Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Nude bathing in Germany? Yes, why not? Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden is a traditional bath with a long history. Here you traditionally bathe naked in thermal water, in fantastically beautiful premises – although there are now also special days for swimwear. We have of course tested it!
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Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden
Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden is one of two large baths in the German ”bathing town” of Baden-Baden. Friedrichsbad is primarily known for its tradition of textile-free bathing. Nowadays, however, there are also special textile days, when swimwear is mandatory instead.
The Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden is located in the centre of Baden-Baden.
Swimwear or nude swimming at Friedrichsbad?
Friedrichsbad is traditionally a textile-free bath, but since 2024 there have also been special days when swimwear is used. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, swimwear is mandatory, while on other days you can swim without swimwear. Please check the current rules before your visit.
Friedrichsbad - a Roman-Irish bath from the 19th century
The Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden has a 140-year tradition. Opened in 1877 and considered at the time to be one of the most modern baths in Europe, this Roman-Irish bath has since continued its tradition of textile-free baths in stunning surroundings.
We got curious and decided to go swimming - and to do a report. For obvious reasons, you're often not allowed to take photos in bathing centres, especially in textile-free ones. However, the staff helpfully showed us around the premises surrounding the baths, and then provided us with so-called "press photos", i.e. photos that journalists are allowed to use in their articles.
Bathing ruins under Friedrichsbad
The history of the baths at Friedrichsbad is also very older than the bathhouse itself. This part of Germany was once part of the Roman Empire, and it was then that a spring was discovered and a bathhouse opened.
Today, the ruins of the Roman bathhouse can be found next to the car park, under the present-day Friedrichsbad. There is also a museum (no photography allowed) where you can clearly see the ruins of pools, rooms and very advanced heating systems. Really cool to see!
Nude bathing in Germany - how it works at Friedrichsbad
So how does it work, this traditional Roman-Irish bath? Usually the bath is open from two ends, one end for women and one for men. You then go through all the different baths and saunas that are part of the traditional ritual, until you reach the central middle room, where both men and women meet.
Swimwear or nude swimming at Friedrichsbad?
Friedrichsbad is traditionally a textile-free bath, but since 2024 there have also been special days when swimwear is used. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, swimwear is mandatory, while on other days you can swim without swimwear. Please check the current rules before your visit.
You start by undressing and locking your clothes in a locker. At the same time, you are given a large cloth to wrap yourself in and a bracelet to lock and unlock the locker.
You then go through 17 different stations, but of course it is optional to stop or move on to the next station:
- Shower with thermal water
- Hot air bath
- Hot air bath
- Shower with thermal water
- "Soap & brush massage" (booked and paid separately)
- Shower with thermal water
- Steam bath
- Steam bath
- Thermal baths
- Hot tub
- Swimming pool
- Shower with thermal water
- Cold bath
- Drying room
- Possibility to apply cream
- Relaxation room
- Reading room
We spent the most time in the whirlpool and the 36-degree pool. Really nice! Since we chose to visit the bath already at 9 o'clock in the morning, we were completely alone in the beautiful premises for about an hour. It felt really luxurious!
Then some other swimmers dropped in (both women and men, of various ages), but there was still plenty of room in the pools. We ended up resting for a while, wrapped in the heated towels, with a cup of tea. Then we felt more than ready to discover Baden-Baden!
Private nude baths in Germany - at Friedrichsbad
For those who want to be a little more luxurious, and dig a little deeper into their wallets, there are also a bunch of different private nude baths at Friedrichsbad. You can book a bath of your choice (see fact box) and get what's included, such as body peeling and full body massage.
Caracalla spa - for those who prefer swimwear
If you prefer to swim in swimwear, the modern Caracalla Therme is right next to Friedrichsbad. Swimwear is mandatory in the bathing area and includes thermal pools both indoors and outdoors. Please note, however, that Caracalla's separate sauna area is textile-free.
More to see and do in Baden-Baden and Germany
When you're tired of swimming, there's more to see and do in Baden-Baden! This is a historic spa town that hasn't been allowed to change too much, making the environment special. Here you can see beautiful buildings, go shopping or stroll through rose gardens. There are also several castles and castle ruins in the neighbourhood.
READ MORE: Things to do in Baden-Baden - 16 tips for an ancient German spa town
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Friedrichsbad and nude bathing in Germany
Do you have to be naked at Friedrichsbad?
It depends on which day you visit Friedrichsbad. On Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays, people traditionally swim without swimwear. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, they are textile days, and swimwear is mandatory. Please check the current rules before your visit.
Do women and men bathe together at Friedrichsbad?
Over the years, Friedrichsbad has had different arrangements for how women and men move through the bathing ritual. Therefore, check the current arrangement before your visit. Regardless of the arrangement, nudity is a natural part of the bathing tradition during the textile-free days.
How does it work at Friedrichsbad?
Friedrichsbad is based on a traditional Roman-Irish bathing ritual with 17 stations. During your visit, you will go through hot air baths, steam baths, thermal pools, cold baths and relaxation rooms. You decide for yourself how long you want to stay at the different stations.
Is Friedrichsbad worth a visit?
Yes, Friedrichsbad is an experience even for those who don't usually visit spas. The historic bathhouse opened in 1877 and the beautiful premises are a big part of the experience. The bath is especially suitable for those who are curious about traditional European bathing culture.
Is it allowed to take photos at Friedrichsbad?
No, photography is not permitted inside the bathing area itself. This is especially important because Friedrichsbad is textile-free on most days.
What is the difference between Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Therme?
Friedrichsbad is a historic Roman-Irish bath where you follow a ritual through 17 different stations. Caracalla Therme is a more modern thermal bath with a larger bathing landscape, indoor and outdoor pools and a separate sauna area. In the Caracalla bathing landscape, swimwear is used, while the sauna area is textile-free.
Are there nude beaches in Germany?
Yes. Nude bathing and textile-free saunas are much more common in Germany than in Sweden and are an established part of German bathing and sauna culture. Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden is a well-known example, although the bath now also has special days when swimwear is used.
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BP says:
I'm not really into nude bathing, but I've never heard of indoor nude bathing. Nudist beaches are a bit everywhere in Europe, but bathhouses with that possibility were new to me. The whole "package" was absolutely superb if you like nude baths. Stupid though with separate entrances for men and women ...
11 June 2022 - 19:45
Helena says:
Indoor nude swimming for us was also new to us. It may exist in several places, but it's not something we know about.
12 June 2022 - 15:50
Anonymous says:
In Germany there are many baths with a textile-free "Saunawelt" where the focus is on different kinds of saunas, cooling effects and baths, both hot and cold. Most of them have one day per week, holiday-free, for women only, a Frauentag. The country has a long sauna culture of its own with wonderful so-called "Aufgüsse".
15 June 2022 - 9:27