Explore Bad Kissingen and you'll discover a wealth of attractions. As one of the most famous German spa resorts, Bad Kissingen is the place for a spa break or health & fitness holiday. You can also soak up the amazing atmosphere at a number of splendid buildings commissioned by Bavarian kings, including Europe's largest pump room, the historical Gradierbau or the spa garden.Europe's largest pump room
The spa pump room took only eight months to build and was completed on 1 May 1911. Since then, millions of people have come here to soak up the atmosphere. At 90 metres long and covering an area of 3,240m², it is the largest pump room in Europe. But it is not just its size and stunning architecture that cause a stir. It also features a number of impressive ornamental fountains and beautiful plants."Gradierbau"
Originally several kilometres long, the Gradierbau building was once used for salt evaporation purposes. Saltwater from the surrounding springs was pumped onto the roof and then dripped down through the tightly packed blackthorn twigs. Evaporation and the deposition of minerals that are not easily dissolved increased the salt content of the water. The salt evaporation works situated at the end of the saltworks promenade still operate in the summer months. The salty vapour is similar to fresh sea air, and inhaling it is particularly good for people with respiratory tract diseases.Arcade Walks and Spa Gardens
The arcade walks, which now link up the pump room and the Regent's building, once enclosed the spa gardens. However, the Rakoczy and Pandur Springs were open to everyone. King Ludwig I commissioned his court architect to protect the springs against dirt and the visitors against "the blazing heat of the sun, wind and weather". The result was a massive pavilion, which was completed in 1842. The spa gardens continue to be a popular meeting place to this day.