Bad Karlshafen - Baroque town on the Weser

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Bad Karlshafen for friends of fairy tales

Numerous legends are woven around the fairytale region of Reinhardswald in which the small North Hessian town of Bad Karlshafen lies. The Krukenburg is situated between the towns of Bad Karlshafen and Helmarshausen, which was built for the protection of the former Benedictine monastery of Helmarshausen. According to legend, the giant Kruko with his three daughters Brama, Saba and Trendula lived here. On a guided tour of the Krukenburg ruin, knight Dietrich vom Reinhardswald makes this old legend come alive. He captivates the visitors with fascinating and entertaining stories about a long-lost time, into the world of fairy tales and legends. The knight-guided tour can be booked at the Spa and Tourism Information Office in Bad Karlshafen.

It becomes truly enchanting in Bad Karlshafen when the Salt Fairy appears. She knows the secret of the curative brine, which still has major significance for the town even today. The brine source discovered more than 200 years ago demonstrates healing powers for many health disorders. At first employed for a thriving trade with salt, in 1838 the first bathhouse was built and the brine source began to be used for healing and spa purposes. In 1977 the city was conferred the title "Bad" (spa). To this day, you can still bathe in this curative brine of the Bad Karlshafener Weser Spa. Who knows, perhaps visitors to Bad Karlshafen might encounter the Salt Fairy, who, according to the legend, gave humans this curative brine?

Bad Karlshafener historical tidbits

Bad Karlshafen was founded in 1699 by Landgrave Carl zu Hessen, and lies at the confluence of the Weser and Diemel rivers. The Landgrave wanted to connect the northern tip of his landgraviate on the waterway with the capital city of Kassel in order to avoid having to pay "staple rights" fees in the Lower Saxon city of hann. Münden. The Huguenots brought journeyman professions from their old native land that were hitherto unknown in Germany, e.g. stocking and glove makers and milliners.

Bad Karlshafen for holiday tourists and excursions

On extensive hikes, bicycle and boat tours, visitors enjoy the unique nature of the Weser mountain landscape. The baroque town with City Hall, Invalid House and historical harbour offer guests a comprehensive culture program. You will find sophisticated entertainment on the cabaret stage of the Römer Wine House, at City Hall concerts of the Bad Karlshafen music school, or in the German Huguenot Museum. Relaxing compensation is provided in the Weser Spa grand pool and sauna landscape, the spa centre with salt works, extended cycling and hiking paths along the Weser and Diemel as well as a Nordic Walking section. Whether enchanting, historical or musical – Bad Karlshafen makes sure no holiday maker or day visitor ever feels bored!

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