The history of salt
The history of salt dates back to 6,000 years before our era. However, it only became important in Rheinfelden in the middle of the 19th century when salt deposits were discovered and the first brine bath hotels were opened.
Salt as an offering, preservation & pharmacy.
6050 BC: The history of salt goes back a long way. In Egypt, salt was used as part of religious offerings and to preserve mummies.
2700 BC: The earliest known study of pharmacology from China mentions more than 40 types of salt and describes two methods of salt extraction similar to those used today.
500-1500: Records from the European Middle Ages document concessions for salt extraction. The production and transportation of salt led to the founding of new towns and the construction of roads.
1844: Discovery of salt deposits in Rheinfelden.
1846: The first Soolbadhotel Schützen opens.
The Hotel Schützen is the first brine bath hotel to open its doors. Today, the hotel no longer has its own brine bath, but the beautiful Art Nouveau hall and the lovely garden terrace have been preserved.
1847: The spa pioneer Heinrich Dressler lays the foundations for the later world-famous Grand Hôtel des Salines au Parc.
Today's Parkresort Rheinfelden is home to the Park-Hotel am Rhein with beautiful hotel rooms and various restaurants with views of the Rhine and the park, as well as the "sole uno" wellness world and the Saline Rehabilitation Clinic.
1864: First season of the "Armensolebad" for cures on favorable terms.
Not only well-heeled people should be able to go to the spa - which is why the first "Armensolebad" opens in the old town of Rheinfelden.
1896: Opening of the sanatorium.
As there was soon too little space, a large sanatorium was built outside the old town. It is the forerunner of today's Reha Rheinfelden.
1925: Construction of a direct brine pipeline to the Rheinfeld bathing hotels.
So that the brine no longer has to be laboriously transported, the Swiss Rhine salt works and the bathing hotels build direct pipelines to transport the brine to its destination. These still exist today.
1933: Opening of a drinking hall for drinking cures by Dr. Hermann Keller.
The balneologist Hermann Keller specialized in drinking cures. Even if the buildings look completely different today than they did back then, the name "Kurbrunnen" remains. It is still a meeting place for residents and guests today - as a concert or exhibition hall.
1939: Decline of classic spa tourism.
The beginning of the Second World War brings spa and bathing tourism to an almost complete standstill.
2005: Rheinfelden becomes an official wellness destination.
Rheinfelden is one of nine destinations to be awarded this label by the Swiss Tourism Federation. This illustrious circle also includes Leukerbad, Bad Zurzach, Scuol and Bad Ragaz.
The "Wellness Destination" label was discontinued at the end of 2023.
2018: SwissShrimp goes into operation.
Switzerland's first shrimp farm opens for breeding in Riburg near Rheinfelden. It uses the waste heat and brine from the Swiss salt works in Riburg.
SwissShrimp AG goes bankrupt and guided tours can no longer be booked.
Experience the different facets of salt
Brine bath Eden & Spa Eden
Brine bath Eden & Spa Eden
Relax in the steam bath or with a massage. Enjoy the warm brine water in the outdoor swimming pool in the middle of the paradisiacal park.
sole uno wellness world
sole uno wellness world
A journey around the wellness world: from the sauna culture of Finland and Siberia to bathing fun in the Mediterranean. Float weightlessly like in the Dead Sea in the unique intensive brine pool.
Salina Helvetica - Experience salt, snow and ice...
Salina Helvetica - Experience salt, snow and ice...
Visit the Swiss Riburg salt works near Rheinfelden and find out how the salt, which lies deep underground, is extracted and used as de-icing salt to facilitate the Swiss winter road clearance service.
Rheinfelder Natursole® (Natural Brine)
Rheinfelder Natursole® (Natural Brine)
The basis of the bathing pleasures in the Rheinfeld brine baths of the Hotel EDEN and the sole uno wellness world is Rheinfeldens natural brine ®.
All restaurants in Rheinfelden & surroundings
All restaurants in Rheinfelden & surroundings
A delicious lunch or a sophisticated dinner? There are numerous restaurants in Rheinfelden and the surrounding area to suit every taste and occasion. Here you will find a list of all the restaurants.