Header image courtesy of © CARASANA Bäderbetriebe GmbH

“Yeah, I think I could do the full nude experience. But the wine is a pretty good trade-off.”

I exclaimed as I slipped back into the sumptuous, private Emperor’s Bath at the Friedrichsbad spa in Baden-Baden, Germany. My beautiful wife wasn’t so sure, and she was really happy we’d sprung for the full, spa-day experience that afforded just a bit more privacy.

That said, we’d had plenty of “al fresco” time in the gorgeous bathhouse as we were directed through a salt scrub, a quick rinse in intense water pressure, and now relaxed in the huge, thermal water-filled tub.

We waited for the final step—a full-body massage—but for now, we relaxed with cold beverages, bobbed lazily in the tub, and giggled occasionally at the very noisy (read: flatulent) drain in the middle.

The Friedrichsbad Spa: A Unique Experience in Baden-Baden

The Friedrichsbad spa is famous for its full nude bathing experience, but this isn’t the only way to enjoy this gem of Baden-Baden.

Yes, taking on the Friedrichsbad spa and its famous 17-step bathing process is an adventure worth taking. Europeans are cool with nudity, and you should be too. This is the experience that gets the most attention, with many bloggers detailing their courageous plunge into the fully nude end of this historic spa.

But what if you’re traveling with someone who isn’t quite ready to leave their modesty at the locker room door? Or maybe you’re just looking for a unique experience and some one-on-one time with your significant other in sumptuous surroundings?

This is where the private baths at the Friedrichsbad spa come in.

Choosing the Right Private Bath at Friedrichsbad Spa

There are several private baths at the Friedrichsbad spa, but this guide focuses on the Harmony at the Emperor’s Bath experience.

When I started to explore the private bathing options at the Friedrichsbad spa, I quickly landed on the page with different choices. The Prince’s Bath seemed a bit small for two, and the largest Day Spa option felt like too much.

But the Kaisersbad, or “Emperor’s Bath,” seemed just right. Specifically, the Harmony package, since it included a salt scrub and full massage along with the private bath time.

I’ll describe our exact experience—from the moment we stepped into the gorgeous lobby to putting our shoes back on and heading home relaxed as can be.

Note: the historic private baths are found at the original, Friedrichsbad building. The Caracalla Spa is nearby, and newer. The two are interrelated, but make sure you go to the right location!

Booking Your Friedrichsbad Spa Experience

Reserve in Advance, but Walk-ins are Possible

You’ll need to email or call the Friedrichsbad spa to schedule your Harmony experience. Email worked well for me, and the staff was helpful and friendly when scheduling our time slot. Reservations are smart since this is something you’ll want to plan around, and it’s best not left to chance.

That said, certain days and times are quieter, so you can always try to reserve a private bath at the Friedrichsbad spa in person. Just know that massages or other supplemental treatments might be tougher to book last minute.

And if all else fails? You can almost always do a walk up for the 17 step nude bath experience, and some days even feature clothed options if that’s still a non-starter for you.

Arriving at the Friedrichsbad Spa

Show Up on Time—This is Germany, After All

Ah, the German penchant for accuracy, punctuality, and attention to detail is to be admired. And emulated! Start your Friedrichsbad spa day by arriving a bit early.

Not only are you respecting local customs, but you’re also setting yourself up for a stress-free, relaxing experience. No sense in rushing to make your appointment.

Leave yourself time, and the desk clerk will check you in promptly. While you wait for your attendant, take a moment to admire the incredible historic lobby (quietly, of course—this is all about relaxation!).

The Private Spa Experience Step-by-Step

Step 1: Changing into Your Robe and Slippers

Once your attendant arrives, you’ll be led to a locker room where you can store your clothes and valuables. After stripping down, you’ll find cozy robes and slippers that you’ll use for your entire visit.

I didn’t bring my phone out of respect for other guests, but it turned out to be a non-issue—we saw no one else during our visit. Whether this was by design or just a quieter day, it was a discreet, private-feeling experience.

Would I have liked some photos of the bath itself? Yes. But being completely unplugged was a welcome change.

---

Step 2: the salt scrub kicks off your private Friedrichsbad spa journey

To kick off the Harmony in the Emperor’s bath show, you’ll be collected from the locker room and guided to the salt scrub. 

You’ll strip here, but it’s semi-private and you and your partner will likely be the only ones apart from the staff (they’re cool, they see nudes all the time so it’s a total non-event). Your partner and you will be separated at this point in the same, large room.

The salt scrub itself happens on a table that’s been covered in a plastic sheet. It’s…a bit awkward if I’m being honest but I totally get it for sanitary reasons. Plus, since this is no ordinary table, the plastic sheeting makes sense in order to take care of the equipment. More on that shortly.

You’ll start face down, then go face up. The attendant will gently yet firmly rub you down with a slick, salty paste. The salt scrub is nice, but if you have any cuts from your travels you’ll INSTANTLY find them. Apparently I had scraped my foot at some point, because the salt let me know about it.

Once the scrubbing is complete, you’ll be wrapped up in the plastic sheeting, and the table will reveal itself as this crazy, floating water massage table. This was an interesting, floating type experience that I wasn’t expecting, but welcomed greatly. 

The water massage feels great on aching muscles, but I found the plastic sheet to be pretty uncomfortable and was happy when I could finally leave that scratchy cocoon.

Overall, the salt scrub was a nice experience and my skin felt awesome, as if a centimeter of traveling on trains and drinking in beer halls had been rubbed right off of me and I was fresh as could be.

---

Step 3: Next up in the Friedrichsbad Spa is the high pressure shower

Immediately following your scrub, you’ll be directed to a huge shower head nearby to rinse off the salty solution.

This wound up being one of my favorite parts, the water pressure is CRAZY and it feels so good to let it run over your whole body. I found myself rinsing every bit multiple times because it just felt so wonderful to have this incredible mineral water running all over.

You even get a handheld shower head to really get every bit of yourself, but be careful. 

While I was luxuriating, the attendant came around the corner as I was spraying my back and in my surprise, I soaked her with the shower hose by accident! It speaks to how professional the staff is at the Friedrishcnbad spa, because she didn’t even miss a beat. She simply smiled and asked if I was ready for the next step of our Harmony experience.

My wife had a good laugh about this once I told her as we rejoined each other fresh and clean.

---

Step 4: The Piece de resistance of the Friedrichsbad Spa Private experience: the Emperor’s bath

Directly following the salt scrub and the shower, you’ll be guided to the best stop on this journey: the Emperor’s bath. It’s the perfect size for two people to sit comfortably with room to spare. As I said above, this is by far the best option for a couples spa day at the Friedrichsbad if you’re looking to go private.

The giant, square bath is at one end of the room. You’ll also find a sink for washing up if you’d like. And surrounding all of this is a gorgeous, tiled arched room that feels like you stepped back into the opulent past. You’ll lose yourself in this room for the time you’re in it.

There are towels laid out, but plenty more in the cabinet if you’d like. Don’t be shy, you earned it so take care of yourself and your partner.

On top of the cabinet there will be two each of mineral water, fruit juice and sparkling wine. 

Enjoy them all, but you’ll DEFINITELY want the water first and foremost. This mineral water is great for the skin but it’s no joke how hot it is. Stay hydrated, and take your time acclimating when you decide to take the plunge.

Note: the bath is drained and refilled after every use, so don’t worry about using water that others have been in. I wasn’t sure about this but once I saw an employee draining the tub after our visit, I was reassured and impressed by their cleanliness at this historic place.

 

How to enjoy the Emperor’s Bath

Here’s a few tips on maximizing your time in the emperor’s bath tub

1. Get in slow and I mean sloooooow. Not only is the water hot, but the drain that’s in the tub to keep the water from overflowing is, shall we say, noisy. This might have been the funniest moment but as I followed my wife into the tub, the water level rising suddenly caused the drain to make an absolutely incredible flatulent noise. You can avoid this by getting in slow, and keeping the water displacement consistent.
2. Don’t sit in the tub the whole time. I know! Crazy right? But make sure you get out of the tub from time to time to cool off. The water is hot and lovely, but you’ll be better off taking a breather every now and then. Plus, your drink will need to be refilled.
3. Keep an eye on the time. The attendant will knock politely most likely, but it’s not a bad idea to be out of the tub and wrapped in your robe around the endpoint of your bath time

---

Step 5: The final step in the private Friedrichsbad Spa day: massages

Part of the harmony in the emperor’s bath experience is a full body massage. We were already melting and relaxed after the salt scrub and soak in the heavenly water, but the massage at the end was the cherry on top of a hard earned day of relaxation. 

With a polite knock, the attendant collected us and took us to the massage room. You’ll be together in the same room for a true couples massage, it’s nice and warm and pleasantly lit. The gentle music is a fine touch, and the massage tables are comfortable.

If you have neck issues, make sure you have them adjust the head support from the beginning, I should have done this as I was adjusting a bit throughout, but it was a minor gripe overall.

There might be a communication barrier but be direct with your preference on pressure and any parts that you want the massage therapist to pay attention to. My massage was right on my tolerance for pressure (try and push me through the table type pressure) while my wife wished hers had been just a touch more firm. 

This massage was well worth it, after long days of travel and unfamiliar beds, both my wife and I were ready for a good rub down. We’re in our 30s and if you’re in this age range, chances are you could benefit from an off day in your travels like this to recover. And there’s not much better way to relax in Germany than allowing yourself to drift off in the historic Friedrichsbad Spa while getting a great massage!

---

Ending your time in the Friedrichsbad Spa

Once the massage wraps up and you accept that it’s not lasting 15 more minute, you’ll be directed to a shower to rinse the oils off, and you can wrap up in your robe again. 

Conveniently, you’re right by the locker room so it’s time to collect your clothes and float back into reality.

Friedrichsbad spa day complete!

If you’re ready to take the plunge and plan a spa day of your own on your travels, get in touch!