Depending on which classification you are applying for, you will need to provide evidence that you meet different requirements.

• For the designation ‘spa’:
  • a natural, scientifically recognised and empirically proven therapeutic agent derived from the ground (mineral, thermal, brine or mud spa)
  • a geographical location and climate that do not impair the opportunities for recovery and convalescence and are regularlyassessed
  • a variety of high-quality facilities that utilise the therapeutic agent
  • a character of the resort appropriate to spa operations
  • scientifically recognised and published main indications and contraindications
• for the designation ‘therapeutic climate’therapeutic spa”:
  • a climate whose suitability for therapeutic use is scientifically recognised and proven by experience, and whose characteristics are continuously monitored by a meteorological station
  • a variety of high-quality facilities, which apply thetherapeutic agent
  • a local character appropriate to the spa’s operations
  • scientifically recognised and published main indications and contraindications
• for the designation ‘Kneipp spa’:
  • comprehensive facilities for carrying out a scientifically recognised hydrotherapy treatment programme (primarily based on the Kneipp method) and a significant number of high-performing establishments
  • a scientifically recognised and empirically proven therapeutic, the properties of which are regularly monitored
  • a local character appropriate to the spa operation
  • scientifically recognised and published main indications and contraindications
• for the designation ‘Kneipp spa’:
  • a variety of facilities for carrying out a scientifically recognised hydrotherapy treatment (primarily according to Kneipp) and at least three high-quality establishments
  • a scientifically recognised and empirically proven, therapeutically climate, the properties of which are regularly monitored
  • a local character appropriate to the spa operation
  • scientifically recognised and published main indications and contraindications
• for the designation ‘resort with therapeutic spring treatment facilities’"
  • a spring with natural healing water or natural peloids (mud or earth) as a therapeutic agent
  • Appropriate and adequate spa facilities for the application of the therapeutic agent
  • parking facilities and green spaces of an appropriate scale, as well as a character of the locality befitting the spa operations
  • scientifically recognised and published main indications and contraindications
• for the designation ‘resort with therapeutic tunnel treatment’
  • a tunnel (cave, mountainwhose special properties are utilised for therapeutic purposes
  • scientifically recognised and published main therapeutic indications and contraindications
  • a climate recognised as having therapeutic value and proven effective through experience, the properties of whichare regularly reviewed
  • suitable facilities (medical facilities) for the application of the therapeutic treatment
  • a local character appropriate to the spa operation
• for the designation ‘climatic health resort’
  • a scientifically recognised and, through experience, , whose properties are regularly monitored
  • suitable facilities for the administration of the therapeutic treatment
  • a local character appropriate to spa operations
• For the designation ‘recreational resort’
  • a scenicand a favourable climate
  • facilities suitable for holiday recreation and a character of the resort commensurate with this
  • an average length of stay for guests of at least 2.5 days

Tip: Further details on the designations and requirements can be found in the “Definitions – Quality Standards for the Classification of Spa Resorts, Holiday Resorts and Mineral Springs”. These arepublished by the GermanSpa Association (Deutscher Heilbäderverband e.V.) in conjunction with the German Tourism Association (Deutscher Tourismusverband e.V.). Together with the Baden-Württemberg Spa Towns Act, they form the basis for recognition.