Our history: a source of well-being since 1651

When the Aare recedes after a flood, hot, strange-smelling water suddenly gushes out of the ground near the “Gottines-Husum” farm. A miracle of nature and the source of the thermal sulphur spring at Bad Schinznach with healing powers from the depths of the earth.

After Samuel Nötiger von Bern secured the rights to use the thermal spring, the business already comprised two buildings, a barn and two bath houses in 1663. The Zurich doctor Jakob Ziegler writes a highly recommended “Description of the delicious and warm health baths at Schintznacht”.

The first heyday of the healing spring, which quickly became very popular, came to an abrupt end in 1670. Another flood simply washed away the buildings and facilities. The bed of the Aare, which had been moved to the right during the flood of 1651, swung back to the left and the thermal spring was nowhere to be found.

The Bernese public works foreman Samuel Jenner, who had managed the spring catchment, applied to his authorities for the right of use. The parchment document dated April 29, 1696 awarded to him still hangs in Bad Schinznach today.

In the following years, building work is carried out diligently. The inn is given a twin building and the two building complexes are connected with a high wall facing the Aare. Two large barns are erected behind them.

The next major construction project is a bath for the poor. The forerunner of today’s spa park is laid out. The owner at the time was Abraham Morell, a descendant of a Bernese burgher family.

The healing spring and inn first passed into the ownership of an Aargau native in 1786: Gottlieb Rohr von Lenzburg. Under him, Bad Schinznach survives the coming war and under his son Gottlieb Rohr and his son-in-law Johann Rauschenbach-Rohr, the spa experiences a new upswing from 1806.

The new owners have the connecting section between the main buildings demolished. It is replaced by a colonnade with a large dining room above it. The spa adapts to the development of spas and offers ever more varied applications of the water from the thermal spring.

The next major construction project was the circular building with bathing cabins and guest rooms with central heating on the second floor, which was started in 1824. It goes into operation in 1828 and from then on is a landmark of Bad Schinznach. A canal carries the water from the thermal spring to the round building.

Bad Schinznach develops into one of the most prestigious spas and health resorts in Europe. In 1865 alone, over 40,000 baths are prepared, with many guests coming from France. All the worse the setback in 1870, when Napoleon III declared war on Prussia in July and all guests left.

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 comes at a time when the buildings and facilities are in excellent condition. After the end of the war, many efforts are made to restore Bad Schinznach and its thermal spring to their former glory.

The upswing in the following years is based on the reorganization of the hospital for rheumatism, bone and joint disorders, skin diseases, persistent catarrh and inflammation. At the beginning of 1965, the clinic is separated from Bad Schinznach AG as an independent, non-profit foundation.

Construction of the new rheumatism clinic begins in December 1969. The first patients are admitted in April 1972. All 74 beds are occupied after just three weeks. In 2001, the rheumatism and rehabilitation clinic becomes aar Reha.

In February 1978, the Thermi – the open thermal swimming pool – is opened.

The Parkhotel is renovated and reopened in 1988 under the new name Kurhotel Im Park. It offers a high level of comfort for guests and lives up to Bad Schinznach’s reputation as a sophisticated spa and bathing resort.

In addition to Thermi, the Aquarena leisure spa opens on November 1, 1991. It is well attended right from the opening.

The rotunda is hollowed out and completely renovated. The first part of the rehabilitation clinic is set up in the Empire Wing. In 1994, the second part in the rotunda is opened. In 1996, the Massena barn is renovated. Stores, function rooms and a bar are created. 2003 The large new dining room is built in the Kurhotel Im Park.

A new era of thermal bathing began in Bad Schinznach at the end of October 2011 with the opening of the Thermi spa. Following a complete renovation, a modern thermal spa with a stylish wellness and sauna area has been created. The leisure thermal baths, now called Aquarena fun, will also have new attractions.

Aquarena fun will be renovated from June to August 2015. New panels in the outdoor area, the façade including windows and the checkrooms will be redesigned. A new ventilation and lighting control system provides a completely new wellness experience. An entrance system with modern chip belts is put into operation. The BABOR BEAUTY SPA in the Thermi spa is opened.

During a 6-month renovation phase, the therapy area with circular bathroom at the Im Park Private Clinic was extensively renovated. The 27 therapy rooms have now been adapted to the latest standards and radiate a warm, modern charm.

The historic building was already visible on plans in the 18th century and was used by bathers due to its thermal springs. In 1929, an architect from Lenzburg used it to build the Habsburgbad guesthouse with function rooms and guest rooms. At the beginning of the 1990s, training rooms for physiotherapists were built on the first floor. After extensive renovation work, eight 2.5-room serviced apartments were created on the 1st and 2nd floors, as well as rooms for third-party use on the first floor. The HABSBURG junior suite with private whirlpool on the roof terrace is located on the 3rd floor.

The sauna on the upper and gallery floors of Aquarena fun is being completely renovated. The conversion will increase the total area by almost a quarter and expand the range on offer. Three saunas, two steam baths – one of them with special sound, light and experience effects – and a graduation house will be newly built. The rimless cold-water pool with waterfall, foot basin, ice fountain, showers and various indoor and outdoor relaxation zones will provide a cooling experience. High-quality materials, such as Mägenwil shell limestone, create a stylish ambience.