Bad Gandersheim: From a brine spa to a modern climatic health resort!

Bad Gandersheim: From a brine spa to a modern climatic health resort!

On September 15, 2025, the city of Bad Gandersheim announced a fundamental decision that has both historical and economic implications. The day before, the city council unanimously decided to give up its status as a brine spa. This change comes into effect because the saline brine water from the Herzog-Ludolf-Quelle has no longer been available since the Kurmittelhaus was closed in 2023. The coveted title of a spa had been awarded to the city since 1967 and was for a long time one of the advertising attributes that attracted many visitors.

The closure of the spa center not only meant the end of the brine spa treatments, but also the loss of the necessary pools and tubs, which are considered the basis for the spa status. In order to maintain this status, investments worth millions would be required, but these are not within the city's budget. In the past, demand for brine spa treatments was rather low, which further supported the city council's decision. The city administration also makes it clear that it does not want to maintain its spa status and sees the change in status as an opportunity to maintain tourist visibility.

The new course: From spa to climatic health resort

Instead, Bad Gandersheim plans to establish itself as a climatic health resort. This designation is supported by the state and promises to maintain the city's tourist appeal. A guest contribution can still be charged, which means that Bad Gandersheim brings a six-figure amount into its budget every year. The city emphasizes that its status as a climatic health resort should in no way be seen as a step backwards, but rather that the quality of the recreational opportunities on offer remains high. With a historic old town and the popular cathedral festival, the city also has many cultural highlights to offer.

However, the limited availability of brine water, which is considered healing in many regions, is not just an issue for Bad Gandersheim. Similar circumstances can be found in many places where mineral springs play a central role in the tourist offer. The unique minerals and trace elements found in thermal springs give these water springs their healing properties - a fact that has grown over the centuries in the history of healing. Bad Gandersheim will continue to follow the tradition of these places, even if the form of the applications changes.

Future prospects for Bad Gandersheim

So while the city focuses on new strategies, it remains to be seen how the change in status will play out in the long term. The city council's decision could help the city reposition itself and focus on air spa offerings. The way forward is through creative ideas to continue to showcase the undisputed beauty and cultural offerings of this region.

Bad Gandersheim may have abandoned the path to becoming a brine spa, but the city has clearly retained a good knack for developing new perspectives. The famous creations and the cultural potential will continue to attract numerous visitors in the future - there is something to be said!

For more information about what the status of a spa and climatic health resort means, an informative website can help: German Spa Association.

The details of the decision and its background can also be found here: NDR as well as at n-tv.