The Spessart is more than just a beautiful forest – it holds a history as wild and mysterious as the nature that defines it. As early as the Middle Ages, the Spessart was a place full of secrets. Its dense woods and remote valleys made it an ideal hideout for the notorious Spessart robbers, who roamed the area and made travel dangerous.
But the Spessart was not only a paradise for robbers – it was also an economic hotspot. In the 16th century, intensive mining was carried out here – iron and salt were in high demand. The dense forests provided the wood for charcoal, which was needed in the forges. This busy period brought the region forward and left behind many traces that can still be discovered today. From the mere extraction of salt, the medical use of the brine developed: the Orber Kur was born.
One of the original ten graduation towers still stands today. In the 19th century, the Spessart underwent another transformation: instead of robbers, it began attracting the first tourists and artists, drawn by its breathtaking scenery and tranquil atmosphere. Castles and manor houses began to dot the landscape, turning the region into a favorite destination for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Today, the Spessart is a real adventure destination: hiking, cycling, discovering old castles or simply relaxing in nature – the story of the Spessart is far from over. This is where the past meets the present, and every step you take in this forest is like a little journey into the past. Who knows, you might even be able to feel the secret traces of the robbers while hiking.
The Bad Orb estate contains a lot of gold – white and green. White gold, or salt, has brought new life to the town. In the BALNOVA bathhouse, spa treatments are being refined to a new standard. With this, Bad Orb is securing its spa status for the long term.
Now to the green gold: the Orb Forest is a treasure worth preserving. In cooperation with forest therapy expert Dr. Gisela Immich, Bad Orb is on its way to becoming Hesse’s first certified forest healing spa. The goal is to make the forest accessible for the people of Bad Orb and for all visitors to the beautiful Spessart region.
In addition to the brine, the forest is to be opened up and developed as a further spa resource and the Orber bathing tradition is to be expanded to include the very contemporary use of forest therapy.
Bad Orb has a proud spa tradition. Its natural brine springs have been a key economic asset since 700 BC and supported the town’s residents through the Middle Ages and early modern period. As demand on the regional and national salt market grew, more efficient production methods were needed. The saltworks were built – with ten graduation towers, one of which still stands today.
From basic salt production, the medicinal use of Orber brine slowly evolved. Thus, the Orber Kur was born.
Bad Orb is reinventing the spa and in recent years has become a nationwide pioneer in terms of spa medicine concepts for the future. Preserving values, daring to change: Bad Orb is a place of relaxation, good air and unique botany.