Bad Nauheim may not be as well-known to the casual tourist as some of the bigger cities, but it has certainly had no shortage of famous visitors. Some of the history’s most illustrious and powerful men and women have come here.
This who’s who list includes Russia’s last tsarina Alexandra, Austria’s last empress Elisabeth (better known as “Sisi”), Germany’s own Otto von Bismarck, US President Franklin Roosevelt, publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst, composer Richard Strauss, and legendary scientist Albert Einstein, just to name a few. ;-)
But perhaps the most popular visitor of all was none other than the King of Rock n’ Roll, Elvis Presley.
These days you can take a stroll down Elvis Presley Boulevard, relax in Elvis-Presley-Platz, or visit his pre-Graceland home. Elvis spent two years in Germany during his time in the military. He immortalized Bad Nauheim in a photo for the album cover, “A Big Hunk of Love.”
For another view of Bad Nauheim, be sure to make a trip to the top of Johannisberg mountain. At 879 feet, some of the best views of the town can be seen from the summit. There’s also a cafe that was a favorite of Empress Sisi and a public observatory tower.
Back in the town’s historical town center, you will delight in the beautiful architecture of its bathhouses, courtyards and other Art Nouveau structures. The historical trail of Bad Nauheim will lead you past all these spectacular buildings.
But of course, you can’t visit Bad Nauheim without checking out the brine baths that have been drawing tourists since the time of the Celts. Nowadays you can still enjoy these baths, as well as more modern wave swimming pools.
With such a vast array of important guests and wonderful relaxation opportunities, it’s easy to see what keeps bringing visitors back to Bad Nauheim for more, isn’t it? :-)