With its almost 8,000 inhabitants Bad Berka is the second biggest city in Weimarer Land district (after Apolda, 23,000).

Bad Berka's Zentralklinik has since gained a reputation as a center of medicinal expertise far beyond the boundaries of Germany.

Because of its proximity to the cultural capital Weimar and association with numerous historical figures, Bad Berka is also popular among tourists.

Therefore, Bad Barka is called "Das Goethebad im Grünen" (Goethe spa in greenery), as well.

In 1251, a Cistercian nunnery was founded at Bad Berka, and the sulphur bath spa was established in 1813.