Elbe Bike Path Day 7

After a very good breakfast, we left late and rode along the Elbradweg aiming to make a detour off the route to get to Bad Wilsnack and its spa. the local council is still improving the paths and signs, while the fog does not burn off until it starts to rain. We spend time looking at beavers or fish (too far away and we reached no agreement) and the bodies of swarming catapillers. Roads are very clear of cars. Bad Wilsnack's bridge is closed (well was being rebuilt) but we get in by following the 'umleitung' and hacking through a park.

Bad Wilsnack is famous for two things, its salt water spas and the discovery of a number of pieces of the host (wafers of bread used in the christian mass) which were discovered with blood on them after a fire. As a result of the blood the town has a massive church which has been a site of pilgrimage for many years (since 1300 ish). Basically the church appears to be the largest store of red bricks everseen and I guess the blood is significant for the faithful. All this was explained to us by Tourist Information which is on the main street right by the main church (what a great idea, makes it so easy to find unlike everyother one we found).

The 60km of yesterday had taken its toll on the bottom so we decide to spend the afternoon at the spa. We check into Deutscher Hof which is 5 minutes walk away. I didn't expect it but 4 hours of salt spa is fantastic fun (see below). Our hotel is packed with a wedding so supper takes a little more time than usual but suitably filling. For once we have to leave our bikes outside rather than in the usual stables or shed.

Salt spas are used to make people better by a number of strange processes

• Put salt in the atmosphere with large salt water dripping frames

• Absorption of salt through the skin (?)

• Sitting in coloured light (of course)

• Yoga, massage and reiki

Here at Bad Wilsnack this is what you do.

• Take a towel, shampoo, a costume (not mandatory) and possibly flip flops.

• You buy a ticket at reception and we reckon you will need between 2 to 4 hours (I think 2 hours is too little unless you bore easily). It's in the region of Euro 10 to 15 depending on time, extras etc.
  

• Use this bar code ticket to access a changing space which has a door at each end, go into the changing chamber and close the door catch behind you and the one in front will also lock.

• Strip down and get into a costume (or not) and open the door ahead of you (and the one behind you will open).

• Put your clothes into a open locker and put the ticket into a slot at the back of the lock. This allows you to lock the locker and pull out the key. Fit the key strap to an arm or leg and tuck the key into the strap to avoid cutting anyone.

• Shower and walk into the pool area. It is forbidden to grab a seat with your towel (but the Germans will want to..) so no need and I reckon leave the towel in your locker or put it on the shelves provided in the pool area.
  

• Work your way around the pools going up in salt concentration. Taking care to keep the salt out of your eyes and face by showering as required.

• After a little time you may want to chill out in the pink rock room where various coloured lights will shine on you.

• In 4 hours you should be able visit each room twice, If bored have a beer

I think the high spot is the 12% 36C pool where you bump around on your back like a small ocean liner in fact Mrs Bilbo bumbed into a large log and ended up wrestling with it.

If you want maps to help you plan a bike holiday have a look at MyBikeGuide.