Bad Orb remains a spa town - and is focusing on the spa and healing forest on the Horstberg

A milestone for Bad Orb: The spa town will be able to retain its designation as a health spa for the next ten years – the highest classification for a health resort. This confirms that the town is on the right track. On Wednesday (March 3, 2026), the certificate was officially presented by the Kassel Regional Council. The renewal of the designation was made possible by investments from the ALEA initiative as well as the development of the Leopold Spring by Bad Orb Kur GmbH. The planned CURA SILVA spa and healing forest is also part of the town’s new direction.

For Bad Orb, this top rating confirms the success of its visionary reorientation and serves as the foundation for its appeal as a health destination. It secures the town’s spa status for another ten years – and provides planning certainty for the city. This was made possible by investments from the ALEA initiative and honorary citizen Henning Strauss in BALNOVA and the site. Bad Orb Kur GmbH also laid the groundwork for regaining the designation by developing the Leopold Spring and the forward-looking fountain house with a brine drinking station. “Since January, we have been elevating the spa experience to new heights at the BALNOVA bathhouse. We are actively contributing to securing our city’s spa status for the long term – far beyond the next ten years. A medical spa, radiology center, physical therapy practice, and, in the future, a therapeutic forest: Bad Orb as a medical destination serves as a model for many spa towns and a powerful catalyst for all of Hesse,” says spa visionary Henning Strauss.

In Bad Orb’s future vision for spa medicine, the forest plays a key role alongside water: The comprehensive forest therapy concept CURA SILVA, featuring a therapeutic forest, is intended to provide Bad Orb with an additional natural remedy in the future. “The Orber Forest is a health-promoting green gem that must be developed and preserved for use in forest therapy,” emphasizes forest therapy expert Dr. Gisela Immich, who is supporting the Bad Orb project and preparing the certification of the therapeutic forest. Even more important from the perspective of the spa scientist is the location factor. The Horstberg can be directly integrated into Bad Orb’s existing spa operations. Short distances, existing infrastructure, and integration into the spa town’s overall concept are all in place.

“Today, a spa must combine tradition with modernity. Proven brine therapy remains a strong foundation for Bad Orb. Complemented by the CURA SILVA spa and healing forest, this creates a holistic, innovative overall concept that captures the spirit of the times,” adds Immich regarding the renewal of the spa’s status for another 10 years. Mayor Tobias Weisbecker and Spa Director Steffen Kempa hosted the official ceremony in the foyer of the concert hall. The renewal of the designation was celebrated with city officials, city council members, and long-time supporters.