A SYMPHONY. of Wellbeing ROYAL COMPOSITIONS OF PLEASURE

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2 A SYMPHONY of Wellbeing ROYAL COMPOSITIONS OF PLEASURE

3 King Albert Theatre is the cultural centre of Bad Elster. It the venue of the Chursächsische Philharmonic orchestra and presents an outstanding annual programme covering all genres.

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6 The Chursächsische Philharmonic orchestra pursues the artistic goal of performing music from all epochs, in a style and with a sound that is as true to the original as possible. Hidden behind a curtain of densely wooded mountains in the verdant southern Vogtland district, at the heart of a European region between Bavaria, Bohemia and Saxony known for its health spas, is the resort town of Bad Elster. Not until you enter the town proper does the White Elster River valley open up and the lush greenery give way to views of the historic Royal Saxon State Spa of Bad Elster. But this charming resort does not divulge all of its secrets at once; it leaves some to be discovered. PRECIOUS SOURCES OF NATURAL HEALING The countless mineral and mud springs in and around Bad Elster have been known for their health benefits since the 17th century, though for many years they only served the local population. In 1848, King Frederick Augustus II of Saxony ( ) granted the town the status of a Royal Saxon State Spa and established a mud spa, one of Germany s first. Elster thrived in the founding years of the German Empire under the regency of King Albert of Saxony ( ). In 1875, it was designated a spa town and renamed Bad Elster. Sauna World, which opened in September Here, visitors can enjoy the experience of floating in the water with its high salt content and relax throughout the two-storey spa complex. The spa is fed from its own salt water spring in the Elstertal Valley. Drilling operations in 2009 unearthed this natural resource, which had slumbered below the surface for millions of years, shielded from all environmental influences. Located 1,200 metres underground, the mineralised water has an unusually high percentage of sodium sulphate and chloride, making it unique in both its composition and concentration. In scientific terms it is referred to as a highly saturated sodium sulphate spring. With its salt content of 22 percent, the spring water is extracted at a temperature of 42 degrees Celsius and fed in diluted form to three pools, each of which has a different salinity. The high percentage of salt gives the water a higher density, meaning that guests do not sink, but literally float. This relaxing experience has a stabilising and harmonious effect on the vegetative nervous system, loosens the muscles and relieves the joints. ROYAL FESTIVAL MILE With ten mineral springs, beneficial natural mud reserves and the recently opened salt water spa, Bad Elster is a popular health resort that boasts a wealth of medical expertise in the field of spa therapy. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of health treatments at Albert Baths a state-of-the-art therapy and spa centre and Bad Elster Salt Water Hot Spring and The royal grounds in Bad Elster, formerly the king s summer residence, were a gathering place for high society in Europe in the early 20th century. The elegant, cosmopolitan flair of the architecture from this period is still very much alive today in the ensemble of buildings that have been skilfully restored, and in the romantic parks with their charming pathways. Standing one SIGHTGEIST 61

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8 The Royal Saxon State Spa offers complete relaxation for the body and soul. could even say residing at the heart of town are the Albert Baths, constructed in 1908 in the art nouveau style, and the famous King Albert Theatre from 1913/14, one of the most magnificent German court theatres ever built. Around them, the Saxon Baths Museum and KunstWandelhalle art museum with the Moritzquelle mineral spring are arranged along the festival mile. Marienquelle, a natural wellspring housed in a beautiful templelike structure, is particularly striking. The palatial Royal Convalescence House built in in the neo-renaissance style and three music pavilions are also nearby. The historic spa park, which recently celebrated its 140th anniversary, has lost none of its charm. It is known far and wide for its colourful blaze of rhododendrons that blossom in early summer from May to June. The park with its pathways generously incorporates this architecturally impressive ensemble of royal buildings. Guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll from historic Albert Park through the spa park to Paul-Schindel Park. One popular destination is Louisa Pond, where rowing boats can be hired. Bad Elster s Nature Theatre, built in 1911 and the oldest of its kind in Saxony, can be found in Waldpark, a particularly refreshing place in summer. Between May and September, the theatre offers a broad programme of events, including opera, operetta, concerts, cinema and folklore. A MUSICAL AND CULTURAL EXPERIENCE PAR EXCELLENCE Architecture, nature, water and music are the four elements that make up Bad Elster. The town offers an outstanding programme of events all year round on a unique scenic stage. International artists perform here in a never-ending stream, while leading international music ensembles treat the art-loving audience to samples of their repertoires. The list of cultural delights in Bad Elster is long: Concerts by the Chursächsische Philharmonic Orchestra, festivals including the Mozart Festival in March, Summer in Electoral Saxony the largest cultural festival in SIGHTGEIST 63

9 The 4-star Superior Hotel König Albert opened in Above and beyond music, there are plenty of other things happening in Bad Elster to make a stay here a very special experience. At EQUIPAGE BAD ELSTER on Whit Sunday, a completely different sound is heard when the stately horses and historic carriages parade through the grounds. The traditional Fountain Festival welcomes thousands of revellers, who celebrate the summer until the early morning hours. Several illustrious classic car rallies pass through Bad Elster throughout the year, with the spa town as a gorgeous setting for the classy vehicles. Finally, the Royal Convalescence House is a regular venue for fashionable parties. Visitors to Bad Elster can choose from more than 1,000 events of different genres throughout the year. This abundance one could call it extravagant opulence is worthy of a slogan often heard in town: Enjoy life as the kings of Saxony once did. Bad Elster offers the ultimate in culture, relaxation and health. this European spa region from 1 May to 3 October, the International Jazz Festival in August, the Electoral Saxon Festival in September and Winter Dreams in Electoral Saxony from the first Sunday of Advent to February. These annual festivals and concerts have a long tradition, but nevertheless feature a select programme that is always new. A DELIGHTFUL HIKING PARADISE Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of a well-developed and maintained labyrinth of hiking and fitness trails from town into the surrounding countryside. They promise wonderful discoveries, surprising perspectives and outstanding natural

10 sites. The locals are happy to share their favourite haunts and offer tips on where to find the most beautiful spots. The town in the White Elster valley is set in picturesque surroundings. Artists of the Romantic period would have been happy here, had the spa existed in its present form back then. The nearby forests and the hills rising immediately behind the historic spa park present a charming backdrop for the town. This gentle, captivating landscape is appreciated above all by visitors who come here for several days or weeks to relax and reconnect with their inner self. The southern Vogtland region, spreading out from the royal grounds in the town centre, is a natural wonder almost untouched by roads or buildings. The hiking trails are disrupted only by the odd historic shelter or a beautifully situated chapel inviting passers-by to linger and contemplate in silence. Hikers can explore the countryside along well-marked fitness trails radiating out from the town centre in all directions. A network of routes easy or challenging, short or long forms a unique hiking paradise covering a total distance of 54 kilometres. An 18-kilometre circular route takes visitors around the town of Bad Elster and its immediate vicinity. Time flies in Bad Elster for those who manage to compose their stay to include these many events: The grand world of opera in King Albert Theatre today, a hike through the beautiful countryside tomorrow, followed by relaxation with a wide range of treatments in the therapy and wellness centre at Albert Baths, or a dip in the Salt Water Hot Springs and Sauna World. The spa and festival town of Bad Elster offers guests an individually orchestrated stay. Let the music begin! SIGHTGEIST 65