Baden-Baden enchants every visitor! The elegant UNESCO World Heritage City Since 2021, it has not only impressed with its 29 natural thermal springs bubbling up to 68°C, but also with its history as the "Summer Capital of Europe." No one will get bored at this city destination – even the most discerning travelers will be impressed by the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
From the magnificent casino in the Kurhaus to the Festspielhaus, Europe's second-largest concert hall, one world-class attraction follows the next. The combination of historic charm, cultural diversity, and first-class wellness offerings makes this city on the edge of the Black Forest a true highlight.
What can you expect from this city guide?
In this guide, I'll show you the most beautiful corners of Baden-Baden – from the fascinating Roman bath ruins to the stunning Lichtentaler Allee. You'll learn which attractions are absolute must-sees and how to make the most of your stay in the famous spa town. I'd say you should plan at least two full days to experience the most important highlights!
Discover the historic spa town
In this picturesque town on the edge of the Black Forest, you'll discover a fascinating ensemble of historic buildings that tell the story of Baden-Baden's glorious past. Here, we'll delve into the history of this famous spa town, which isn't known as the "Summer Capital of Europe" for nothing!
The magnificent Kurhaus and Casino Baden-Baden
The striking Kurhaus has been the vibrant heart of social life in Baden-Baden since 1824. Friedrich Weinbrenner designed this neoclassical masterpiece, originally called the "Conversations House." The central building was built between 1821 and 1823 and features an impressive vestibule supported by eight Corinthian columns—a real eye-catcher!
Particularly beautiful are the magnificent casino rooms, built between 1851 and 1855. The Louis Seize-style White Hall brings light and nature into the interior, while the opulent Red Hall evokes the splendor of French royal palaces. My personal favorite is the cozy Pompadour Salon with its intimate atmosphere!
Casino Baden-Baden is one of the most traditional casinos in Europe. For almost 200 years, it has combined style, history, and elegance with an international flair – something you won't find anywhere else in Germany.
Roman bath ruins: witnesses to a long tradition
Hidden in the heart of the old town, beneath the market square, are astonishing relics of ancient bathing culture. The Roman Bath Ruins are remnants of the thermal baths of the ancient city of Aquae. Particularly impressive are the luxurious Imperial Baths, built between 213 and 217 AD for the Roman Emperor Caracalla.
These magnificent buildings were discovered by chance during construction work on the collegiate church in 1847. Today, black cobblestones on the market square mark where the baths once stood. Highlights include:
The sophisticated heating system for floors and walls
Two original bathing pools and a hot air room from Roman times
The simpler soldiers' baths at the foot of the Schlossberg
The Museum of Ancient Bathing Culture offers fascinating insights into Roman bathing traditions dating back over 2000 years. Multilingual audio guides and a video animation bring history to life!
Lichtentaler Allee: The green splendour mile
A stroll through the famous Lichtentaler Allee is a must for any visit to Baden-Baden. This beautiful park and garden complex stretches for several kilometers along the Oos River and combines nature with culture in a unique way.
The majestic old trees characterize this green oasis. After the terrible storm Lothar in 1999, which destroyed many trees, numerous citizen donations made replanting possible. This initiative gave rise to the "Freundeskreis Lichtentaler Allee eV" (Friends of Lichtentaler Allee) in 2002, which has been dedicated to preserving this magnificent boulevard ever since. No one will get bored on this park walk – even the most experienced globetrotters will be impressed by its beauty and historic flair!
Old town with collegiate church and Fabergé Museum
A true gem awaits you in the historic old town: the Fabergé Museum. The world's first museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Russian Tsar's jeweler, Peter Carl Fabergé, it was opened on May 9, 2009, by Russian art collector Alexander Ivanov.
The collector deliberately chose Baden-Baden because the city is “quiet and beautiful, located in the heart of Europe, close to France and Switzerland” and “historically has always been the favorite holiday resort of the Russians.”
Among the special treasures are a rare silver decanter in the shape of a rabbit and the last Fabergé egg, decorated with gold and diamonds and made of Karelian birch, created for Easter 1917—a precious piece of history that Tsar Nicholas II never had the chance to present to his mother. I'd estimate that a visit to the museum will take about an hour of your Baden-Baden exploration—but it's worth every minute!
Wellness and relaxation in Baden-Baden
The healing thermal water has been bubbling for over 2000 years and forms the centerpiece of the city's wellness offerings. An impressive 800.000 liters rise daily from a depth of approximately 2.000 meters, with temperatures up to 68°C – the hottest and most mineral-rich springs in all of Baden-Württemberg!
Caracalla Therme: Modern bathing pleasure
Built in 1985, Caracalla thermal baths offers a dreamlike ambiance for soothing relaxation across 5.000 square meters. The impressive building, with its imposing dome and fine marble, is reminiscent of an ancient temple and has been awarded 5 stars for the highest quality standards. No one will get bored here – even frequent travelers are thrilled by the variety and quality of the offerings!
The diverse pool area includes several indoor and outdoor thermal pools. My personal favorites are the outdoor pools, where the water bubbles over rocks. And imagine: Scientific measurements show that just a 25-minute bath in the thermal water significantly lowers cortisol levels in the body, thus truly relieving stress.
The mineral-rich water with its 3.000 dissolved minerals – including sodium, chloride, fluoride, lithium, silica and boron – works wonders on:
The muscles through relaxation and loosening
The blood circulation of skin and joints
General stress reduction
The Roman sauna landscape with its outdoor area in the picturesque palace gardens perfectly rounds off the offerings. Extensive modernization work is currently underway, which is expected to last until April 2025. I'd estimate that you should plan at least three hours for a relaxing visit!
Friedrichsbad: Bathing like the Romans
A true jewel of historical bathing culture is the Friedrichsbad, opened in 1877, which was considered the most modern bathhouse in Europe when it opened. The Renaissance-style building impresses with its entrance hall and magnificent domed hall, surrounded by stunning shower fittings and hand-painted majolica tiles.
What's special here: a Roman-Irish bathing ritual with 17 different stations, where the changing temperatures and the precious thermal water truly pamper body and soul. Traditionally, bathing is done without swimwear, but don't worry—since July 2024, there have been special clothed bathing days on Wednesdays and Saturdays for the shy among us.
Wellness hotels and spa offers
Baden-Baden also boasts first-class wellness hotels that offer their guests all-round relaxation with whirlpools, saunas, thermal pools, and professional massages. Many use the mineral-rich groundwater for health-promoting treatments – so you get the full Baden-Baden experience!
The dreamlike setting with lush forests and healing thermal springs creates the perfect environment for a break from everyday life. Luxurious options? Of course! Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa with its blend of elegance and historic charm, the Maison Messmer in the middle of the city or the modern Roomers with an exclusive spa area and a cool rooftop pool.
Most wellness hotels have their own spa areas with a wide range of treatments – from massages and facials to relaxing baths – which you can access comfortably from your room in your bathrobe. After a day of wellness, you can enjoy Baden cuisine with regional delicacies and round off the day with a cocktail. Take your time, relax, get set, go!
Experience culture and events
The cultural diversity in Baden-Baden is truly breathtaking and goes far beyond what one would expect from a city of this size! Despite its manageable dimensions, the spa town offers world-class cultural experiences, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
Baden-Baden Festival Hall: Cultural Highlight
With its fantastic acoustics, the Festspielhaus is Germany's largest concert hall and a true cultural magnet. Here, you can experience top-class events featuring international stars from classical music, opera, and ballet throughout the year. I'd say you should plan at least one evening for this highlight—it's truly worth it!
The various festivals spread throughout the year are particularly great:
Easter Festival: With the Berlin Philharmonic and star casts like in the opera “Madama Butterfly”
Whitsun Festival: Presented by the SWR Symphony Orchestra, often with exciting thematic focuses
Summer Festival: Under the direction of music directors such as Yannick Nézet-Séguin
The World of John Neumeier: A fascinating dance festival with international companies
Added to this are the autumn and winter festivals, which make Baden-Baden a year-round cultural paradise. With so much cultural offering, no one will be bored!
The Festspielhaus Baden-Baden is not only an opera and concert hall, but also a popular venue for various cultural events. If you visit the Festspielhaus, you'll find an underground parking garage nearby. The Festspielhaus, located near the old train station, is easily accessible and offers the best seats for unforgettable cultural experiences.
Frieder Burda Museum and Art Gallery
An architectural jewel in the park is the one designed by the American star architect Richard Meier. Museum Frieder BurdaSince 2004, it has housed the "Frieder Burda Collection," comprising approximately 1.000 works of classical modernism and contemporary art. The gleaming white building on the historic Lichtentaler Allee is not called a "jewel in the park" for nothing.
The harmonious connection to the neighboring Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden is particularly beautiful. Both buildings retain their own architectural identities, yet complement each other perfectly. The collection includes German Expressionist, Abstract Expressionist, and, of course, works by Picasso. Did you know that Lichtentaler Allee runs right past the museum? This way, you can combine art and nature in one day!
Seasonal events and festivals
Baden-Baden is also known for its diverse events that go far beyond classical concerts. The SWR3 New Pop Festival brings fresh, innovative pop music talent to the city, transforming it into a vibrant stage.
In summer, fantastic open-air events such as the Baden-Baden Summer Nights and the Kurpark Meeting attract visitors. The entire city becomes a stage – from the magnificent theater to the Kurhaus, where nobility, intellectuals, and artists met as early as the 19th century.
In winter, the Christkindelsmarkt (Christmas market) enchants visitors as one of Germany's most beautiful Christmas markets. Grab a cup of mulled wine, and get ready! Baden-Baden Events GmbH also offers a diverse program with rhythm & blues, jazz, cabaret, and talk shows at various venues, further enriching the city's cultural offerings.
Staying overnight in Baden-Baden
A wide range of accommodation options await you in the spa town, often referred to as the "Monaco of Germany." Baden-Baden offers a fantastic selection of overnight options – from magnificent grand hotels and wellness accommodations to cozy guesthouses and affordable alternatives.
For lovers of luxury, first-class 5-star hotels are available. Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa is considered one of the best wellness hotels in Europe, with exclusive spa facilities, several restaurants, and free Wi-Fi. This hotel is guaranteed to delight even the most discerning guests! Other high-quality addresses include the Maison Messmer with soundproofed rooms and stylish ambience as well as modern day Roomers with its great outdoor pool and impressive roof terrace.
If you want to stay in the heart of the city, you will find central accommodations such as the Hotel Haus Reichert, with prices starting at 65 euros per person. Its proximity to the pedestrian zone and the shopping streets Lichtentaler Straße and Luisenstraße makes it particularly convenient for city travelers.
My personal tip: From here you can reach everything on foot!
Prices for Baden-Baden vary depending on the category and time of year. The general average price is around €56,48 per bed per night. I'd estimate that you can save up to 31% during the off-season in October, while prices are significantly higher during the peak season of February.
An important tip from me: Book at least 29 days in advance to get the best rates! Booking directly with hotels often offers exclusive perks or free upgrades. Take your time to search for a hotel, compare offers, and get started!
Baden-Baden has the right accommodation for every type of traveler:
Families particularly appreciate the accommodations Pine Cone Loft, Angela and the Modern Studio on the sun terrace
Couples prefer the Merkurblick, the charming old building (close to the city center) and Angela
wellness lovers are in good hands in hotels with their own spa areas
Nature lovers choose accommodations with beautiful views such as the Pine Cone Loft on the Panoramaweg
The variety of accommodations reflects the character of the city – from luxurious elegance to clean mid-century design, from urban flair to rural charm. This makes every stay in Baden-Baden a special experience, no matter which accommodation you choose!
For a comfortable stay, many hotels in Baden-Baden offer air-conditioned rooms and balcony rooms with beautiful views. Hotel Schweizer Hof and the Hotel am Festspielhaus are popular options for guests who value comfort and a central location. For luxury lovers, the Baden Baden Luxushotel is an excellent choice, while the Duke Baden Baden captivates with its unique charm.
Nature experiences around the Strad
Just a few steps from the elegant city center, the breathtaking natural scenery of the Northern Black Forest awaits you! Baden-Baden is a perfect starting point for unforgettable nature experiences right on your doorstep.
The Panorama Trail
The nearly 45-kilometer-long panoramic trail encircles the entire city and has been recognized as a premium hiking trail by the German Tourism Association. On four varied stages, you'll discover the impressive diversity of the landscape:
Stage 1: From the Kurhaus to the Merkurbergbahn – past the Old Castle Hohenbaden and the spectacular Battertfelsen
Stage 2: From the Merkurbergbahn to the Forellenhof – with the wildlife enclosure at Merkur
Stage 3: From Forellenhof to Geroldsau – with the picturesque Geroldsau waterfall
Stage 4: From Geroldsau back to Baden-Baden – with an optional detour to the Yburg castle ruins
The individual stages are between 8 and 14 kilometers long and can be hiked independently of each other. What's especially convenient is that you can reach all start and end points by public transport! I'd estimate that you should plan on about 3-4 hours per stage, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Merkur Berg with Merkurbahn
The 668-meter-high Merkur is Baden-Baden's local mountain and offers stunning views across the Rhine plain to the Vosges Mountains. The Merkur mountain railway, one of Germany's steepest funicular railways with gradients ranging from 23 to 58 percent, takes you comfortably to the top. Daily from 10.00:22.00 a.m. to 12:26 p.m., the two cars, each with XNUMX seats and XNUMX standing places, transport nature lovers to the summit.
Once at the top, you'll find a 23-meter-high observation tower with an elevator, a lawn with loungers for relaxing, a playground for children, and the cozy "Merkurstüble" restaurant. My personal tip: Grab a coffee in the restaurant and enjoy the view over the city—it's absolutely breathtaking! It's also particularly exciting to watch the paragliders using the mountain as a launching pad for their impressive flights.
Battertfelsen and Old Castle Hohenbaden
East of the Old Castle, the striking Battertfelsen rock formations rise. These reddish-hued rock formations range in height from 15 to 60 meters and have been a popular climbing area with varying levels of difficulty since 1885. The upper circular trail offers a magnificent panoramic view of Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and the Rhine plain. No one will get bored at this vantage point—even experienced hikers will be thrilled by the spectacular view!
Hohenbaden Old Castle, an imposing castle ruin dating back to the 12th century, towers majestically above the town. The best part? The tour is completely free! You can explore castle dungeons, climb steep steps, and enjoy the view from the viewing terraces. A large parking lot is available, and the castle restaurant's beer garden invites you to linger. Grab a pretzel, and you're ready! The castle is ideally located as a starting point for hikes to the Battertfelsen rock formation or along the Battert circular trail.
Culinary delights and shopping
Baden-Baden's culinary scene is just as fantastic as its cultural offerings. From down-to-earth Baden cuisine to Michelin-starred restaurants, the spa town caters to every palate, while the elegant shopping streets invite you to a leisurely stroll.
Traditional Baden cuisine and star restaurants
Baden cuisine celebrates regional traditions with hearty dishes like Schäufele (a kind of pork shoulder), Maultaschen (a kind of ravioli), and, of course, the world-famous Black Forest gateau. In the numerous cozy inns, you can enjoy authentic specialties such as Bibbeliskäss (a kind of dumpling with sauerkraut), or a fresh pretzel. Baden cuisine is guaranteed to please everyone—even gourmets are impressed by the down-to-earth quality!
The district town offers real highlights for gourmets. Two restaurants have each been awarded one star by the Michelin Guide: the The Garden of France in the steel bath and Malte's Hidden KitchenThe “Bib Gourmand” for the best price-performance ratio goes to Wine Bar at the Angel in Neuweier. I would estimate that you should budget around 80-120 euros per person for a Michelin-starred meal – but every bite is worth it! Other great restaurants include Nigrum, the Asian-inspired Moriki in the Roomers Hotel and the Heiligenstein in the vineyards.
For a special culinary experience, I recommend the Festspielhaus Restaurant, which serves exquisite dishes not only during the events but also on other days. If you're looking for a delicious breakfast, many hotels and cafés offer a rich breakfast buffet with regional specialties.
Cafés and pastry shops with history
Historic coffee houses with elegant tradition are an absolute must for every visit to Baden-Baden! Café König seduces with a selection of fine handmade cakes and chocolates that taste simply heavenly. Confectionery Rumpelmayer has been maintaining its tradition of producing the finest Swiss chocolate for over 20 years and offers specialties such as Baden-Baden Kurgarten chestnuts and roulette balls.
This is my personal favorite Café Beek, which has been in existence since 1885 and is known for its excellent patisserie. The Black Forest gateau here is the most authentic you will find – with perfectly dosed kirschGrab a cup of coffee and a piece of cake, ready, go!
Shopping opportunities in the spa town
The traffic-free city center offers a relaxed shopping experience with authentic old town flair. Particularly exclusive is the Sophienstrasse, also called “Baden-Baden’s 5th Avenue”, with luxury boutiques such as Hermès, Escada and Van Laack.
In the elegant Kurhaus Colonnades, built in 1867 after the model of Parisian shopping arcades, you will find high-quality fashion, jewelry and antiques. Long street As a modern shopping mile, it is the pulsating heart of the pedestrian zone and perfect for an extensive shopping spree.
The Lichtentaler Street offers unique boutiques like Antora Selection and Nanou, as well as special souvenirs. For sweet gifts, the homemade chocolates and confectioneries from traditional confectioneries are a perfect choice. The variety of shops reflects the character of the city – from luxurious to individual, from traditional to modern!
My conclusion about Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden undoubtedly offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity! This elegant Black Forest town combines historical splendor, cultural highlights, and contemporary wellness in a way that is simply captivating.
The perfect combination of healing thermal springs, first-class gastronomy and breathtaking nature makes Baden-Baden
What makes Baden-Baden so special?
Baden-Baden is known for its 29 natural thermal springs, the historic spa and casino, and Europe's second-largest concert hall. The city offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Which sights should you visit in Baden-Baden?
Highlights include the Kurhaus and Casino, the Roman bath ruins, the Lichtentaler Allee, the Fabergé Museum, and the Baden-Baden Festival Hall. Each of these attractions offers a unique experience.
How long should you plan for a visit to Baden-Baden?
At least two full days are recommended to experience the main highlights, such as the Kurhaus, the Caracalla Thermal Baths, and Lichtentaler Allee. This allows you to enjoy the city at your leisure.
What does the Caracalla Therme in Baden-Baden offer?
The Caracalla Thermal Baths offer 5.000 square meters of thermal pools, a Roman sauna area, and outdoor pools. The mineral-rich water helps with relaxation and stress relief.
The spa house was built in 1824, the central building was built between 1821 and 1823.
The Lichtentaler Allee is the famous park and garden area along the river Oos.
It is the world's first museum dedicated exclusively to the art of the Russian Tsar's jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé.
It is the largest concert hall in Germany and the second largest in Europe with excellent acoustics.
The Caracalla Therme offers several thermal pools and a sauna area on 5.000 square meters and has been awarded 5 stars.
