Stuttgart sits on top of the largest mineral water reserve in Germany, the second largest in Europe. Most baths are located in Bad Cannstatt, thus the prefix “Bad” to the suburb’s name. “Bad” means “bath” in German. The largest and most well-known mineral bath is Das Leuze, which is located on the edge of the Schloss Garten. Other baths are smaller and a bit quieter. A good way to spend some of your down time in Stuttgart is to relax your tired feet and body in a hot, mineral bath.
Germans tend to be a bit less prudish compared to their American cousins. There are no separate locker rooms for males or females.
Upon entering a mineral bath, prepay (usually a per hour fee) for the time you wish to spend in the bath at the cashier or the vending machine. Remember your time includes changing and showering time. You will receive a small plastic coin. Use this coin to go through the turn stalls. The machine will record the time that you enter the baths. Grab your coin on the way out, you will need it to leave and sometimes for the locker as well.
Some baths will have small lockers immediately after the entrance that is monitored by camera. This is the best place to keep your valuables, passport, cell phones, and money. You will have to deposit a Euro coin, but you will get your coin back when you open your locker later.
Then follow the signs (or the people) to the changing room. Here you will find small changing rooms that have two doors. One door will be to the exit side and the other to the entrance to the baths. Here take off your shoes as street shoes are not allowed on the bath side of the changing rooms. Here you can change into your bathing suit.
On the bath side of the changing rooms will be lockers to keep your clothes and toiletry items. You may have to use your plastic coin to lock the lockers. Make sure not to lose the coin or the key to the locker or you will have a nasty bill to pay. Once you are changed, your personal items put away, you are ready to take a shower and enter the baths. The showers are split by gender and it is customary to shower before and after taking a bath.
Enjoy!!
Das Leuze
Das Leuze is a combination of mineral baths and swimming pools. There is one large pool that connects to the large pool outside. This is the first place to start. Then move around the various hot and cold pools. The mineral baths (hot or cold) are really interesting because bubbles form on your body that prick like tiny needles. You can also drink the water from the fountains. One of the pools inside features a simulated rain shower. You must be naked in the sauna (there is small place to put your suit). Go ahead and check out the outside area. Wave to the people on the bridge! Yes, they can see you to!
Offical Website (German)
U-Bahn Station: Mineralbäder
Open 6:00-21:00
2 Hours costs 7 Euros for an Adult
Full day pass is 14 Euros
Students bring your student ID for a discount.
Mineralbad Cannstatt
A bit smaller than Das Leutze, but every bit as good. This bath has two small whirlpools to relax in. Outside is a small fountain that pours into a foot bath. The water is very, very cold! On the floor of the bath are tons of small pebbles. For your health, you walk through this bath, around the divider, three times. If you are a bit nervous, watch the Germans go first.
This bath also has a mixture of mineral baths and pools.
Official Site (German)
Open 9:30-21:30
U-Bahn Stop: Kursaal Bad Cannstatt
2.5 Hours is 6.60 Euros for an adult.
An all day pass is 9.70 Euros.
Students receive a discount so bring your ID.
