The town is steeped in history, with quaint half-timbered houses and a peaceful atmosphere that makes it an ideal retreat.

Le nom de la rivière Orb indique que les Celtes connaissaient déjà les sources d'eau salée locales et faisaient bouillir le sel. On ne sait pas si les Romains utilisaient déjà les vertus curatives des sources de la vallée de l'Orb, située à environ 80 km du limes. En tout cas, les habitants du nord du Spessart et de la vallée de la Kinzig les connaissaient et les utilisaient.

From 1064, ‘Orbaha’ belonged to the Electorate of Mainz. In the 13th century, the settlement began to develop into a town. Its name Orb is derived from the river Orb that flows through the town, while Bad is a later addition, reflecting the town's status as a recognised spa resort since 1909.

The old trade route known as the Eselsweg (donkey trail), which runs from Schlüchtern through the Spessart to Grossheubach near Miltenberg, passes through here. In the past, Orber salt was transported along this route for shipment via the Main.

Bad Orb's reputation as a spa resort began to grow in the mid-19th century after pharmacist Franz Leopold Koch opened the first bathing establishment in 1837. Its founding in the middle of a period when salt extraction was no longer profitable shows another aspect of the importance of the brine springs. The now therapeutic salt springs attracted visitors, and the town began to develop hotels, resorts and facilities for health tourism.

The therapeutic benefits of the high-salt water contributed to its popularity, and Bad Orb became known for its remedies, which focused on the treatment of various diseases, especially cardiovascular diseases.

Bad Orb is a popular destination, with the salt springs being the main attraction.

Lorsque la production de sel a pris fin, le bâtiment de graduation, une grande construction en bois, est devenu un lieu utilisé pour la thérapie par inhalation. Il est non seulement fonctionnel, mais constitue également une attraction architecturale unique.

The graduation works in Bad Orb has a fascinating history, intertwined with salt production and wellness. It was originally built in 1806 as part of the town's salt works, which were crucial to the process of obtaining salt from brine. The structure uses blackthorn branches to increase the salt concentration in the brine through evaporation, a process that was both innovative and efficient for its time.

Over the years, as salt production declined, the graduation works became a place for therapeutic purposes. Today, it is the largest graduation works in Hesse and serves as an open-air inhalation facility that offers health benefits similar to those of sea air. Visitors can walk through the corridors and enjoy the healing effects of the salty air.

Bad Orb offers a variety of attractions for relaxation and discovery.

These are our top three places that should not be missed:

1. The old town
   We explore the historic half-timbered houses, quaint shops and cafes that give Bad Orb its quaint charm and the smallest house known as the smallest half-timbered house in Hesse, a whimsical and photogenic place in town.
2. Spa Gardens and Salt Works
   A beautiful park with colourful flowerbeds, old trees and the soothing Orbbach stream, it is perfect for leisurely strolls and relaxing. And the impressive wooden structure of the salt works, the highlight of the spa gardens. It is not only a unique architectural feature, but also an open-air inhalation therapy centre that promotes well-being.
3. Barefoot Path
   A 4.5 km long path that stimulates the senses when walking barefoot over different surfaces and through different terrain.

Even if you are only visiting and not taking a cure, you can still give your relaxation a serious boost during your holiday.