Journeys and Adventures

Chatting with some friends today, I was reminded of one of my favorite spots for a mini-vacation–a wonderful water wonderland located in a small town outside of Munich called Erding.  It’s a great place for someone living in Bavaria to “get away” and it’s a great place for someone visiting to Bavaria to relax and enjoy another aspect of German culture–the Therme.

Therme Erding has expanded over the six years I’ve been here, but has always been an indoor haven of warmth, relaxation, and rejuvenation.  Saunas, pools, hot tubs, foot baths, whirlpools, showers, and mineral baths are all available underneath a massive dome in the middle of Bavarian farmland.

Some saunas are for women only and offer facial masks made from yogurt and honey; one is for men only and is built like a German bierstube and each person gets a small weissbier; one has rocking chairs and a large roaring fireplace; one is built like a salt grotto and you’re given salt from the Himalayas to help soften your skin; and in one sauna a small loaf of bread bakes while you’re sitting in the sauna and you replace some of the nutrients you lost by eating the bread afterwards.

There are plenty of pools to choose from, too.  A large one surrounded by palm trees and flowers serves as the center and has places to sit in bubbles, water chutes to massage your shoulders, and, of course, a bar in the pool, so you’re able to enjoy a Mai Tai while lounging in the water.  A smaller pool (called the “Roman Villa”) has floating noodles for you to rest your body while you dip your ears under the water to hear the classical music playing.

A coffee bar and a restaurant are available, but you can also bring your own picnic basket and drinks if you’d like.

A few practical tips:

• This is a textile-free place (meaning you have to be naked), but this is typical for Germans and it isn’t a big deal.
• When you arrive, you’re given a wristband with a key to your locker and an electronic chip.  This chip stores your food and drink purchases for you to pay when you leave.
• Don’t forget to drink water!
• Don’t be afraid to go outside or try the cold pool (it really is ice cold)–Germans believe that your body should be shocked.
• Be careful about attending an aufguss (when the water is changed in a sauna), there is specific etiquette and you will be singled out if you fail to follow the “rules”.
• Signs everywhere tell you not to reserve seats, but everyone does and you have to do it early if you want a good one.

Visit http://www.therme-erding.de/de/100682/100888/english.html for more information including opening times and prices.

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