Historic baths - Schinznach | Switzerland Tourism

Overview

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Schinznach-Bad

Aargau – Solothurn region

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Contact

Bad Schinznach AG
Badstrasse 50
5116 Schinznach Bad
Phone +41 (0)56 463 75 05
bad-schinznach.ch

Intro

Bad Schinznach is a well-known thermal spa that blends harmoniously into the landscape along the River Aare. Its soothing waters have been enjoyed for centuries. The Baroque buildings that date back to its founding, along with the classicist round building and the idyllic parkland, give bathers the taste of a bygone age.

The sulphurous thermal springs in the flat riverside terrain by the Aare were well-known even in Roman times. The baths' former name, "Habsburger Bad", suggests a close link with nearby Habsburg Castle. In the early eighteenth century, the Bernese architect Samuel Jenner built two massive guest hotels incorporating bathhouses. These were later linked by an additional colonnaded wing and the whole complex encircled by a wall. The distinctive semicircular building designed by Zurich architect Konrad Stadler was added between 1824 and 1827. At that time, Bad Schinznach was regarded as Switzerland's most fashionable spa resort. Subsequent extensions were generally carried out with due respect for the precious historic fabric, which still radiates a certain grandeur.

Particularly noteworthy is the way the baths are integrated into the extensive riverside parkland with its mighty stands of ancient trees – surroundings that can also be enjoyed by today's visitors to Switzerland's strongest sulphur spring.

Trip tip

Visitors wishing to experience Bad Schinznach to the full should bring along their swimming attire. The thermal baths have an indoor and outdoor area with spa and sauna suites. For those staying overnight, accommodation is available at the Kurhotel Im Park, which itself occupies part of the historic complex.

ISOS

ISOS is the Federal Inventory of Swiss Heritage Sites of national importance. The inventory is maintained by the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) and lists the most significant settlements in Switzerland. Today, some 1,200 places are included in the inventory, from hamlets right through to cities. The inventory provides information on the development and identity of the settlements listed in it, thereby contributing to the preservation of architectural diversity in Switzerland and promoting both sustainable planning and a high-quality Baukultur.