OMG. This spa is amazing. Things to know: + You pay after you leave so when you enter, you just get a chip that you put on a bracelet when you get a locker. If you choose to purchase things inside, they scan your chip and you pay at the very end. + there are 2 parts: one is a giant area with lots of different pool options, ranging from freezing to hot tubs. The other part is a "naked sauna" where you get all naked and just sit in the various saunas. I only did the various pools area and it was amazing by itself. This place is built so you can spend basically the whole day here. they have 2 restaurants inside for food. They have indoor and outdoor lounging area though you have to reserve the seats. + Water aerobics - I don't know what time they happen but it happened twice in the 3 hours that I was there. An instructor comes out and everyone gathers in the main pool and can participate in various exercises with water floaties that provide resistance in the water. During this time, they turn off all the hot tub pumps and such. So you can take this chance to get a good spot and wait for them to turn on or participate in some exercises. it's definitely fun! + they have massage and other services such as manicures and pedicures. the massages are reasonably prices (20 mins for 25 Euros, 30 mins for 35, 60 mins for 65 euros). Definitely book in advance because they get filled up quickly. Right now, they told me they have renovations going on so they have even fewer spots. + Oceanium - this was an extra room you can pay 4 Euros for. It's a 45 min quiet room where the room is filled with seaside sounds and the lighting goes from "sunset to sunrise" on the beach. I decided to do it because it was cheap and I was curious but I don't really think it was special. It's a quiet place where you can take a nap since they have comfy loungers and blankets. But otherwise, it's literally just a dark quiet room. If you want to go, you have to show up 5-10 mins. Before the top of the hour and there will an attendant there scanning your chip. Overall, they had a summer special that was 12 Euros for up to 4 hours and 15 euros for the whole day on weekdays..... SO worth it. I highly recommend you check out this place if you have an open day to relax. Bring a book and you can read too. read more

Carolus Thermen Bad - Hair dryer - Saunas Near Me - Aachen, NW

See all

2.5 stars I'm glad I spent several hours reading reviews of this place before I went, because if I hadn't I would have been even more confused than I was, which was also extremely confused. I personally don't like being soggy and feeling very hot, then very cold, and then lukewarm around naked strangers over and over again (it's kind of boring, and what am I supposed to be looking at?), but if this is your thing, maybe you'll like this place. When I arrived, I was the only customer in the lobby, and yet none of the people working there at the desk acknowledged me in any way. I finally approached one, and I told her it was my first time there, and I wanted to know how everything worked. She only explained the payment system to me. They give you a chip, which you insert into a key that has a wrist strap on it. The key opens two lockers (a mini one for valuables and a larger one for clothes, etc.), and the chip is used to scan in and out of the facilities and tells them what you used and for how long, so they know how much to charge you at the end. I went to the spa section first to try and book a facial and a scrub, but they were pretty much full for the rest of the day, so I stuck with the public areas. Even after all my reading, I was unclear on what all the sections were. The ground floor seemed to be all tepid and cold pools. I couldn't find a hot one, and I wasn't sure if there was supposed to be one. The sauna section comprises two floors and many rooms, and I had no idea what most of them were or what the benefits were. I went around a tried a bunch, but I really wasn't sure if I was doing it right. I went into a "hammam" section, which I thought was supposed to be a scrub of some sort, but it included no scrub, and instead consisted of just a bunch of scented steam rooms, some with hot water hoses and others with cold water hoses. One of the rooms there did have an empty bowl that looked like it had contained a scrub that wasn't refilled. The big pool in the sauna area was pretty cool, and I like how they have music under the water. Very relaxing! My main complaint is that everyone working there seems to speak English, and yet the sauna is not set up to be very easy to use for non-German speakers. Some of the signs had English translations, but most did not. There was no explanation of the rules or norms or different sections, so fortunately, I had read up on a lot of that beforehand. Still, a lot of things would have been more enjoyable if I'd understood what was going on. For example, in my first sauna room, I joined the "ritual." A woman came in and spoke German to the group for 2-3 minutes, and the only thing I understood was "lemongrass." Then, she turned on a really loud recording of a German version of "Circle of Life" from the Lion King musical, put big balls of lemongrass-infused salt on the hot rocks, ladled some water over it, and fanned us. This was confusing and hilarious. Also, for the price, it would be great if they included towel, sandal, and robe rental, or allowed this for a small supplement. I was visiting for the day from out of town, and it was a pain to have to carry that stuff with me and then carry it home all wet in a plastic bag. If I could have rented all of it for 5 or 10 euros, that would have been much more convenient. I imagine a lot of people come to visit while on vacation and don't have these things with them. However, at the end of the day, my hair and skin did look amazing, so if that's the point of this whole spa ritual thing, I guess it's worth it, as I have spent way more money, time, and effort trying to achieve the same thing in different ways. If I were in Aachen again (which I don't expect or see much of a reason to be), I'd probably give this place another try and book some of the spa services in advance. read more

Hands down my favorite spa I've been to!! The first time I went was 2 years ago--my boyfriend bought a package where we stayed overnight at the Mercure Dom then had a day's pass at Carolus Thermen. As a note, it's actually cheaper to find your own hotel and book separately. The general area with all the pools and some sauna's is nice enough but not early as nice as the Saunawelt. Although pricier (32 per person for the day) it is definitely worth it. Besides price, one general distinction between the two is that the general area you must wear a bathing suit while in the Saunawelt it is nude. If you haven't gone nude at a spa before, it can be a bit weird at first (you feel like you have to avert your eyes from everyone and that they are all looking at you) but then you get used to it and enjoy relaxing! Anyways, Carolus Thermen is very well kept and clean and all those people are respectful of the rules of the place and generally people tend to stay quiet while in the sauna's etc. It can be rather annoying when this is not the case as you just want to relax without the noise. There are a number of different saunas, hamam's etc. to visit with a number of free activities during the day. Beware of these activities--in order to get a spot you need to show up 10 minutes ahead of time. Additionally, although I love German culture, one thing I really HATE is that they pile in the room and sit literally body to body next to you to get a spot int the room. Even if it looks like there is no space, they will push their way through. Too close for comfort, in my opinion, so I tend to stay away from those activities. There is a delicious restaurant inside of Saunawelt that you can dine at. A bit pricey, the food is still excellent and of good good quality (mostly healthy items). They offer quite a good variety of sandwiches, soups, salads, warm meals and drinks (alcohol and others). The first time we went, we also got a couple's massage, which was ok but I felt like we were only actually massaged for 10 minutes or less rather than the 30 minutes. So I'd skip that unless you love it. A few things to note: this may be obvious to seasoned spa-goers, but remember to bring your own towel, robe and sandels (when walking around). Also, bring a water bottle, you can find water fountains to refill so you don't get dehydrated. Last, if going on weekends, best to go early (when it opens) and leave before the busy evening crowd arrives. I can't wait to return again next year! read more

This place is great. Nice pools on the first floor, but don't spend much time there and go right to the sauna area on the 2nd floor. Didn't count, but there are many different types of saunas, including a sauna where they serve you fresh baked rolls. There are also indoor and outdoor pools, ice cold pools, shaved ice, etc.... If you have the time, best to try a few of the saunas and then go to the resting room to relax before trying a different sauna. Bring a bathing suit for the 1st floor, but no need for a bathing suit on the 2nd floor (in fact, swimming suits are not allowed). (There's a private area on the 2nd floor for women, but as I'm a male I can't comment on that area). read more

This is a great place to relax with inside and outside pool areas. The different pools are at different temperatures so you are certain to find something to your liking. There are also steam rooms and loungers in the general section that we visited. When you enter, you are given a token to track the services you use which is handed back to reception to allow you to pay at the end. The changing areas are a bit confusing if you are not aware of the process. There are two lockers, the first next to the reception area which is very small and for your valuables. A second locker with a corresponding number by the changing area is for your clothes, bags, etc. The changing areas are mixed and a range of sizes are available if you want to change in a group. I would recommend taking your flip flops as the floor is quite slippery in places by the pool. read more

If you like saunas and mineral baths, this is the place for you. This is my favorite sauna and mineral bath spot I have ever been to, hands down. They have a big area with indoor and outdoor pools that is pretty cheap (12 euros for 2.5 hours) and where a swimsuit is required and then the largest selection of saunas I've ever been to, with indoor and outdoor areas and pools, that is nude only and costs another 16 euros for 2.5 hours. Towels can be rented for 4 euros, with a 15 euro deposit. Mine got swiped, so I had to rent another and lost my deposit. But the cost was still well within what I'm happy to pay for such amazing relaxation experiences. I intend to go back as many times as I can while I'm here and would seriously consider traveling here just to visit. Sitting nude in the thermal bath under the open sky with a hot water waterfall to give me a back massage after experiencing five different styles of steam and dry saunas of various temperatures was a peak experience! read more

Aix-La-Chappelle What a beautiful name for a remarkable city. I can think of no three words more romantic, or more evocative of sophisticated culture and fine living. But you won't find that name on any contemporary map. Aix-La-Chappelle was the French name for what is now the German City of Aachen, tucked away in the westernmost corner of the German Reich, where Germany meets Belgium and Holland. Despite the loss of a glorious name, Aachen remains a grand city, an imperial city, but nowadays a former capital city, without an empire to preside over. This was the seat of power of Charlemagne who ruled over Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, France and northern Spain from here. Charlemagne was born in 742 A.D., and inherited the western part of his father, Pepin the Short's, kingdom. During his long and successful 46-year reign, he added duchy after territory and principality, to his vastly expanding realm. The cherry on his brightly frosted cake came on Christmas day of the year 800, when Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne Holy Roman Emperor, a position that had remained vacant for three long centuries. Of course, there was a reason that Charlemagne chose this particular spot to erect his capital, and to endow it with his magnificent palace, superlative cathedral and other imperial regalia. It was the water, thermal waters to be precise. Since Roman times these warm waters were known to have curative and healing powers. There are dozens of elaborate and picturesque public fountains, and drinking fountains pouring forth waters that percolate up from the volcanic depths below Aachen. To me the perfect introduction to not only the waters, but to a European-style spa is Carolus Baths. A wondrous cathedral of water with a dozen pools of varying dimensions, temperatures and configurations. For a modest cover charge you get a lock box and locker to stow your gear in, then you can explore the many pools. It is said that the combination of frigid and superheated pools induces sleepiness better than any sedative. My favorite pool is outdoors, but you can access it only via an indoor passage. This pool runs on an eight-minute cycle, first giant aqueducts pour incredible volumes of water into the pool. You can stand under one of these fonts and feel the water cascade off your shoulders, and scalp, giving you a stronger massage than any pair of hands could ever deliver. Next, the fonts cease flowing and the circulation of the pool itself begins. The water along the edge of the pool begins to move ever more swiftly in a counter clockwise direction, sweeping you along with it. Even if you can't swim, like me, you will be carried along with the powerful artificial tide. A wonderful way to get a workout, or just splash around and have the time of your life. Perhaps, the best time of year to explore the baths is in winter, when soft white snow drifts pile up just outside the tall plate glass walls of the towering structure. If you liked the historical aspects of Paris, Rome, London, or Madrid, you will find that Aachen is like the missing piece of the West European puzzle. Marvel at the original throne that Charlemagne was crowned on. Reputedly made from almost translucent white rock slabs from Jesus Christ's crypt. The alleged bones of Charlemagne and of Mary of Nazareth, the Virgin mother of Christ, are encased in incredible gilded boxes within the basilica. Aachen makes an excellent side trip from Düsseldorf, or Amsterdam. The best way to get to Aachen is via nearby Düsseldorf. LTU Airlines has its hub is at Düsseldorf. The little known airline to those of us on the west coast of the U.S. provides excellent service on wide, new airbus aircraft. Departures are available from Los Angeles, Chicago and New York. Düsseldorf International is the only fully integrated Airport and Railroad Station in Europe, providing the best combined connections to points all over the continent, and beyond. www.duesseldorf-tourismus.de/ read more

Very spacious, clean, excellent place to relax. The aufguss ceremonies are well done. Only the Caravanserai isn't quite worth the price of admission. Overall, a place I will come back to very soon. As spa's go, this one is most definitely the best one I have visited. There is plenty of places to grab a drink and a bite to eat as well. Has a garage as well for the customers, so easily reachable. read more

Just what anyone could possibly need to feel good & be relaxed.

Not cheap, but one of my favourite places in Aachen. The spa (sauna, hammam, steam room etc.) is extremely spaceous, and attracts a lot of visitors, both from Aachen but also neighbouring cities. read more

This place isn't great but it's also not terrible if you don't mind watching a bunch of Germans make out and grind each other in jacuzzis. If you find yourself in Aachen for an extended time with nothing to do it's a good place to check out. When I went the sauna world was closed so I can only comment on the thermal/ pool world located on the first level. I've read from reviews that the second level or the sauna level is nude when it's open so I wasn't too bummed it was closed. I'm american and wasn't interested in seeing a bunch of naked people haha. The place is really clean but dated in a bad way. They went with a modern 90s look instead of doing traditional Turkish bath decor and it just looks terribly dated and tacky inside. The coolest part is the outdoor pool because you don't have to look at the run down 90s vibe inside. The sauna on the first floor is pretty small and was packed with people. I came on a week day at noon and it was very busy, can't imagine how packed it gets on the weekends. I ended up spending an hour and got bored and left. The cover charge was 12 euro- not bad. read more

Very nice, what is missing is any device to dry your wet swimsuit. Towel service would be an improvement too, not to drag your stuff across town. But warm, nice jet stream and not very busy. One can even check current occupation on their website. read more