I love saunas and everything which is connected with water. And if it is mineral water from hot springs, it really helps me relax and somehow heals my body and soul. In Czechia (and far behind Czechia) we all know about Karlovy vary, but I have been there so many times already. So, I want to experience something new...
In Germany they have Baden-Baden, and one day I would love to try this resort as well, but it is quite far away with several changes by train from Prague. However, many times I have occasionally met on the Internet some information about Bad Schandau, a spa resort, also located in Germany. And it is only 2 hours by train. Why not to give it a try?!
I booked the direct train from Prague to Bad Schandau and decided to spend some hours in the German resort.
The train was delaying already for more than one hour. I was very disappointed with Cesky Drahy, literally I was so furious at that moment. But the right decision was to find another route to my desired destination point. So, two trains with a stop in Delcin. To my surprise, the transfer was very smooth and fast. Moreover, the second train, which is kind of a local train, was very comfortable and with huge windows, through which I could enjoy the picturesque landscapes on my way through "Bohemian-Saxon Switzerland".
Finally, I am in Bad Schandau railway station. Unfortunately, the city centre is quite far. And there are three ways to get there - ferry, bus and on foot. Of course, I decided to walk (it is about 3 kilometres), because I could make some pictures on my way and also to observe the surroundings. Still, I expect that ferry trip could be also a nice experience.
Bad Schandau was first mentioned in documents in the 14th century, and it developed as a trading point along the Elbe. Its rise as a spa town began in the 18th and 19th centuries, when mineral springs and early wellness facilities were established. For sure, it is much smaller than Karlovy Vary, but here they can offer view on the hills, a nice 1km promenade along the river, beautiful villas and peaceful atmosphere.
A notable landmark in Bad Schandau is the steel elevator to Ostrau, opened in 1904, which leads up to the hilltop district above the river. Definitely, I should try it when visiting the town next time. But today I am heading to another remarkable place.
I came to Bad Schandau primarily because of Toskana Therme, a large thermal bath and wellness complex located right by the river.
Toskana Therme has about 1830 m2 of bath area, including indoor and outdoor pools, a current channel, whirlpools and of course a children’s pool. The spa also includes a rich sauna world (with laconium, herb saunas and panoramic sauna) and wellness park with different therapeutic treatments.
The 4 hours entrance cost me 29 euro. And I think it is a fair price for such facilities. I also had to rent the towel for 7 euro (plus 10 euro returnable deposit), but it is also allowed to have your own towel (and most people bring it with them).
What could be my conclusion about this short spa trip? Definitely, I want to repeat it, and not only because of the Therme. I would love to observe more of the town and its neighborhood, and of course to go hiking. And in summer, I believe, it will be fantastic. Not sure, if I would like to stay here for a night, but coming early in the morning and leaving late at the evening is the perfect plan.
