Saarland Therme – Review of this oriental spa in Germany

Enjoy the oriental atmosphere without traveling – that is the challenge of Saarland Therme. This spa, located in Rilchingen-Hanweiler in Saarland, Germany, close to the French border, has put a lot of emphasis on the decoration of its pools, saunas, hammams and restaurant.

The healing thermal spring water of Rilchingen-Hanweiler

The Saarland Thermal Baths have the good fortune to have their own spring: a salt water spring gushes out on site and the water in the Saarland Thermal Baths is therefore thethermal water of Rilchingen. This healing water is known for its medicinal properties due to the minerals it contains.

The spa area

With its oriental style decoration, the baths part is quite successful: high windows, stone borders, Moroccan wooden columns, mosaics and original tiles from Andalusia await you.

The pools of the Saarland Therme include:

• an indoor pool with jacuzzi and massage jets
• an outdoor pool with various massage jets and seats, bubble seats and neck showers, as well as a swimming channel and comfortable lounge chairs
• several small thematic rooms: vitalizing bath, alkaline bath, Kneipp pool, relaxation room with fireplace…
• a sauna
• a hammam

As soon as night falls, the central pool of the Saarland Therme is illuminated by beautiful oriental lamps and an LED system, which really creates a special atmosphere.

I also particularly liked the small pool with iodized water: the high concentration of salt gives the impression of floating and when you put your head in the water, you can hear relaxing music. All this under a black canvas with small LEDs imitating stars.

Saarland Thermes also has a roof terrace and a small park, which we did not test because we went there in winter, and offers treatments like massages.

A large naturist area: saunas and hammams

The thermal part has only a sauna and a very small hammam because the major part of these equipments is located… in naturist zone. And this is my main complaint. The first and second floors have saunas, steam baths and hammams, whose decoration and title make you dream. But you’re not allowed in if you want to stay in your bathing suit. I think it’s a shame, especially since many spas in Germany allow you to choose between nudity and bathing suit.

Prices of the Saarland Therme

It is possible to take an entry for 2h, 4h or the day. The rates vary depending on whether you come on weekdays or weekends and take the extra charge for access to the saunas in the naturist area. Tickets are priced from 22,50€ to 40€. More information here.

So, are we going to Saarland?

Is the establishment worth the detour? I would say yes if you are passing by or planning a stay inthe area. Otherwise, I recommend other establishments in the region such as the hamman Les Cent Ciels in Strasbourg or the Hostellerie des Châteaux in Ottrott (but the budget is more important). I couldn’t take pictures because it was very crowded when I came but a visit to the site of the thermal baths will give you a better idea!

Pictures of the Saarland Spa