In 1905 a remarkable place opened its gates. It was the Bilz-Licht-Luft-Bad. This wasn’t just any bathhouse. It was the brainchild of Friedrich Eduard Bilz a naturopath. He believed in the healing power of fresh air and sunlight.
The Bilz-Licht-Luft-Bad in Radebeul near Dresden was more than a simple bath. It was a health resort. It included not only water basins but also 50 air-bath cells. There were even two bowling alleys a shelter from rain and a laundry storage shed. Bilz’s vision was grand. He wanted a public health facility for all.
Initially Bilz acquired about nine hectares of land. The construction was handled by local builder Wilhelm Eisold. The official opening was on June 25 1905. The same year Bilz applied for permits to build a women’s air bath. He also planned a canteen sanitary facilities and a music pavilion.
The Bilzbad expanded. By 1907 there were three water basins. An architect Johannes Heinsius designed a kitchen building in 1908. Unfortunately Bilz’s ambitious expansion led to unauthorized constructions. The authorities imposed fines.
In 1911 the Ktzschenbroda community complained. Bilz’s plans were deemed unreliable due to uncompleted projects. Undeterred Bilz purchased a groundbreaking invention.
It was the Undosa wave machine. First unveiled at the 1911 International Hygiene Exhibition in Dresden Bilz bought it immediately. He bypassed local authorities and applied directly to the district administration in Dresden-Neustadt for installation. He justified it by saying his establishment served public health.
The Undosa machine. This magnificent piece of engineering was installed on June 28 1912. It marked a new era for the Bilzbad. The Bilzbad became famous under the name Undosa-Wellenbad. The Undosa is still in operation today. It is probably the oldest continuously operating wave pool in the world.
The Bilzbad area grew to approximately 30 hectares. Public pressure forced Bilz to cede the original private access road. A deal was made. The Meiereiweg was extended to the Buchholzweg dividing the Bilzbad area.
The Bilz family continued running the baths. They even added a dance and society hall in 1927-1928. Alfred Tischer designed it. Over time weekend houses and permanent residences appeared. After World War II Hans-Joachim Bilz took over management. In 1975 he sold it to the city of Radebeul.
Today the Bilzbad continues to thrive. It’s owned by the public. It’s operated by Stadtbder and Freizeitanlagen GmbH Radebeul. It’s a testament to Bilz’s vision. It’s a beloved institution. The Bilzbad is a symbol of health leisure and a fascinating piece of history. Come and experience it.