Bad Bocklet — Healing Waters, Royal Visitors

Not to name drop or anything, but the spa town of Bad Bocklet has seen quite an impressive list of visitors over the last few centuries. Goethe, my buddy King Ludwig II, and even Empress Augusta Victoria (also known as Dona) to name a few have come to experience the healing waters within the Franconian Saale River region.

Of course some things have changed over the last few hundred years, but it’s not necessarily a bad thing — because I believe things can improve with age.

A lot of activity centers around the Kurgarten, whose unique design is just one way to start your relaxing vacation with its little paths and colorful flowers.

And while there’s a flurry of activity in (and around) Bad Bocklet’s spa facilities it’s all in an effort to help peel away the stress. The Kursaal is where you’re treated to concerts, and the healing waters themselves are said to aid in everything from stomach to joint issues.

Ohh, that’s good because your joints are certainly going to feel it after you’ve traversed along one of the Nordic Walking trails (like the Mineralwasser-Trail at 6.2km), or one of its ten regular hiking trails. One trail is full of ancient trees (with info boards), and the Moorbiotope runs along the Franconian Saale River.

Let’s not even get into the cycling trails, ranging from a mere 20km to a whopping 95km. Some of you (make that me) prefer the horse drawn coach rides, or the Bäderlandbus, public transport that runs between nearby spa towns (like Bad Kissingen, Bad Brückenau, etc.) from May to October.

Before running off anywhere else, stop by Bad Bocklet’s Tourist Office (Kurhausstraße 2), and the nice people inside will fill you in more of what else to see around here.

Because it isn’t good to live by hiking and biking alone (is it?), it would also be nice to sprinkle some history into the mix. Schloss Aschach fits the bill, not only because it started as a medieval castle — but because it’s home to three different museums (a School Museum, a Folklore Museum, and the Graf Luxburg Museum).

Over in the village of Hohn you’ll find some delightful half-timbered houses (photo opps!). And throughout the town’s other villages you’ll see the Jüdischer Friedhof (Jewish cemetery), and the postcard perfect Bergkapelle.

While Bad Bocklet is all about the spa experience, this is Franconia so it’s all about the cultural events, too. Every August there’s the Kurgartenbeleuchtung (Park Lighting) where the Kurgarten is awash in candlelight and the evening’s climax is a grand fireworks display.

Bad Bocklet also hosts an International Music Festival, known as the Quellentage, in May, also with Park Lightning and fireworks. And the Koffermarkt is an April staple (try saying that fast five times), and come June when there’s both an Arts & Crafts Market and a Gartenfest.

As you can see, Bad Bocklet has something for everyone — and I’m sure it’ll just keep getting better and better with age, just like me. ;-)

 

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