German Sights
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Bad Homburg, Germany

Bad Homburg offers a taste of traditional German spa culture close to the big city of Frankfurt am Main. This refined town, where German emperors once relaxed, offers a great mix of historical charm and modern wellness facilities.

Bad Homburg is a bit more low-key than Baden-Baden, but it offers similar experiences. You can sample mineral waters from historic springs, stroll through manicured gardens, or try your luck at Germany's oldest casino – all without fighting through crowds of tourists.

A view of Bad Homburg vd Höhe
A view of Bad Homburg

The town's name, 'Bad', which means bath, shows that it's an official spa town, but you don't have to book a treatment to enjoy what it has to offer. The town centre is walkable and has a medieval castle, high-end shopping streets and peaceful parks.

Bad Homburg is a great location for a day trip from Frankfurt or to use as a base for exploring the region. It might seem sleepy at first, but there's a lot to discover.

Where is Bad Homburg?

Bad Homburg is part of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main urban region, which means it offers the best of both worlds: natural beauty and urban convenience.

The town is in a great location in the German state of Hesse, right at the southern edge of the Taunus mountain range. Bad Homburg is just north of Frankfurt, and it's easy to get there with public transport.

The natural setting of Bad Homburg is another big plus. The town sits at an altitude which ranges from 137 to 250 metres above sea level, with the Taunus mountains providing an attractive backdrop. The town is surrounded by dense forests, which offer plenty of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

How to get to Bad Homburg

Nearest airport to Bad Homburg

Frankfurt Airport is within half an hour's drive of Bad Homburg. The airport can also be reached on the Frankfurt S-Bahn regional rail service from Bad Homburg.

Distance to Frankfurt Airport: 25km
Distance to Frankfurt-Hahn Airport: 133km
Distance to Cologne Bonn Airport: 185km

Frankfurt Hahn Airport and Cologne-Bonn are alternatives although they both offer a far more limited range of destinations than the main Frankfurt Airport.

Train station in Bad Homburg

The railway station in Bad Homburg is located about a kilometre south of the Kurpark area. The town is on the S5 regional train line from Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof.

Driving to Bad Homburg

The town is just to the northeast of the Bad Homburg motorway junction, where the A5 and A661 meet.

Where to stay in Bad Homburg

Bad Homburg accommodation map

If you know when you are planning to go but haven't decided on accommodation, then use the map below to get an idea of which properties are available and to compare prices during the period you wish to travel.

Enter your proposed dates and use the '+' to zoom in on a location and reveal more properties. Click on the price above a property to see more information.

(Please note that this selection will also include some pensions and self-catering apartments for those who are interested in that form of accommodation!)

History of Bad Homburg

The history of Bad Homburg spans more than a thousand years. During this time it has transformed itself from a medieval settlement to one of the most prestigious spa towns in Germany.

The story begins in 1180 with the first written mention of Homburg Castle. The town grew around this fortress, controlled by the Landgraves of Hesse-Homburg from the 17th century through to 1866.

The town's fortunes changed dramatically in 1834 when Louis Blanc and his brother François discovered mineral springs here. They opened the first casino in 1841, which quickly attracted wealthy Europeans. The gambling income funded the development of luxury hotels, the Kurpark, and spa facilities.

German emperor Kaiser Wilhelm II made Bad Homburg his summer residence in the late 1800s. This royal connection earned the town its nickname "Kaiserstadt" (Emperor's City). The Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad, built in 1890, stands as a reminder of this golden age.

The Kaiser Wilhems Bad in Bad Homburg
The Kaiser Wilhems Bad in Bad Homburg

As Bad Homburg's reputation as a luxurious retreat for European nobility grew, it attracted a host of illustrious visitors, including the Russian Czars Alexander I and Nicholas I, as well as the legendary English writer William Makepeace Thackeray. The town's cultural life flourished, with grand balls and concerts gracing the social calendar, further cementing its status as a sophisticated and cosmopolitan destination.

Several key developments marked important turning points in Bad Homburg's history. In 1888, the town received its official "Bad" designation, formally recognising its status as a spa town. This title brought prestige and helped attract more visitors seeking health treatments.

In 1912, Bad Homburg made sporting history by opening Germany's first golf course, adding to the attractions for wealthy visitors and establishing the town's reputation for leisure activities. The start of the First World War brought a different role for the town. By 1917, Bad Homburg had become an important centre for the treatment of wounded war veterans, with many spas being converted into rehabilitation centres.

After the Second World War, the town entered a new phase when US General Eisenhower chose it as his residence. The American presence changed the local life and the economy significantly, while helping to preserve many of the town's historic buildings, which were used as military offices and accommodation.

Today's Bad Homburg balances its spa heritage with its role as a modern business centre, home to several international companies, while maintaining its historic character. The mineral springs and spa facilities are still in use, although these days they are more for wellness than medical treatment.

What to see in Bad Homburg

Kurpark
A 44-hectare landscaped park created in the 1800s. Features several mineral springs, the historic Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad building, and a Thai sala (pavilion) donated by the King of Thailand. The park contains well-marked walking paths, flower gardens, and a small lake. Best visited in spring when the flowers are in bloom or during the autumn colours.

Schloss Bad Homburg (Castle)
Medieval castle with the distinctive 14th-century White Tower. The castle contains furnished royal apartments, a chapel and a kitchen museum. Climb the 183 steps of the tower for panoramic views of the city and the Taunus Mountains. Open daily except Mondays.

Bad Homburg Castle with the White Tower
Bad Homburg Castle with the White Tower

Louisenstrasse
The main shopping street showcases 19th-century architecture. Home to upscale boutiques, cafes, and the historic Rathaus ('town hall').

Casino Bad Homburg
Germany's oldest casino, opened in 1841. The elegant building maintains its 19th-century character with chandeliers and ornate decorations. Visitors can tour the historic rooms during the day or try their luck at gaming tables in the evening. Dress code applies.

Russian Church (Church of All Saints)
Built in 1899 for Russian spa guests, this church features a golden dome and traditional Orthodox architecture. The interior contains original icons and frescoes.

The Russian church of All Saints in Bad Homburg
Russian church of All Saints in Bad Homburg

Taunus Mountains
Just north of town, these mountains offer hiking trails for all abilities. The reconstructed Saalburg Roman fort is located nearby and provides insight into the region's Roman history. Accessible by local bus or car.

Bad Homburg Tourist Office

The Bad Homburg tourist information office is located in the Kurhaus (the main spa building). It is open during the day from Monday to Friday, with slightly shorter opening hours on Saturdays.
Website: www.bad-homburg.de