Public baths may not seem like an obvious tourist attraction, but the Jugendstilstyle Amalienbad (1923—6) is a fine example of a far-sighted municipal authority providing essential public facilities for the local working population, and doing so with style and panache. Named after one of the councillors, Amalie Polzer, the baths were designed by Otto Nadel and Karl Schmalhofer, employees of the city’s architectural department. The magnificent main pool, overlooked by galleries, is covered by a glass roof that can be opened in minutes. There are saunas, smaller baths and therapeutic pools. When first opened, the baths were one of the largest of their kind in Europe. The interior is enlivened by fabulous Secession tile decorations. The baths were damaged in World War II but have been impeccably restored.
