History of the Vierordtbad thermal baths

In 2025, the Vierordtbad thermal spa was once again awarded the "Wellness Stars" seal of quality in the highest category with 5 out of 5 possible stars.

150 years of Therme Vierordtbad! Since 1873, the Vierordtbad thermal baths have undergone a transformation - from an important public
public facility with the function of a municipal bathhouse to an oasis of well-being with a wide range of wellness offers. In 2023, the 150th anniversary was celebrated with a jubilee week: Aqua yoga and meditations on Women's Day, cocktail action with live guitar music, midnight sauna and much more! To mark the anniversary, there was an anniversary exhibition as part of the "Art in the thermal spa" format, which was designed by artist Tom Boller. He presented the bathing establishments with a special anniversary painting showing a split view of the bathhouse, comparing its historical appearance with its current appearance. It is now clearly visible to all visitors in the cash desk area of the thermal baths. In addition to the anniversary exhibition, the history room was also opened in the anteroom of the ticket office, where relics such as old brochures and admission tickets are presented. Information boards and pictures convey the impressive history of the Vierordtbad thermal baths.

The years 2017 to 2021 were characterised by major renovation work, which significantly changed the face of the thermal spa. In order to meet today's requirements for a modern spa landscape, investments were made to make the facilities more attractive: Starting with the conversion of the eastern inner courtyard into the Mediation Courtyard, including a cold water walk-through pool and water features, the construction of the new Margrave Sauna (replacing the old "Böhlerbau") with the latest lighting and sound technology and the Brine Courtyard with three new outdoor hot water pools, as well as brine nebulisation and new, cosy relaxation rooms. From 2021 to 2024, the "SOUNDS OF LIFE" multimedia show with unique 360° projections and specially composed music took place during the winter months. In 2021, the efforts to make the thermal spa more attractive were crowned with the 5-star "Wellness Stars" award.

In August 2002, the indoor swimming pool is closed for extensive refurbishment. A modern swimming facility with two pools and modern, energy-saving technology is created in the historic building, taking into account the requirements of the preservation order. From May 2004, the existing steam heating in the health spa is converted to district heating. At the same time, the entire ventilation system in this area has to be replaced. The installation of heat recovery systems will significantly reduce energy consumption after the refurbishment.
The official opening ceremony following this extensive refurbishment was held on 29 January 2005 by Lord Mayor Heinz Fenrich. The refurbishment was carried out by the Karlsruhe architects MauL.FischeR.

Transformation of the spa into a health centre in several construction phases: construction of various sauna cabins in the western inner courtyard. Remodelling and relocation of the changing area.

Completion of the so-called "Böhlerbau" to replace the underwater massage building from 1959, which housed a whirlpool and relaxation room until 2016.

1967 Replacement of the pool tiles in the indoor swimming pool. Further refurbishment measures, such as the installation of saunas in the spa. 1977 Renovation of the showers and the cash desk area in the indoor swimming pool. 1984 Installation of massage jets and a splash shower in the swimming pool.

The spa from 1900 was in a very poor condition. In particular, there were moisture problems in the rooms where the pools were located. In addition, the number of changing rooms was no longer sufficient. Plans were made to replace only the two-storey changing room wing with a new building, but the decision was made to demolish and rebuild the entire spa. Correspondence from the time centred on economic considerations. Demolition began in June 1962, which is a great pity from today's perspective. The sober building in the style of the 60s was designed by the architect Hans-Jürgen Lau. The reopening ceremony took place on 15 May 1964. The single-storey building contained a large changing area, hot and warm air rooms, steam rooms and a hot and cold water pool. Above the pools, the Karlsruhe artist Carl Egler (1896 to 1982) created an impressive mural made of unique majolica tiles.

New entrance for the indoor swimming pool from Ettlinger Strasse in the sober style of the sixties.

Extension of a single-storey building for underwater massage in the south of the west wing. Usable area approx. 90 m².

1944/45 Closed for 8 months due to the war. 1950 The swimming pool expert "Mr Nicolls" from Los Angeles USA praises the swimming pool's technology. The water is cleaned and chlorinated once every 8 hours using sand filters. After plans were made to build a second indoor swimming pool after all (it had already been planned as a women's pool in 1900), the decision was finally made to build the Tullabad. The Tullabad opened in 1955, at that time with state-of-the-art technology that was recognised worldwide. From this point onwards, the water from the indoor swimming pool of the Vierordtbad was also treated in the Tullabad. Two massive cast iron pipes (DN 300), which were laid in an underground corridor, connected the two pools. Further renovation work in 1959.

The first major renovations were carried out in the indoor swimming pool. The marvellous stucco work on the ceiling and in the cabin area was unfortunately removed. The spacious wooden cabins were replaced by narrower cabins. The green majolica tiles were laid both on the walls and in the new cabins. Parts of the technical equipment were also refurbished.

Up to now, mainly baths were offered. The desire to have a swimming and bathing pool in a hall all year round arose. Wilhelm Strieder, the city planning officer, extended the swimming facilities. The indoor swimming pool was built with a pool measuring 28.70 x 10.70 metres and a maximum depth of 2.80 metres. In addition, the new spa department with hot and cold water pools was built, with a number of other facilities and 40 changing and relaxation rooms spread over two storeys. The baths were reopened on 2 July 1900 after this major conversion and extension. New rooms for the laundry and the boiler house with all its accessories were built next to the spa. There were plans to build another indoor swimming pool for women in the extension of the west wing. However, this was never realised. Instead, the Tullabad was built in the immediate neighbourhood of the Vierordtbad and opened in 1955

Enlargement, 1879 and 1884 improvement of the heating system, 1887 installation of gas lighting. The fresco was recreated in mosaic in 1892 by Prof Robert Ulke (Munich) from a donation by the painter W. Klose. The interior of the dome is decorated with four landscapes created by W. Klose and donated to the town.

It opened on 3 April 1873 with baths for men and women of different classes. The large residential buildings at the time generally had no baths, which is why there was a need for public baths. Steam baths and the spa department rounded off the facilities in today's thermal baths. Even back then, the centrepiece of the complex was the majestic rotunda with its impressive domed roof.

The construction of the former "Vierordtbad" goes back to a donation by the banker Heinrich Vierordt. In 1867, he bequeathed 60,000 guilders to the city for charitable purposes. However, he did not donate this sum with the intention of building a baths, but rather a market hall. However, this caused great indignation among the market women, who understandably wanted to sell their produce on the street just like their ancestors. In the end, a bath was built, which was christened Vierordtbad after its founder. Another generous patron of the baths was the painter Wilhelm Klose, who donated the fountain. The buildings, which at the time directly adjoined the Stadtgarten, were designed by senior building director Josef Durm (1837 - 1919), who also supervised the construction work. Construction took place from 1871 to 1873.
The Vierordtbad was not, as is often assumed, built in the Art Nouveau style. Instead, Durm, who helped shape the cityscape of Karlsruhe, was committed to historicism. He was a leading exponent of the Italian neo-Renaissance style.