Kurparkfest Bad Soden-Salmünster

Salt Boiling Tradition in the Spessart Spa Town

Bad Soden-Salmünster has been a recognized spa town since the late 19th century and belongs to the Main-Kinzig district in the Vorderer Spessart region. Its name derives from the local brine, which was once boiled on a large scale to produce table salt. This very salt boiling tradition forms the emotional core of the Kurparkfest to this day, which takes place every year on the second weekend of August around the music pavilion in the extensive Kurpark.

Three Days, Three Atmospheres

The festival's concept clearly changes from day to day: Friday evening the beer garden opens at 6 p.m., and from 7 p.m. a dance band plays (in 2025, for example, "Die Uffgeplatzde"). Saturday evening a cover band takes over – for instance, "Westernhagen reloaded" with the hits of the German rock singer. On Sunday, the Salt Boiler Family Day, the program begins at 10 a.m. with a church service.

Salt Boiling for the Public

Highlight on Sunday at 11 a.m.: The marksmen of the Stolzenberg Rifle Association fire the starting shot, igniting the fire under the large brine pan. Over several hours, the Bad Soden natural brine is transformed into table salt live before the eyes of the visitors – a live demonstration of the traditional craft that shaped the town's economic history for centuries.

Family Day in the Park

Parallel to the salt boiling on Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., there is a continuous stage program: three regional music clubs alternate with brass music and entertainment music. For the children, the spa administration sets up a bouncy castle, the "Sunny Faces" team does face painting, and the Stolzenberg Rifle Club invites visitors to try archery – free of charge.

Free Admission, Spessart Charm

The Kurparkfest is completely free to enter, financed by the Bad Soden-Salmünster spa administration (Kur- und Freizeit GmbH). The music pavilion, the old trees of the Kurpark, and the family atmosphere of the Hessian spa town make the festival a relaxed weekend away from the big Volksfeste – ideal for a short visit to the Spessart.