The world’s largest spa is an attraction unlike any other, with a huge variety of thermal pools, as well as a waterpark for a thrilling edge to your day of relaxation and daytime accommodation to relax in
The spa is packed with indoor and outdoor attractions and fun(Image: Therme Erding)
January is the perfect time of year to book a spa break. There’s nothing like relaxing in some thermal springs or a vigorous massage to melt away those post-Christmas blues.
Luckily, one of the world’s largest spas is just a couple of hours from the UK, and with areas for both adults and kids, even if you don’t have a babysitter, you can enjoy a spa day. Therme Erding in Munich is a vast indoor and outdoor complex, easily identifiable by its huge glass dome. The facility boasts 35 saunas and steam baths, 40 pools and baths, and 28 waterslides and virtual reality rides that will appeal to people of all ages.
Outside, you can bathe in the warm healing waters of the Ardeo spring, which is naturally heated between 26C and 38C. The waters are claimed to help soothe a variety of health conditions, and can ease muscle tensions and stress.
Indoors, there’s further relaxation to be had in the tropical spa pool, which has features such as bubbling loungers and massage jets to help you relax. A gentle river ride carries swimmers between the indoor and outdoor pools. Once you’re done with your swim, enjoy a cocktail or freshly-pressed juice in the swim-up bar without needing to leave the water.
There are also several healing tubs, such as a salt grotto and sulphur bath, all at different temperatures and with their own health benefits to offer. On dry land, you can also warm up in a sauna or steam room, or enjoy a Hydrojet massage bed without getting wet.
Things are a lot faster-paced in the Galaxy area, where there’s a choice of fun waterslides. Some are designed for thrill-seekers, but there are also smaller rides for younger visitors, as well as virtual reality experiences for those who are too nervous to go on a real slide. The spa is also home to the Magic Eye, the longest closed tube slide in the world at 360 metres.
If you’re heading down for the whole day, and think the experience is going to wear you out, consider booking a lounger or private lounge that you can escape to whenever you like during the day. From comfy loungers in the adults-only areas, to private chalets where you can have a lie down, read a book, or just chill out between spa treatments.
Therme Erding is open 10am to 11pm most days, and on Saturdays it opens its doors at 9am and doesn’t close until midnight, giving you plenty of time to enjoy its many facilities. While you can just buy a two-hour ticket for €25 (about £21), most people find it more cost-effective to buy a full-day pass for €54 (about £47), which includes the Therme, Wave Pool, and Galaxy areas. You can find out about ticket prices and book on the Therme Erding website.
READ MORE: ‘Incredibly grim’ seaside town now bustling hub of independent shopsREAD MORE: Abandoned UK village that was ‘lost underwater’ still reappears once in a while
Therme Erding is popular with international visitors due to its close proximity to Munich airport. It’s just a 15-minute taxi ride from arrivals to the spa. From the UK, there are flights available with airlines including easyJet, British Airways, and Lufthansa, with flights taking just under two hours from London Gatwick.
Flights on easyJet start from £17 one-way, meaning a day trip here could still work out cheaper than a spa in the UK.
Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com