Hans Schaer

Hans Schaer was a historian and archivist whose work focused on the historical significance and development of the Baden thermal baths in Switzerland. His research delved into the origins of the springs, their use by various civilizations including the Celts and Romans, and their evolution through different historical periods. Schaer documented the changing fortunes of the spa town, from its peak as a European health resort to periods of decline and revitalization.

His contributions are particularly noted in understanding the geological aspects of the thermal waters, their chemical composition, and the architectural evolution of the spa district. Schaer's meticulous work provides a comprehensive account of the Baden baths, underscoring their enduring importance as a natural resource and a center for healing and social gatherings across centuries. His writings serve as a valuable resource for understanding the rich history of this Swiss locale.

The Baden thermal baths, located in the canton of Aargau, represent Switzerland's oldest known hot springs. Their history stretches back to the late Latène period when the Celts first utilized their healing properties. The Romans later established significant bathing facilities, naming the settlement Aquae Helveticae. Evidence suggests continuous bathing activity through late antiquity and the early Middle Ages, with written records appearing by the 13th century. During Habsburg rule and following the Swiss Confederates' conquest of Aargau, Baden flourished as a premier European spa, attracting numerous dignitaries and serving as the site for important Confederate conventions from 1416.

The popularity of the Baden baths began to diminish around 1500, reaching a low point by the late 18th century. However, the 19th century witnessed a resurgence as spa treatments gained widespread appeal. Significant investments in hotels and bathing infrastructure led to a new golden age, drawing an international elite during the Belle Époque. This prosperity waned with the onset of World War I, and a more pronounced decline occurred from the 1950s onwards. By the turn of the millennium, the spa industry in Baden faced near stagnation due to a failure to adapt to modern developments, prompting a revitalization project initiated in the 21st century.

The thermal springs of Baden emerge from geological formations at the intersection of the Swiss Mittelland and the Jura folds. The water originates as precipitation that has been underground for varying durations, drawing minerals from Middle Triassic evaporite rocks. It rises through fissures in the Keuper layer, driven by high artesian pressure. The water is characterized by its high total mineralization (4450 mg/l), making it the richest in Switzerland, with notable concentrations of calcium and sulfates. Its average temperature is 46.6°C, and it possesses a slight acidity (pH 6.43). The springs form an interconnected system, sensitive to interventions that can affect the output of all sources.

The spa district's architecture primarily reflects 19th and early 20th-century styles, including classicism and historicism, with only remnants of earlier Gothic and Baroque structures remaining. The area, situated on both sides of the Limmat River, features distinct sections like the "Great Baths" in Baden and the "Little Baths" in Ennetbaden. Facing a period of redevelopment needs in the early 21st century, the district underwent a revitalization project launched in November 2021. This initiative included a new spa designed by architect Mario Botta and the inauguration of publicly accessible bathing fountains, aiming to renew the area's appeal.