50 Years Rottal Terme — Summer Festival Bad Birnbach

Bad Birnbach — Bavaria's Innovative Thermal Spa

Bad Birnbach is a state-recognized spa town and the oldest thermal spa in Lower Bavaria. It is located in the Rottal-Inn district (Lower Bavaria), nestled between the Inn and Danube rivers in a tranquil hilly landscape. With the Rottal Terme, the town boasts one of the most renowned thermal spas in Southern Germany — known for its high-quality thermal water, architecturally impressive facilities, and modern health and wellness concept.

50 Years of Rottal Terme

The Rottal Terme opened in 1976 — exactly half a century ago. In 2026, Bad Birnbach will celebrate this anniversary with a four-day festival program that significantly exceeds the usual annual summer festival. Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, is the actual anniversary day with a ceremony, acknowledgments, and special offers at the thermal baths.

Delicacies Mile and Live Music

For four days, the spa gardens will be transformed into a Schmankerlmeile (delicacies mile) featuring 14 regional caterers. Lower Bavarian and Bavarian specialties — such as roast pork, Schäuferla (pork shoulder), roast beef, salads, pastries, ice cream, coffee, and cake — will be complemented by international offerings. Several bands will perform on the stage in the spa gardens:

• Better Together (July 24th, 4:00 PM)
• Tobias Enggruber (July 25th, 1:00 PM)
• Injoy (July 25th, 6:00 PM)
• Performances by the Music School (July 26th, 9:30 AM–6:00 PM continuously)

The Romantic Balloon Glow

The highlight of the festival is the Ballonglühen (balloon glow) on Saturday evening, July 25th, 2026, around 9:30 PM in the spa gardens. Several hot air balloons will be set up in the park, illuminated simultaneously, creating a uniquely atmospheric mood. A musical accompaniment program will run concurrently on the stage. Those interested can also book hot air balloon rides during the festival weekend (€220 per person, Bad Griesbach Balloonport).

Children's and Family Program

Throughout the four days, there will be children's activities (face painting, crafts, games), yoga sessions in the spa gardens, dance performances, and demonstrations. The festival is explicitly designed to be family-friendly, catering to spa guests as well as day visitors from the surrounding Lower Bavarian region.

Significance

The Summer Festival is one of the most important cultural highlights in Bad Birnbach. For 2026, it is significantly expanded due to the anniversary — with a program that showcases the spa town as a cultural and tourist attraction in the region.