Baden-Baden is a true oasis of art, culture and nature. Located at the foothills of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden’s fascinating history dates back to the Romans, with the emperor Caracalla said to visit the town’s hot springs soothe his arthritic joints. Known as the ‘Summer Capital of Europe’, Baden-Baden combines Mediterranean flair with the elegance of the Belle Époque era and the cosmopolitanism of a major city.
Baden-Baden’s spa wellness attractions are world-renowned for good reason, but there is so much to the town besides.
It’s home to The Festspielhaus, Europe’s second largest opera and concert hall, which hosts international opera, ballet and concerts. Known for its incredible acoustics, the concert hall features performances from the world’s biggest names, including the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Mariinsky Ballet and the violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.
Then there’s the Museum Frieder Burda, built by New York architect Richard Meier, it’s not to be missed by lovers of art and architecture. The museum fascinates, not only with its private art collection, including selected masterpieces from the classical modernism era, but also with its extraordinary architecture. The Fabergé Museum in Baden-Baden is the first museum in the world to be dedicated to the work of the Russian jeweller Carl Peter Fabergé. Included in its vast collection is the famous imperial Easter eggs made for the Tsar’s family, luxurious pieces of jewellery and other masterpieces by Fabergé.
For people seeking wellness and relaxation, the city’s two thermal baths offer the very best. The modern Caracalla Spa, with more than 3,000 sqm of bathing and wellness space, creates an exceptional ambiance for soothing relaxation in thermal water. The historic Friedrichsbad reflects its 140 years of bathing history by combining traditional Roman bathing culture with the practice of Irish hot-air bathing. The circuit of 17 stations with changing temperatures has a regenerative effect on the body and mind. Baden-Baden is home to a variety of spa and wellness hotels, ranging from 5-star superior to romantic family-run boutique hotels, many offering exquisite spa treatments.
Out and about
Among the picturesque streets of Baden-Baden’s neo-baroque old town are many excellent shops and boutiques waiting to welcome you in. Whether you are in search of luxury brands or the finest jewellery and antiques, you won’t be disappointed.
Baden-Baden’s surroundings offer a range of activities and experiences. Rebland, located just 6km outside the city centre, is Germany’s second largest Riesling growing district and offers lovers of food and connoisseurs of fine wine a whole host of enticing options.
Baden-Baden’s proximity to the Black Forest offers an ideal opportunity to explore the natural heritage of this unique area. Starting in Baden-Baden, the Black Forest scenic route (Schwarzwaldhochstraße) leads to various tourist attractions. Many historic sights and natural delights await those willing to explore. Along the way, magnificent views of the Rhine valley and the Vosges open up. The Black Forest is special at any time of the year, not just during summer. In spring and autumn, it is perfect for romantic walks or longer hikes.
What’s more, the region is home to one of Germany’s best golfing areas – the Golfregion Baden-Alsace. Across the eight championship golf courses in and around Baden-Baden, players of all levels test themselves throughout the year amid stunning landscapes.
A great way to end the day in Baden-Baden is a visit to the Casino Baden-Baden, located in Kurhaus. Described by German actress and singer Marlene Dietrich as “the most beautiful casino in the world”, it offers guests the chance to dive into the world of roulette, blackjack and poker in a unique Belle Époque ambience of arcades and magnificent staterooms.
Baden-Baden is a truly captivating spa town, offering a variety of cultural and culinary highlights, wellness and shopping all in a spectacular natural setting. And best of all, almost everything is within walking distance.
Further information
info@baden-baden.com
www.baden-baden.com/en