Bad Mergentheim, Romantic Road

Welcome to the spa town. Officially recognised as a spa town since 1926, Bad Mergentheim is a one-stop shop for relaxation and rejuvenation. As one of the largest health resorts in Baden-Württemberg, the town attracts more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The stunning Spa Park is an outdoor oasis of peace and tranquillity amongst greenery, exotic and native trees, and beds of vibrant floral displays. You can listen to the sounds of tweeting birds or observe the perfectly choreographed dancing water move to a piece of music at the fountains. Even better to see it at night when the coloured lights are on, adding another layer to the routine. Small waterfalls, a granite arch bridge, and exotic plants make up the Japanese garden, offering calmness and balance, or a colourful feast of blooming roses can be experienced in the Rose Garden, with its collection of 30 varieties.

During the Middle Ages, Bad Mergentheim was the headquarters of the Teutonic Order. Their purpose was to help Christians on the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and to build hospitals. Referred to as the Teutonic Knights, the military order was composed of both volunteers and mercenaries. Mergentheim Palace is the town’s landmark building and was the home base of the Teutonic Order until 1809. Built in the 12th century, it was expanded several times over the next 800 years. Dominated by the palace church, the interior is a work of art featuring elaborate ceiling frescoes, whilst the crypt below the church is the burial site of the order’s grand masters. Today, the palace is a museum exhibiting the Order’s history. The royal accommodation in the palace showcases the elaborate Baroque and Rococo styles of the 17th and 18th centuries.