Enjoy the springs at Spreewald
2010-08-30
Once the kids have shipped off to college, Mom and Dad may find themselves with some extra time on their hands and pent up anxiety from years of raising youngsters. Typically known as the "empty nester" period, many couples jump at the chance to travel, in order to get some time to themselves and relax.
One spot that should be high on empty nester's list is the tiny town of Burg in Germany. At first glance, this small village might not appear to offer travelers much beyond a mean bratwurst. But those travelers probably don't realize the bubbling hot spring running right underneath the town.
Burg, and the forested area of Spreewald right outside the town, is home to a massive recently-discovered natural spring. With the spring only accessible to the public in 2005, it's a relatively new, but bustling, tourist area that not many know about, according to the New York Times. Yet a host of spas have popped up in the area, and when they combine the soothing hot spring with the natural serenity of the forest, it's a potent combination.
At the heart of Burg' burgeoning relaxation industry is the Spreewaldtherme, a large complex built in the middle of the forest. This spa features 9 different pools drawing from the water underneath the forest, with temperatures ranging from 64 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Even if empty nesters don't agree on what pool to try first, they'll agree on one thing: Spreewald is the perfect choice for a much-deserved vacation.
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