This historic German town has a UNESCO-listed Baroque palace from the 18th century, with Rococo interiors. Its old center has half-timbered houses along the Rhine River.
Rastatt, a town of 51,000 residents in Baden-Württemberg, grew from its grand Baroque palace - a replica of Versailles. Walk through streets lined with 18th-century buildings, visit the ceiling frescoes depicting Ottoman battles in the palace, or watch street performers during the biennial tête-à-tête festival. The town sits between the Rhine River and Black Forest, making it a starting point for both river cycling routes and forest hikes.
Getting to Rastatt
You can reach Rastatt through three nearby airports: Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden (15 minutes by car), Stuttgart, and Strasbourg (both about an hour away). The town connects directly to major cities via the A5 motorway and international rail network.
Rastatt Palace and Gardens
Visit the oldest Baroque residence in the Upper Rhine Valley, built between 1699 and 1705. Look up at the ceiling frescoes depicting Ottoman soldiers - a reminder of Margrave Louis William's military victories. The palace gardens stretch from the main building into the town streets. Join daily guided tours in German (€8 per person) or book English tours in advance.
Cultural Events and Entertainment
Watch over 50 performance groups from across Europe during the tête-à-tête street theater festival, held every two years in July. The performances include acrobats, puppeteers, and street artists who perform throughout the old town. Visit the Theater Rastatt for classical plays and modern productions year-round. Shop at the main square market every Wednesday and Saturday for fresh vegetables, local meats, and handmade crafts from Baden-Württemberg farmers and artisans.
Museums and Historical Sites
Learn about the 1848 revolution at the Memorial to the Freedom Movements in Germany, open Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00-17:00. Examine weapons and uniforms from the 18th century onward at the Military History Museum. Walk through the central pedestrian area to read information panels about the Baroque buildings and their past.
Exploring the Surroundings
Drive the B500 road into the Black Forest to reach the Schwarzenbach Dam in 30 minutes. Cycle along the Rhine River paths, starting 6 kilometers west of town. Visit Baden-Baden's thermal baths and casino 15 kilometers north, or explore Karlsruhe's museums and botanical garden 25 kilometers away.
