Baden Baden - Caracalla Spa

My wife and I went there many years ago. We spent a lot of time in the public clothed areas, but eventually embraced the "challenge" and headed to the saunas (upstairs, I think) with only our towels. It was a blast. I will never forget in one sauna, a stout older German woman speaking to others in the room (seemingly about the steam content), and proceeding to whip off her towel, toss some water on the stones/heater, and start whirling the towel over her head for a minute or two to get the steam distributed. Quite a show!

In my mind, I'll never see those folks again or if I did, they wouldn't recognize me in clothes :D

My advice? Dive in to the whole experience.

The lower level, where you where your suit, are really not much of a stretch of your comfort zone, if you have gone swimming in any pool. But, the pools there are so, so, much better. I believe there are a couple saunas/eucalyptus rooms you can go in on the lower level, with your suit, but to hit the higher temp saunas and steam rooms would mean you shed your suit.

I really have never had a problem visiting baths (will be in Bad Ems next week), and would encourage you to throw caution to the wind, though I suppose, it may be too much "sharing" possibly with your tour mates. Do what is comfortable in the moment.

We went back in 2018 and wore our bathing suits all the time. My husband was good to go on going to the “no suit” bath place and I fretted over it for months before our trip. One day I would say to myself “no big deal” and the next day “oh heck no”. Finally I decided I needed to go with my comfort zone and wearing a bathing suit in public is on the edge of my comfort zone and no bathing suit is WAY out of my comfort zone. My husband being the great guy he is went along with wearing a bathing suit. We had an absolute wonderful time! We would love to go back to Baden Baden and go again. I do believe in challenging myself and trying new things but being without a bathing suit in a public place just doesn’t work for me. Whatever you decide I am sure you will be happy you went to Caracalla Spa such an awesome relaxing place. Enjoy!

Go for it! Life's too short to be concerned about the opinions of people you don't know. Besides, you will see ALL kinds upstairs.

I agree with those who say "go for it!" We went to the Friedrichsbad spa years ago. At the time they had some parts that were women only and some for men only, then a few areas that were mixed. We thought we were in a women's only area until a man walked in and entered the pool. Then the main pool, which was beautiful and a mixed area, seemed too irresistible. So . . . I joined my husband in the main pool before returning to finish the spa experience in the women's are - including steam and sauna rooms, a massage, and being wrapped up like a cocoon and left to relax in a dark room. During the entire experience I just kept telling myself, "I'll never see these people again." Well, OK we did see some of our tour companions for the remainder of the tour but we all enjoyed the experience and I bet you will too.

My husband and I did the suits spa and we loved it!! So relaxing. We stayed about 2 hours and had dinner down the street later. Be sure to try all the areas , even the cold plunge. Outside was very cool as well.

If you do not wear a swimsuit, you will find that it was much ado about nothing. No one will care. You will be among others same same. To wear a suit is akin to going to a costume ball and you are the only one there with no costume.

I loved this bath. My husband and I have been twice, and brought our 16 year old granddaughter the second time. She went from saying "I'm not going nude grandma" to totally embracing the upstairs in the nude with me! Yes, everyone wore a suit in the main level baths. We also went to the other bath in town; I believe older and totally nude in all parts if I recall correctly. I think it was a great experience and a real "eye opener" for her . DO IT!!! Report back on how much you loved it!