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Your next tropical destination should actually be Germany
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Five-star service
Planning a trip to Munich? If you’ve never flown into Germany’s Munich Airport, or haven’t done so for a few years, be prepared to land in a state-of-the-art facility that is Europe’s only five-star airport. It's located 23 miles from Munich’s center in the lovely Bavarian countryside, with convenient public transportation into the city. Before rushing off to Munich, though, you just might want to add a day or two to your itinerary to explore this lovely region of Bavaria.
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Photo courtesy of Tony Di Bona
Food for thought
If you happen to arrive hungry after a long flight, you’ve come to the right place. The Munich airport boasts some 60 restaurants, cafes and bistros. From a Bavarian restaurant with its own brewery and beer garden to an entire Asian cuisine complex – and everything in between – the dining options at this amazing airport will satisfy any taste.
One of the world's largest thermal baths
Who knew that a mere 10 miles from the Munich Airport, you can luxuriate and relieve your jet lag at Therme Erding, one of the largest thermal bath complexes in Europe? Its history is fascinating. In 1983, Texaco drilled outside of the Bavarian town of Erding in search of oil fields. What they found was sulphurous mineral water. So instead of an oil field, the phenomenal thermal spa was constructed and has become one of the region's biggest attractions.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Under the dome
No, it’s not a 5-star hotel in Italy. It’s the Italianate exterior of the impressive Hotel Victory, which is the hotel property within Erding's astounding spa complex. Most of Therme Erding is covered by a massive dome which allows a regulation of temperature and humidity throughout the year, obviously important in Bavaria’s cold winters. When you step from the hotel lobby into the spa complex, complete with a sandy beach and palm trees, you'll think you've arrived on an island in the Caribbean.
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Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
Roman holiday
There aren’t too many places in the world where you can soak away your stress in a reconstruction of a Roman-themed bath, just as the Romans did more than 2,000 years ago. All the pools in this complex boast therapeutic mineral water, so no matter which pool you choose to dip into, you'll be receiving the benefits of these healing waters.
Bavarian tropics
Rest assured there are no plastic palm trees under the Therme’s roof. The controlled tropical environment and natural light transforms this thermal spa into a huge greenhouse where all sorts of plants and flowers thrive year-round. Imagine watching snowflakes fall outside as you soak in warm mineral water and listen to parrots caw in the trees!
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Prosit!
There’s nothing more relaxing than luxuriating in the mineral waters while sipping some of the local beer, wine and cocktails available at several pool bars throughout the complex.
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Take a train
If you need some cultural stimulation after so much relaxing, the S-Bahn leaves the Erding station (a short walk through a lovely path from the Therme) every 20 minutes with arrival at the Munich station in the heart of the city. Enjoy the best of both worlds!
Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
Family fun
If you have a family with kids, do think about spending some time upon your arrival in Germany in this family-friendly complex. The wave pools are a hit with the younger kids, but there are plenty of exciting slide opportunities for teens. No matter what their age, your children will be enthralled with the warm water and unlimited activities available here.
The great outdoors
Bavaria normally has a mild climate from early summer to fall, so you won’t always be "under the dome" if you visit during these months. There are many outdoor pool areas to enjoy during the warmer times of the year, all of which are fed by the same therapeutic mineral waters that rise from the deep underground sources.
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Photo courtesy of City of Erding
Local color
The old town of Erding, which dates back to the 13th century, is within walking distance of the Therme. Explore the picturesque town square and charming side streets, and dine or snack at one of the many local restaurants and pubs. The city is famous for its Erdinger Weissbier brew. A tour of the brewery, which includes a meal of sausages, pretzels and beer, is one of the town’s top visitor attractions.
Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
Cruise ship ambiance
Hotel Victory is unique in its design. Its 128 rooms were built around a nautical theme that reflects the feel of sailing on a grand cruise ship.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Breakfast extravaganza
You won’t believe the breakfast buffet at Hotel Victory; the line-up of regional offerings defies description. You’ll even be able to sample the famous Bavarian Weisswurst pictured here. This delectable wurst is served around the clock in Bavaria and goes very well with a good local beer.
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Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
Bird's-eye view
It’s hard to describe in words and photos the expanse of the Erding mineral spa complex, but this aerial shot will give you a better idea of the size of this mineral water oasis and family fun center – all just a few miles from the Munich Airport.
Celebrate and rejuvenate
Hotel Victory is a favorite place for couples to celebrate special occasions. This room was decked out with flowers and champagne to honor the 30th anniversary of a couple from Hamburg. They told us they couldn't think of any better place to celebrate their special event. The wide variety of health-oriented offerings, from thermal pools of all sizes and themes, steam and dry saunas, and an array of dining options make for a romantic and rejuvenating way to spend an anniversary or other special event.
Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
What a slide!
If you love water slides, you'll definitely be in "slide heaven" in this massive slide complex – the largest in Europe. Sliders from 7 years old and up will enjoy the Rainbow Racer, where you can experience a thrill ride on your own mat. But that is just the start. Some 26 different slides await the visitor, which include the Magic Eye, the world's longest tube slide at 1169 feet.
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Photo courtesy of Therme Erding
Unique entertainment
Chances are you've never enjoyed relaxing on an inner tube in warm mineral water while watching a movie, listening to a DJ, or enjoying a live concert. The Therme offers some interesting special events, such as the unique Middle Ages "blast to the past" that includes a medieval folk band, a witches' theater, a bird of prey show, and a concert by the Salzburg Ensemble for Medieval music. Now that’s entertainment we bet you haven’t experienced before!
Spa heaven
No matter what sort of thermal spa experience you're seeking, Therme Erding has it all! Want to imagine yourself back in Italy for a sauna or soak? No problem, as the Venetian spa area is just one of many themed thermal water experiences you can enjoy throughout your visit. Just a note of caution for visitors not used to nude bathing, which is a common practice in European countries: There are select times for bathers with swimsuits and without, so check the website prior to your visit to find the right slot for you.
Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
A place for romance
Romance definitely blooms in this tropical paradise in the middle of Bavaria! It's a perfect place for lovers of all ages to reconnect, rejuvenate, and find liebe (love) in the lovely pools and alcoves of this amazing thermal pool enclave.
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Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona
Bavarian sunset
Vibrant sunsets such as this are not just unique to the tropics. You can enjoy this view over the Bavarian countryside from the terrace of Hotel Victory after a glorious and rejuvenating day in Erding’s remarkable thermal spa.
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