The city, which was founded more than two centuries ago, has always held strong appeal for those looking to relax and reconnect with themselves. Small but thriving and impressively cosmopolitan, this German gem is brimming with life’s most precious resources in their optimum forms: clean water, natural light, flourishing earth and fresh air. Over the years, Baden-Baden has evolved into an ever-popular destination, enchanting travelers with its extraordinary hot springs, sublime spas, lush nature and exceptional hotels.
Offering a spectacularly diverse range of opportunities for both relaxation and excitement, Baden-Baden is the perfect getaway for travelers from around the globe. Known as the “Green city of short distances”, this verdant oasis located at the foothills of the Black Forest also boasts endless opportunities to revel in nature, shopping, art and culture.
The city center is car-free, and is home to numerous parks and gardens, perfect for enjoying long walks soaking up the fresh countryside air. Surrounded by beautiful vistas with views over the mountains and the Rhine Valley, there is no better place to escape the city’s mundanity and recharge your batteries than this little slice of heaven on earth.
If Baden-Baden isn’t on your bucket list yet, here are 10 very good-good reasons why it should be:
1. Spa & Beauty
Wellness of the highest quality is delivered by Baden-Baden’s spas. Nestled in architectural masterpieces and appointed with the best possible service, the traditional “Friedrichsbad” and expansive Caracalla Spa are the perfect spots for a pampering session. From soap brush massages to spacious saunas, these splendid spas offer world-class treatments using mineral-rich water that bubbles up from twelve springs rooted deep below earth.
2. Casino & Kurhaus
The city’s shining beacon, the Kurhaus, is where Baden-Baden comes to life with concerts, casino visits, dinners at midnight and glittering galas. Spend the afternoon window shopping under the colonnades and stroll through the pretty-as-a-picture park before indulging in an exciting evening at the Kurhaus.
At the Casino, nights are filled with colour and conviviality. Grab a delectable bite at The Grill Restaurant, try your luck at the tables and then dance the night away at Club Bernstein.
3. Art & Culture
Immerse yourself in an art-filled Arcadia and delight all your senses at Baden-Baden’s museums. The State Art Gallery‘s walls are adorned with renowned international artists’ works including Picasso, Gerhard Richter and Neo Rauch, among others. On the other side of the city’s spectacle of a bridge is the Museum Frieder Burda, built by famed New York architect Richard Meier, which too holds a treasure trove of historic pieces.
The one-of-a-kind Fabergé Museum is also located in Baden-Baden, and exhibits more than 700 masterpieces of Carl Peter Fabergé, making it the first museum in the world dedicated to showcasing the Russian jeweller’s life’s work.
4. Operas & Concerts
Baden-Baden is also home to Germany’s second largest concert hall whose acoustics are renowned for their excellence. Festival Hall Baden-Baden hosts a variety of music and dance programs for eleven months of the year, each of which is presented at the highest level. From international operas to ballet shows, artist performances and music concerts, a wide range of world-renowned performers have been showcased here. Every Easter, the Festival Hall collaborates with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra to produce its very own opera which is a must-watch event.
5. Sport & Music Events
The International Horse Races at Baden-Baden’s Iffezheim Racecourse is an unmissable occasion, as is the International Vintage Car Meeting. For those who prefer music over sports, the inspiring Philharmonic Park Night and Philharmonic Castle Concerts are the ideal way to sit back, relax and enjoy the The Philharmonic Orchestra‘s gentle tunes.
The traditional Christmas Market brings the year to a festive end. With the scent of roasted chestnuts filling the air, soft snow falling all round and the flicker of vibrant lights sparking delight, there’s no more joyous way to celebrate the festive season than in Baden-Baden.
6. Parks & Gardens
Winding its way through the city, from the major art locations to the grand hotels and museums, the Lichtentaler Allee park and gardens charm at ever corner. Nicknamed “The Promenade”, this beautiful path unveils the splendor of Baden-Baden’s palaces, villas and the pièce de résistance is the “Gönneranlage” rose garden that’s home to over 400 rose varieties.
7. Belle Epoque & Modernity
Brimming with a myriad of rooms, suites and apartments available for guests to stay at, Baden-Baden’s accommodation options are endless. From those in search of the utmost luxury to lovers of mid-century design, contemporary city slickers or those who prefer more rural charm, there is the perfect option waiting for you in the city.
Whether its to enjoy the luxury of the international grand hotel Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa, the elegance of the Maison Messmer, the modern design of the Roomers, the charm of the Belle Epoque at the Hotel “Belle Epoque” or the romance at the hotel “The Little Prince”, solo travelers, couples and families alike are welcomed to Baden-Baden with open arms.
8. Local & Global
Food always plays a big role when travelling, and Baden-Baden proudly showcases a plethora of gastronomic offerings. From luxe Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy little taverns, there’s plenty to whet the appetite in the city no matter your preferences.
Local food takes center stage, but global cuisine is also well represented in all its forms. From trendy sushi and beef specialties to authentic Indian and Asian delicacies, French fancies or classic Bavarian delights, there are dining options available for every palate.
9. Riesling & Schnapps
Baden-Baden is a goldmine for gourmets, but the city is also a mecca for wine connoisseurs. In the surrounding Rebland wine region there are countless sun-drenched vineyards producing delicious bottles of Riesling, Pinot Noir, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Gris, sparkling wine and schnapps to explore.
The views in the countryside are as impressive as the wineries, with grapevine-encircled venues looking onto a castles, palaces and endless rolling hills. An idyllic backdrop to sip good wine and eat fine food to, Baden-Baden is a true feast for all the senses.
10. Play golf in Baden & Alsace
Golf is a much-loved sport worldwide, and where better to play and get fit than in one of Germany’s most breathtaking regions? There are six championship golf course nestled between the Black Forest and Vosges mountains, providing golfers with exhilarating challenges and stunning vistas. The golf hotels, with their picturesque landscapes, a luxurious ambiances and authentic hospitality, are the perfect places to unwind after your golfing adventure. It is experiences like this that make the Baden-Alsace golf region so special!
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To find out more about the city, visit the Baden-Baden Tourism Board website.
Copyright: Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH