Privileg – Privilege

The Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden

After the incorporation of the Grand Duchy of Baden into the German Reich and the nationwide ban on gambling 1872, the previously neglected spa facilities in Baden-Baden came into the spotlight. Within just two decades, three large thermal baths were built, which were the special esteem of the Grand Dukes of Baden.  Since the Middle Ages, the marketing of the thermal springs was the responsibility of the royal family. Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden not only lent his name to the palatial Friedrichsbad, the most lavish and beautiful in Europe at the time. In a central position, in the large foyer on the 1st floor, he had portraits of himself and his wife Luise in special picture frames with water motifs in the antique style. The architecture of the Friedrichsbad was modelled on the Baths of Caracalla in Rome.

The sick gradually receded into the background and bathing life took the place of the old cosy social life and social tone with a splendour and luxury that could not be found more abundantly in Paris and London.’

Johann Loeser, 1891

Anonymous, Grand Duchess Luise von Baden, around 1880
Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, Amt Pforzheim

Anonymous, Grand Duke Friedrich I of Baden, around 1880
Vermögen und Bau Baden-Württemberg, Amt Pforzheim

Die fürstlichen Mineralbäder – The ‘princely’ mineral baths

The competing ‘princely spas’ in Bad Wildbad and Baden-Baden, which could look back on a medieval and, in the case of Baden, even ancient spa tradition, were developed into sophisticated, international health resorts in the middle of the 19th century. In addition to their natural mineral water resources and the connection to the railway network, they benefited from the patronage of the ruling royal houses. In the early 1840s, King Wilhelm I of Württemberg responded to Baden-Baden’s rapidly growing number of guests. Together with his court architect Nikolaus Friedrich von Thouret (1767-1845), he initiated the construction of the new Wildbad spa centre with the Graf Eberhardsbad and the Badhotel. Lavish décor and lavish splendour were intended to appeal to a privileged clientele.

From left to right

Historic window from the Graf Eberhardsbad, Bad Wildbad, 1860-65, Art Nouveau glazing around 1900/01
Staatsbad Wildbad, baths and spa operating company

Lamp holder in the shape of a spring nymph, gilded cast iron statue, around 1860
Staatsbad Wildbad, baths and spa operating company

Seating tub from the Herrenbad in König Karlsbad, Bad Wildbad, around 1910
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Old bath and bath hotel in Bad Wildbad, 1820
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Wildbad spa square, 1910
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Curhaus and bath building in Bad Wildbad, around 1850
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Bathing gazette for Wildbad, Teinach, Liebenzell & Herrenalb, official list of visitors, Tuesday, 16 June 1868
State bath Wildbad, bath and spa operating company

Wildbad in the Black Forest, poster by August Fischinger, 1930
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Effect Diagram of the Wildbad cure, display board around 1935
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

In monitor: 22 photographic views of the Wildbad swimming pools and spa facilities, 1910 – 1950
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Hall of the Graf Eberhardsbad in Wildbad, poster, 1935
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company

Fürstenbad Nro 3, information board from the entrance area of the Graf Eberhardbad, around 1890
Wildbad state baths, baths and spa operating company