From its very beginning Bad Ems was one of the most highly regarded and important spa resorts of Europe. In the 19th century, it was the place where Europe's tsars, emperors, kings, princes, famous statesmen and artists, took care of their health and experienced renewed strength and vitality. In spite of social change and political upheaval, Bad Ems has remained a European health and spa centre. The town has managed to combine the standard approach of modern health resorts with more traditional health methods. Perhaps it is its historic past that lends Bad Ems its particular charm.

Bad Ems lies in the middle of the nature reserve of the idyllic Lahn valley and is surrounded by the forested slopes of the Taunus and Westerwald.

A multitude of hiking paths offer a great variety of views of the Lahn valley as well as of monasteries, castles and palaces. Nature walks and ecologically friendly hill farming are to be found here as a matter of course. You can fill your lungs with fresh air and experience Nature in its full purity, whether on walks, cycling or canoeing tours.

The 'Ems Springs', amongst the oldest in Germany, originate in the depths of the Ems Springs anticlinal fold and the waters are highly prized for their rich mineral content. Visitors can also enjoy the newly improved 'Emser Therme' (Ems Hot Springs), which is fed by the springs. Three large pools with a surface area exceeding 1000 square metres provide plenty of room for swimming and are filled with spring water at a temperature of 32 degrees Celsius. This water is always freshly flowing in, thereby ensuring it is crystal clear and hygienic.

Bad Ems provides a wide variety of ways in which to enjoy your leisure time here with friends and family. The waters of the River Lahn and the hills of the Taunus and Westerwald offer optimal conditions for a great variety of activities - there is something here for every guest to enjoy. Golf, tennis, riding, canoeing, swimming, walking and cycling - all of this is part of the leisure repertoire of Bad Ems, the charming health resort on the River Lahn.

Bad Ems also has a long tradition as a place of history and art. Where once world-renowned artists and scholars would meet, today there are architectural masterpieces on the banks of the river, sculptures in gardens and parks, paintings in art galleries, and concerts and performances in the theatre of the Spa Centre (Kurhaus).

Especially outstanding events are the Jacques Offenbach Music Festival every spring, the Flower Parade on the last Sunday in August, and the various balls in the Marble Hall, impressively reflecting the social life of the health resort. Besides its many attractive sights, its sport and leisure facilities, and the wonderful countryside, Bad Ems also has much to offer lovers of culture. For this reason, you could combine your Maharishi Ayurveda treatment in Bad Ems with some delightful cultural event.

Jacques Offenbach Music Festival (in late spring) ‘Bartholomew Market' in Bad Ems. A gala evening with music, fireworks and the Blumenkorso or Flower Pageant. This is Germany's largest flower spectacle and is held every year on the last Sunday in August.

The Bad Ems Tourist Office will gladly send you the town's full programme of events. Telephone +49 2603 9415-0

More information can also be found http://www.bad-ems-touristik.de/

Bad Ems by Webcam can be found here.

Read more about cultural highlights on the next page:

Annual events