Naumburg OT Bad Kösen

The history of the village is closely connected with the development of salt extraction and production. Already at the end of the 17th century the first deposits of this valuable raw material were developed. Since 1859, Bad Kösen has officially been known as a "brine spa". As a technical monument, the historic salt works are unique in Europe and they are still in operation. In the summer months, when the air at the graduation house is enriched with a light mist of brine, open-air inhalations are possible at the graduation house. Today's spa facilities and four highly respected rehabilitation clinics meet the modern requirements of health care.

The Romanesque House, a former farmhouse of the Pforta Monastery and the oldest Romanesque secular building in Central Germany, houses an exhibition on regional history worth seeing and the world's largest collection of Käthe Kruse dolls. The world famous doll designer Käthe Kruse lived and worked in Bad Kösen from 1912 to 1950. The production of cloth dolls and soft toys by the Kösen toy manufactory, a nearly 100 year old company, continues this tradition today.

Big and small guests are welcome in the zoo. The wild goings-on can be heard from far away. More than 50 species of domestic domestic and wild animals up to exotics are at home here.  

The "Kloster Pforta" winery is located directly on the Saale wine hiking trail (24 km circular route: Naumburg - Bad Kösen - Schulpforte). With almost 50 hectares it is today the largest single vineyard on the Saale and Unstrut rivers. From Easter to October you can participate in a moderated wine tasting every Saturday at 3.30 pm and explore the sparkling wine and wooden barrel cellar as well as the historical wine archive with its bottles, some of which are decades old. 

Bad Kösen is especially known for its Romanesque Rudelsburg and Saaleck Castle and has been a popular destination for excursions for decades. Motorboats go from the spa gardens to the landing stage "Rudelsburg and Saaleck Castle" in about 30 minutes. Good footwear is required for the ascent to the castles. At the top you will be rewarded with a great view into the Saale valley.