Thermal water
Aquis Mattiacis – Some 2,000 years ago, the Romans sought healing and recovery in the hot springs of the Mattiaci tribe. And it’s thanks to this precious gift from nature that Wiesbaden has developed into an international spa destination.
Due to the special geological conditions in the local area, thermal water rises from a depth of 2,000 metres and comes to the surface along a line that runs parallel to the “Langgasse” and “Saalgasse” alleys in the city. The five main springs (Salmquelle, Kochbrunnen, Große Adlerquelle, Kleine Adlerquelle and Schützenhofquelle) are lined up like pearls on a string. It takes around 25,000 years for the thermal water from the Kochbrunnen spring to rise from the earth after coming down as precipitation. Its high temperature is generated in the magma chambers below the earth’s surface. As the water makes its way through the crevice in the Upper Rhine Graben, the water is enriched with calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and carbonic acid.
The healing power of water has been harnessed throughout history ever since it was discovered by the Romans. Bathing cultures are now used to treat rheumatism and gout. They can be inhaled to maintain the respiratory organs and drunk to regulate the digestive system.
We can now use scientific insights to explain the benefits of thermal water:
Bathing in warm water is pleasant, buoyant and relaxing; it makes gymnastics and therapeutic exercises easier for patients, facilitates movement and supports the treatment of broken bones. Thanks to its high calcium content, it can also be drunk to prevent osteoporosis.
