Germany Guide

Spas

1 Heisser Brocken Karl-Reinecke-Weg 35, Altenau 05328/91 15 70 www.kristalltherme-altenau.de The newest and among the finest sauna complexes, 20km northwest of Braunlage, with excellent views over wooded hills from several outdoor pools (one with a waterfall). Opening time: Daily: April– Sept 9am–10pm; Oct– March 9am–11pmPrice: Three hours cost €10.80, massages are extra

2 Vitamar Masttal 1, Bad Lauterberg 05524/85 06 65 www.vitamar.de Large family-friendly pool and sauna complex in the southwestern corner of the Harz, 46km east of Göttingen and 18km southwest of Braunlage. The pool has all sorts of gimmicks like wave machine, water slide, and various currents and jets. The sauna area is pure relaxation, in several different saunas with the option of taking part in free hourly therapies, some involving rubbing scented ice or honey into your body, others ending with fresh fruit in the garden. Opening time: Mon– Fri 10am–10pm, Sat 10am–9pmPrice: Three hours cost €9, fifteen percent discount after 6pm.

3 Sole-Therme Nordhäuser Str. 2a, Bad Harzburg 05322/753 60 www.bad-harzburg.de/sole_therme.html Rambling pool and sauna with many different heated outdoor pools, saunas and steam room, including one in which you rub salt into your body. At certain times the sauna area is single-sex, but these are coordinated with another sauna nearby to ensure there's always somewhere for everyone to sweat. Opening time: Mon– Sat 8am–9pm, Sun 8am–7pmPrice: A swim costs €7.50 for 2hr 30min; a day-ticket that includes the sauna area €12 or €7.50 after 7.30pm