Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden, a small town in southwestern Germany, has drawn visitors to its thermal springs since Roman times. You can soak in historic bathhouses, play at the ornate casino, stroll through Lichtentaler Allee park, and admire 19th-century architecture. The town's location at the edge of the Black Forest also makes it a starting point for hiking and biking in the nearby mountains.

Thermal Spas: The Heart of Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden's thermal springs have attracted visitors for over 2,000 years. Today, you can experience these waters at two main facilities. The modern Caracalla Spa has indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and steam rooms. For a more traditional experience, visit Friedrichsbad, a 19th-century bathhouse where you'll follow a 17-step bathing ritual in the nude. The mineral-rich waters, heated naturally to 68°C, may improve circulation and reduce stress.

Exploring the Town Center

You can easily explore Baden-Baden's compact town center on foot. Walk along Sophienstraße, the main shopping street, to see elegant 19th-century buildings housing luxury boutiques and cafes. Stop by the Kurhaus, a grand 1824 structure that serves as the town's social hub. Inside, you'll find the casino, decorated in French-inspired style. Even if you don't gamble, you can take a guided tour to see the elaborate interiors.

Parks and Nature

Forests and hills surround Baden-Baden. The Lichtentaler Allee, a 2.3 km park along the Oos River, offers a pleasant walk or bike ride. You'll pass by flower beds, centuries-old trees, and several museums. For views of the town and surrounding Black Forest, take the funicular railway up to Mount Merkur. At the summit, you can hike, eat at a restaurant, and even try paragliding.

Cultural Attractions

Baden-Baden has several museums to explore. The Museum Frieder Burda, in a modern Richard Meier-designed building, displays modern and contemporary art. The Fabergé Museum exhibits objects created by the famous Russian jeweler. For classical music, the Festspielhaus, Europe's second-largest opera and concert hall, hosts performances by orchestras and soloists throughout the year.

Culinary Scene

Baden-Baden offers both traditional German food and high-end restaurants. Try local dishes like Maultaschen (stuffed pasta) or Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake) at taverns in the old town. For fine dining, consider Brenners Park-Restaurant, which holds two Michelin stars. The nearby wine region of Baden produces Rieslings and Pinot Noirs, which you can taste at local wine bars or on a trip to the vineyards.

Getting There and Around

You can reach Baden-Baden from major German cities. The nearest airport is Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport, about 15 km from the town center. Trains run from Frankfurt and Stuttgart, with the journey taking about 90 minutes. In Baden-Baden, you can walk to most attractions. For trips to the Black Forest or nearby towns, use local buses or rent a car.