Aktiengesellschaft Bad Neuenahr has a packed anniversary programme for 2008: the German Spas Conference, the Rhineland-Palatinate Festival, a new medical fitness studio and more.

In 2008 the spa resort of Bad Neuenahr celebrates its 150th anniversary. On 28 July 1858 the two mineral springs discovered in the Ahr valley some 20km south of Bonn were christened Augusta and Viktoria by Princess (later Empress) Augusta herself. Elegant Bad Neuenahr, just outside the medieval gates of Ahrweiler in the Ahr valley, rapidly developed into a centre for the spa visitors of the day. But when Bad Neuenahr celebrates its 150th anniversary on 28 July 2008, it will be looking ahead to the future. One of Germany's most distinguished doctors, Prof. Dr. Dietrich Grönemeyer, will deliver the address at the official anniversary celebrations.

The anniversary year also sees the opening of a new medical fitness studio at the Symphony of the Senses (March 2008). All Symphony of the Senses treatments are based on a holistic view of body, soul and spirit - their maxim is to appeal to all the senses.

Bad Neuenahr guests have a variety of medical wellness treatments to choose from - some with an emphasis on well-being, others designed to treat physical complaints. There is also a range for those simply wishing to "do" something for themselves. Medical fitness options are available in a range of exercise classes and on an individual basis with personal training advice for beginners, senior citizens and sportsmen.

The new medical fitness studio (600m²) has a fabulous, relaxed atmosphere and well-designed, high-tech training equipment offering a combination of cardio, metabolic and strength training with increased calorie burning. The facilities are state-of-the-art: after an initial consultation, a personal guest training plan is stored on a chip key which automatically adjusts each piece of equipment to the required setting.

Training plans, discussed with therapists and doctors, are drawn up using a personal fitness, health and capability profile - carefully tailored to individual needs, objectives and preferences. A record of training sessions is also stored on the chip key.

2009 will see the launch of the Ahr Resort, an integrated 20,000m² health tourism complex offering an array of services and treatments. Health-conscious, self-financing guests (the target group) will then be able to enjoy preventive and wellness programmes in a delightful health and wellness complex in all weathers. Everything will be conveniently under one roof: accommodation in the Steigenberger Hotel, healthy restaurant cuisine, medical wellness treatments and medical fitness in the Symphony of the Senses spa centre, aqua fitness programmes and relaxation in the Ahr thermal pool centre. Guests at other Bad Neuenahr hotels will also be very welcome.

Before this, Bad Neuenahr plays host to the 104th German Spas Conference from 18 to 21 April 2008. Regular conferences, which bring together decision-makers and German spa resort operators to discuss the spa sector's future, have been held by the Association of German Spas since 1892.

This will be the sixth time that Bad Neuenahr has hosted the German Spas Conference.

Eight weeks later, in June 2008, Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler will again be the centre of attention.

Around three hundred thousand visitors are expected to attend the 25th Rhineland-Palatinate Festival
(13 to 15 June 2008), which will centre on Bad Neuenahr and take the spa resort's 150th anniversary as its theme. This will be a wonderful opportunity for Aktiengesellschaft Bad Neuenahr to present the spa resort of Bad Neuenahr and its state-of-the-art health and preventive treatments to a wide range of people. The Rhineland-Palatinate Festival is a three-day regional showcase with numerous information stands and screen presentations.

There is also a programme of entertainment on several different stages - for many, the highlight of the 150th anniversary year.