The Jugendstilbad in Darmstadt is more than just a swimming pool. It's a "Wellness Experience" that offers sauna and massage.
I only went swimming there for a couple of hours, and it was very pleasant once I'd figured out the entry system. It's not for your average sport enthusiast, but for a slow swimmer like me it's perfect. Although I have heard it can be a bit hectic at the weekends.
The prices range from EUR5 for two hours swimming to EUR16 for a day pass that includes swimming, sauna and spa. It's worth the entry price just to see inside the place.
I am going to book myself in for a massage and sauna, now I've figured out it's not an FKK swimming pool. (I am British you know.) I'll let you know how I get on and whether it's worth that extra star.
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Addendum - OK I've been there properly now. There is an FKK (nudist) area, but it's well marked out, unfortunately not well covered, as it's easy to see into the area. Luckily I'm not that "British", but be warned.
The receptionists could be a bit more helpful - a couple of times I've asked questions and they haven't known the answer, the worst one was I wanted to book tickets for a special event, and was told I should just turn up on the night. This wasn't just wrong, it would have meant I would miss the event, luckily I checked and booked it online, but it cost me more money for postage - grrrr. In addition when you ask them about where things are, they look at you bemused, point in the direction you need to go in and leave you to it, after all they know where everything is, it's easy! No one has actually said "stupid foreigner", but it's there - in their eyes. ;-)
Anyway - rant over - you are issued a wristband, and that is your key to the locker, and the different areas of the baths. If you come to an area where you have to scan the chip twice, beware, this means you haven't paid for that area and if you scan it a second time, you'll be charged.
Swimming
The main swimming pool is a decent length and the children's area has a slide and some toys to play in. There's an outside swimming area too with some jacuzzi bits and some squirty things that knock you around. There's also a lawned area with sunbeds where you can catch a few rays.
Spa
The spa area is not well signposted (a couple of times people have asked me the way, so it's not just me). There are a couple of salt jacuzzi thingies, a plunge pool, a steam bath, an area that you walk through hot and cold water for the circulation and a lovely relaxation floating pool, with water noodles to float around in (a pity some of them look nibbled). You keep your cossie on in this area.
Sauna
There are several saunas. One is for ladies only, but you have to tell the receptionist when you book in to get a locker in that area. There are several mixed saunas - Finnish, steam, herbal, etc. Some people are wrapped in towels or bath robes, others just leet it all hang out.
In the sauna area there's also a Japanese water treatment area and a load of ice! I have no idea what either do, but I did see someone rubbing ice all over themselves - not for me thank you. There's a lovely roof terrace, so you could take a book with you.
The only problem I had in that area was a sleazebag who sidled up to me in the jacuzzi, I left. It kind of spoilt the experience a bit.
Snack bar
You can eat and drink here too. And you don't need to carry any money as it's all booked onto a chip in your wristband.
Changing
The changing rooms and lockers are roomy and clean. On the way out you'll find areas with hairdryers and there are sockets if you've brought your own.
Notes
They do offer a wide variety of therapies and massages, you need to book them in advance. There are also sunbeds scattered around - again you use your wristband to pay. You can check how much you owe on little machines scattered around the place.
For just a swim, book two hours, for a sauna and spa, book four. But don't worry if you run over, or decide you want to go for a sauna you just pay for any extras before you leave, - there's an automat in the exit area that you scan your wristband on, then pay any extras you owe.
I haven't removed a star because of the sleazebag - they're everywhere, but there are areas of the place that need touching up. The nibbled noodles, peeling plaster and paintwork simply don't look good, but I guess with the humidity, it must be difficult to keep on top of everything. Still - it's not cheap, so they should make an effort.
If you're living here, or just visiting, you should give it a go, just watch out for any sleazebags.
Addendum
They hold special events on the last Saturday of every month, where you can enjoy a buffet and have a swim and sauna at midnight, but - I discovered a new German word - "bei der Mitternachtssauna können Sie das gesamte Jugendstilbad hüllenlos genießen" - seemingly "hüllenlos" doesn't mean (as I thought) without any wristband - it read more