Therme Erding

Therme Erding, just northeast of Munich, is widely described as the largest thermal spa in the world – a vast indoor and outdoor complex of thermal pools, a wave pool, water slides and saunas. Only about 9 miles (14 km) from Munich Airport, it is a favorite rainy-day escape for locals and an easy add-on for travelers with a layover or a free day in Bavaria. Swimwear is required in most areas; the large sauna section is clothing-free, as is common in Germany.

A spa born from an oil drill

In 1983, Deutsche Texaco drilled near Erding looking for oil and gas and instead hit thermal water at a depth of about 7,700 feet (2,350 m), emerging at roughly 65 °C (149 °F). The spa opened on October 3, 1999 and has expanded several times since, most notably in 2014 with a wave pool and outdoor slides. In 2024 it welcomed about 1.9 million visitors and was sold to the Therme Group.

Things to do at Therme Erding

• Therme: thermal pools under a glass dome about 180 feet (56 m) across, with palm trees, grottos and outdoor pools.
• Wave pool: added in 2014, with around 300 palm trees and a sandy beach.
• Galaxy slide world: 18 indoor slides plus eight outdoor slides; the outdoor slides run only from April through October in warm, dry weather.
• VitalOase: a quieter relaxation area for ages 16 and up (swimwear on).
• VitalTherme & Saunen: a clothing-free sauna world for ages 16 and up, with daily infusion ceremonies (Aufguss).

The spa counts 38 saunas and steam rooms, 28 slides and VR attractions and 40 pools in total.

Tickets and opening hours

Therme Erding is open year-round: Monday–Friday 10 a.m.–11 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.–midnight, Sunday and Bavarian public holidays 9 a.m.–11 p.m. The Galaxy slides open at 1 p.m. on school days (9 a.m. on weekends and school holidays). Swimming ends 20 minutes before closing.

Prices for the basic Therme ticket, which includes the wave pool and slides (as of October 2026):

• Weekdays: 2 hours €25, 4 hours €37, full day €52
• Weekends, holidays and Bavarian school breaks: 2 hours €32, full day €59
• Sauna ticket (ages 16+): full day €62 on weekdays, €69 on weekends
• Children up to age 3 enter free; extra time costs €3 per half hour

On busy days the spa may stop admitting guests, so book online for guaranteed entry on weekends and holidays. Towels and bathrobes can be rented at the entrance. From October 20 to 29, 2026, two grottos are closed for maintenance. On the Saturdays of October 17, 24 and 31, a Halloween program with DJs and fire shows takes place at the wave pool's outdoor stage in the evening.

How to get to Therme Erding

From central Munich, take the S2 suburban train to Altenerding (included in the Deutschlandticket), then walk about 800 meters (half a mile) on a signposted path or take a local bus to the "Therme Erding" stop. By car, use the A9, A92 or A94 autobahns and follow the signs; there is plenty of parking on site. From Munich Airport, a taxi takes about 15 minutes.

Is it worth visiting?

If you love water slides, warm pools or saunas, absolutely – plan at least half a day. Afterward, stroll through Erding's old town, home of the Erdinger wheat beer brewery, or visit the cathedral hill of Freising, also close to the airport.