna and thermal bathing landscape. Around 1.4 million mosaic tiles adorn the “Moorish Hall” at the entrance, where the “Palais Thermal” bistro now invites spa guests to relax.
The development of the historic thermal spa
The history of the “Palais Thermal” stretches back many centuries and has been shaped by thermal springs, royal bathing culture, remarkable architecture and extensive restoration.
The beginnings of Bad Wildbad’s bathing culture
The warm springs of Bad Wildbad were already being used for bathing in the Middle Ages. According to tradition, Count Eberhard had a bathhouse built here in the 14th century. Over the centuries, these early bathing facilities developed into the important spa location found around today’s Kurplatz.
The Great Bath Building is constructed
Between 1840 and 1847, a spacious and prestigious new bathhouse was built directly above the thermal springs according to plans by royal court architect Nikolaus Friedrich von Thouret. The building later known as the Graf-Eberhard-Bad became the architectural foundation of today’s “Palais Thermal”.
Water from deep below Bad Wildbad
The bathhouse was constructed directly above the thermal springs. The thermal water of Bad Wildbad therefore influenced both the architecture and use of the baths from the very beginning. To this day, the natural thermal water resource remains the foundation of Bad Wildbad’s bathing tradition.
Princely baths, Art Nouveau & the Moorish Hall
The spa was continually expanded throughout the 19th century. An additional thermal water reservoir was created in 1863. Spacious princely baths and the impressive Moorish-style reception hall followed. Towards the end of the century, Art Nouveau elements, elaborate glazing and mosaic floors further enhanced the extraordinary interior.
The Neues Eberhardbad treatment centre
With the opening of the “Kurmittelzentrum Neues Eberhardbad” treatment centre as a direct extension of the historic building, the old bathing areas were initially taken out of use. Thermal bathing, movement therapy and spa treatments nevertheless remained an important part of Bad Wildbad’s health and spa tradition.
Restoration & transformation
From 1991 onwards, the listed historic baths were extensively restored and transformed into a modern wellness and sauna destination. Around 33 million Deutsche Mark were invested in the ambitious project.
Reopening as the “Palais Thermal”
At the beginning of December 1995, the historic baths reopened under their current name, “Palais Thermal”. Historic architecture, thermal water, sauna and wellness were brought together to create an exceptional spa experience.
Thermal water outdoor pool
In 2011, another special feature was added to the historic bathing landscape: the thermal water outdoor pool . High above Bad Wildbad, it combines warm thermal water, fresh Black Forest air and views across the spa town.
30 years of the “Palais Thermal”
In December 2025, the “Palais Thermal” celebrated 30 years under its present name. During the anniversary year, the historic wellness world was further enhanced, including the addition of the new Natur Lounge relaxation area.
A wellness paradise with a unique atmosphere
Extensive planning, investment and artistic craftsmanship transformed the listed historic bathhouse into an exceptional wellness destination that combines Art Nouveau heritage, Moorish-oriental architecture and modern bathing culture.
Guests of Mokni’s Palais Hotel & SPA already have admission to the “Palais Thermal” included in their room rate. From the “Badhotel” building , guests can even walk directly into the historic thermal spa in their bathrobes.
Discover the “Palais Thermal”