I don’t know what’s more fantastic about the State Spa town of Bad Bertrich (which is part of the Collective Municipality of Ulmen) — the spa experience itself, or the whole volcanic landscape? It’s a tough choice, but maybe it’s OK to love them both equally.
It doesn’t matter, because you might choose to love something totally different about this “magnetic” valley village in the Volcanic Eifel region.
But, first it’s all about the spa experience. Like how the thermal mineral water are said to be totally good for you (ex., if you have joint problems or gastrointestinal issues).
The Vulkaneifel Therme, on the village’s west side, is touted as an “oasis of relaxation.” Call it what you want, but there’s something magical about the salty water coming up from its 2,000 meter depth at a balmy 32-degrees Celsius (90°F). Plus, the price of admission won’t break the bank — making it affordable for the whole family.
Then, on the village’s east side, there’s the Römerkessel, Europe’s first Landscape Therapeutic Park complete with seven different themed gardens (Prince, Herbs, Relaxation, Silence, Lava, Motion, Terrace).
Know what else will help you relax? Wine — and there are number of wine shops (and wine tasting events) in the area. I’m sure the exceptionally nice folks at the Tourist Office (located at Kurfürstraße 32) can help with more with the whole Southern Eifel Region viticulture.
I’m also sure the volcanic landscape has something to do with making the wine from this area taste oh-so-delightful. And one of the best ways to enjoy the landscape (perhaps before you’ve had the wine) would be along one of the 70km of hiking trails. One favorite is the 10km long Geo Route, full of geology information.
And to make things even better, Bad Bertrich lies along the Vulkan-Rad-Route Eifel, a 80km cycle route through volcanic proportions with smooth altitude differences. If that’s too soft for ya, the Trailpark might be right up your alley. This is 750km of well marked mountain bike trails (with all levels of difficulty) through the Volcanic Eifel region.
After all this biking, I’m taking a rest at the castle ruins in Ulmen. Hey, don’t judge me, the castle has a pretty cool Burgfest every July.
I have to say the 900-year-old church in the village of Schmitt has caught my history-loving attention, too. The Church of Saint Peter in Bad Bertrich itself is pretty old, too. It dates back to the Middle Ages, and you’ll find it located at Kirchstraße 27.
It’s not easy to fit all this fantastic fun into one day, so in order to add Nordic Walking, horseback riding, and even tennis then you’re gonna have to stay in one of the local guesthouses or hotels.
Too bad it’s not possible to sleep in one of the thermal baths. ;-)
