Wiesbaden - A Historic Spa Town Continuing to Define Quiet Luxury

Written by Dawn Wilson

I eagerly anticipated my visit to the historic spa town of Wiesbaden, Germany, known for its thermal mineral springs and wellness culture. In addition to my curiosity about what a European ‘spa town’ is, the history of dignitaries and royals who frequently visited these towns also intrigued me. En route to my hotel, aside from the obvious wellness experiences, it became apparent why so many elite visitors flocked here. As we drove along the famed Wilhelmstraße, with its stunning Belle Époque architecture, upscale boutiques, and artisan shops, I’m certain such attractions also played a major role in luring discerning travelers seeking quiet luxury to Wiesbaden.

Refined Living in Wiesbaden

It was just before lunchtime when I arrived at my hotel, Adina Apartment Hotel Wiesbaden, an unpretentious, modern boutique hotel surrounded by a diverse array of Neo-Gothic, Romanesque Revival, and Baroque buildings dating back to the 19th century. My one-bedroom corner suite was more than I could have hoped for, with floor-to-ceiling wraparound windows, a fully equipped kitchen area, and a separate lounge with a plush sofa bed and coffee table, which provided total comfort and relaxation during my stay.

Hunger finally caught up with me, so I headed to Café Maldaner, the first Viennese coffee house in Germany, established in 1939. It was as though we were transported back in time to an era of sophistication and opulence with its marble tables, sparkling chandeliers, and crimson leather chairs. Like a child, I was immediately drawn to the display case with elegantly displayed traditional cakes, pies, tarts, and artisan chocolates. With such a large variety of eye-catching options to choose from, who could choose just one! 

I eventually settled into a cozy corner of the café, where I spent the afternoon. It was the ideal place to sit back, relax, and enjoy people-watching. There were plenty of soft conversations around me, smartly dressed patrons sipping their espresso delivered on silver trays, locals catching up over afternoon tea, and curious visitors, such as myself, grateful to have found such a refined establishment that has stood the test of time. Lunch was what I had expected, a gourmet of delectable dishes that tantalized my palate.  It’s no wonder this café is a favorite amongst visitors and locals; it delivered perfectly on every front, from fantastic food to attentive service. 

Exploring the Past and Present 

I didn’t pass up the opportunity to meet with a local guide, Andreas, who ensured I experienced the best of Wiesbaden. Personable and passionate, Andreas took great pride in sharing the city’s history and its enduring spa culture. He explained the wellness traditions that define Wiesbaden and showed me some of the 14 active mineral springs still operating today. He also spoke of the many dignitaries who once visited, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Kaiser Wilhelm II—the last emperor of Germany—and American author Mark Twain. Today, Wiesbaden’s wellness heritage remains visible in its elegant layout, such as its manicured green spaces and spacious promenades to the colonnades that once served as gathering places between spa treatments.

That evening, we made our way to the Kurhaus complex, a historic hub of Wiesbaden’s social scene that once served as the city’s grand spa building, where we had reservations at Benners Bistronomie. Inspired by French bistro-style fine dining, the meal was delicious, and I savored every bite. Each dish reflected tremendous attention to detail, with flavors that blended seamlessly.

The evening was not yet over, as Andreas insisted on showing me Wiesbaden’s famous casino, Casino Wiesbaden. Housed in a former wine hall (also located in the Kurhaus complex), it was like a piece of art with its grand chandeliers, marble floors, dark cherry wood paneling, and massive columns. Reminiscent of the Belle Époque era of luxury in the early 20th century, it is far removed from the modern, commercial casinos of today. A visit to this casino takes you back in time and gives you a good reason to wear your finest attire. Beaming with impeccable character and exquisite charm, the casino embedded in my mind the very essence of grandeur that once encapsulated this city.

Historical Art & Architecture

Far from a museum enthusiast, it was my love of design from different time periods that compelled me to visit Museum Wiesbaden’s Art Nouveau exhibit. The gorgeous iridescent glass, textured wallpaper, ornate furniture designs, creative craftsmanship, and overall intricacy of the designs from this time period are timeless, which is why they are often considered ‘priceless’.

Later that day, Andreas took me to lunch at the Opelbad restaurant Neroberg in the Neroberg Mountains, with lovely, panoramic city views that went on for miles. Just below the restaurant sat a public pool area that looked more like the private pool of a luxurious villa. It was hard to believe this was accessible to the public. My meal, although light, was just what I needed for a full day of exploration. It was made with fresh, local herbs and vegetables, and paired with a local flute of sparkling wine. 

On our descent from the Neroberg Mountain, I was struck by the unending tapestry of architectural gems, such as the domes of the Russian Orthodox Church of Saint Elizabeth, standing as a pillar over the once Russian Orthodox community, constructed in the early 1800s in memory of the wife of Duke Adolf of Nassau, Elizabeth Mikhailovna, the Grand Duchess of Russia.

A Legacy of Sparkling Wines

As a true lover of sparkling wine, I was anxious to see what was in store for me at Henkell & Co., the region’s most recognizable sparkling wine producer. We were led to a jaw-droppingly beautiful tasting hall, set in a neoclassical estate with a grand staircase and marble halls that resembled the estate of a royal family rather than a tasting hall. Although grandiose in stature, the room felt inviting. This is likely due in part to the way the guide described the winemaker’s heritage and love of the art of winemaking. Some of the American brands I readily recognized, which are produced by Henkell & Co., were Freixenet, Mionetto, and Gloria Ferrer. The entire experience was immersive from start to finish, incorporating all of my senses, which is what made it extraordinary. 

Luxury Retail Therapy in the Rue

An afternoon of shopping in Wiesbaden is a must. I traveled a few steps beyond the Kurhaus to Wilhelmstraße (referred to as the “Rue” by locals), a street lined with luxury brands, such as Longchamp, Wempe, and Breitling. While I knew what to expect from these stores, I also discovered local, family-run luxury boutiques, fragrance shops, custom menswear, and intimate gourmet shops, where I was reminded that luxury can be found in the simplest things when made with high-quality elements. 

The Last Impression 

Finally, we visited the nearby Kunder Chocolateria (chocolate and confectionery shop). It was established in the late 1800s and is a family-run and operated business. I was truly a kid in a candy store in every sense of the phrase. I didn’t know where to look first since there were so many beautifully packaged chocolates everywhere I looked. 

Andreas politely redirected my attention and led me to a small, quaint table for two, where he had a treat in store for me. I was served the most decadent hot chocolate I’ve ever had. Its rich, velvety texture was one I relished. Their hot chocolate, crafted from house-made chocolates perfected with care, delivers a deep cocoa flavor made from select ingredients.

Although I didn’t think there was anything that could top the hot chocolate, I was then introduced to the pride and glory of Kunder, its famous pineapple tart. This house classic has a buttery crust with smooth chocolate on the bottom and a thin layer of fresh pineapple in the center, making it a robust and refreshing treat in my mouth. It offered an indescribable indulgence, which epitomized what luxury means to me.