Wildbad, in the deeply indented Enz valley, is second only to Baden-Baden in popularity among the spas of the northern Black Forest (thermal springs, 35-41°C/95-106°F).
14km/8.5mi east of Wildbad, in the Nagold valley, is the altitude resort of Hirsau, with the picturesque ruins of a Benedictine monastery founded in 1059 (open-air theater in summer) and the Early Romanesque church of St Aurelius (11th C).
3km/2mi south of Hirsau is Calw, birthplace of Hermann Hesse (1877-1962; Hesse Museum). The old town, excellently restored, has handsome half-timbered houses and an interesting Municipal Museum.
Above Wildbad is the beautifully wooded Sommerberg (733m/2,405ft), which can be ascended either by funicular or by road (2.8km/1.75mi, gradient 16 per cent). On the summit are numerous footpaths, including one leading to the Wildsee Moorland Nature Reserve).
In the Kurplatz in Wildbad are the Graf Eberhard Baths (now protected as a historical monument), with a beautiful mosaic pool. To the rear is the terraced Treatment Centre (1977), close to the springs. In Olgastrasse are the Swimming Pool and Thermal Baths; farther upstream are the Kurtheater and the Pump Room and Promenade.
On the left bank of the Enz are the König Karl Baths and, beyond this, the Thermal Swimming Baths (two indoor and one outdoor pool); farther upstream can be found the Kurhaus (Kursaal). On both sides of the Enz are beautiful gardens.
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Hirsau, Germany
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