Six unique guided tours formed part of the Rhine-Main region´s yearly Industrial Culture week. Organised by Bad Nauheim Stadtmarketing and Tourismus GmbH on 2, 5 and 6 August, these tours were a fresh initiative this year, inviting visitors to explore the underground technical areas of the Sprudelhof spa complex. After kitting up with suitable equipment, including helmets and flashlights, visitors dove into this labyrinth of tunnels, pipes and gullies.

The six bathhouses within the Sprudelhof Complex were built between 1905 and 1911. The 265 bath cells they contain are supplied with spa water directly from the drilling operations, from the basin or via huge tanks, all without pumps! Besides the unique above-ground bathhouses boasting their precious, Art Nouveau interiors, visitors were amazed by the state-of-the-art technical prowess of the facilities which represent an engineering masterpiece for their time. Gurgling channels, a rushing waterfall, clambering over pipes and up ladders made these guided tours a thrilling and informative experience.

Two more tours will be offered during Jugendstil Week: on 9 September at 1 pm and 3 pm.
If there is sustained interest in visiting the underground area, this will become a regular feature of the guided tours.