History
Rigi Kaltbad has had a bathing tradition for 600 years. In times gone by, people from all over the world were attracted to the healing waters of the "Kaltbad" mineral springs. As of July 2012, this tradition has bee carried on by the new Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa, designed by internationally-renowned architect Mario Botta.
The building design by Mario Botta reflects the reverence for bathing held by the Greek, Roman and Arabian cultures down through the ages. In these cultures, public baths were held in the same esteem as religious places of worship. In the Arabic world, these were even built alongside one another (hammams).
The Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa is located directly under the newly-built town square, "Giardino Minerale" (“The Mineral Garden”), also designed by Mario Botta. The square is bordered on one side by the new Vitznau-Rigi Cog Railway station and on the other side by a distinctive round tower, which is the main entrance for both the mineral baths underneath and the mountain station for the connecting aerial cableway down to Weggis. The new town square features eight skylights reminiscent of rock crystals rising approx. 3.5 metres up out of the ground. The front part of the square forms an almost 80-metre long observation deck. The area behind is a designer terrace, which invites you to linger and enjoy the view.
The baths themselves were designed by Mario Botta as a place for rest and relaxation. Put aside your stress and worries and let the spiritual, contemplative aura of the setting envelop you throughout your stay. By day, enjoy the splendid view of the mountains from the vantage point of Rigi Kaltbad from both the indoor and outdoor pools. At night, bathing takes on a mystical other-worldly quality. Float in the large rocky alcoves under the crystal skylights, as the magic of the soft light and warm water transcends your soul.
The World of Mineral Baths
Discover the new Rigi Kaltbad Mineral Baths & Spa and experience the mystical world of Mario Botta.
The complex is divided into two areas: the mineral baths which are open to everyone (adults and children) and the spa, which is reserved for adults over the age of 16.
Mineral Bath
The entrance to the mineral baths opens onto the reception and a large atrium on the entry level, one story below the town square. From there you cross the locker rooms to reach the large bathing hall, featuring an indoor pool (35°C). Follow along the series of alcoves in the large stone wall leading to the outdoor pool. Water for the baths is drawn from the "Three Sisters Springs" located right beside the chapel. This legendary source promotes health and well-being through its revitalizing, mineral-rich water.
The rear section of the indoor pool affords a spectacular view of the mountains through its reinforced glass facade. From the outdoor pool you can marvel at the unobstructed mountain vistas spread out before you.
The bathing experience continues on the next floor down with a leisurely herbal steam bath followed by relaxation in the quiet room.
Enjoy the following facilities in the indoor and outdoor pools:
- Whirlpool
- Massage jets from head to toe
- Shallow water area
- Bubble loungers with mountain views
- Mineral water couches
- Neck showers
- Herbal steam bath
- Rest and relaxation area by the indoor pool
- Sun deck with couchettes and lounge area
Spa Area
(Min. 16 years old)
In this part of the complex guests can enjoy a variety of facilities and treatments that melt away the stress of everyday life leaving you feeling relaxed and at peace. The highlight is surely the crystal spa, a flooded room approximately 50 m2 in size, in which guests float in warm water (35°C) nine metres under the level of the town square looking up through one of the 3.5 m high crystal skylights. This area also features a special sauna zone. In our large herbal sauna you will enjoy lots of space to sit back and let the soothing heat and varied herbal scents relax you.
Enjoy these amenities in the spa area:
- Herbal sauna with relaxing infusions
- Crystal spa with shallow water zone
- Rest and relaxation area
- Lounge area with mineral water
Botta Coffee
In therme's reception area you'll find the cafe. It’s the perfect place for both spa guests and other visitors to take a break.
Enjoy cold and warm beverages and tasty snacks.