November 1, 2022, 4:47 am | Read time: 3 minutes
The spa town of Baden-Baden in the Black Forest presents itself as noble–at least at first glance. Alongside elegant spas, a casino, and a festival hall, luxury shops line the downtown area. But is there any truth to the cliché? TRAVELBOOK author Sabine Winkler reveals what else the city on the Oos has to offer.
Hard to believe, but with around 55,449 residents, Baden-Baden is the least populated urban district in the state of Baden-Württemberg. Yet, the spa town in the Black Forest is considered a place for the rich and beautiful. Wellness temples, a casino, and luxury brands shape the downtown. Indeed, this is part of the charm of the small town. But there is much more to discover in Baden-Baden.
The spa town boasts the Brenners Park-Hotel, one of Germany’s most exclusive and oldest five-star hotels. Even Walt Disney stayed here! Nowadays, the city is especially popular with wealthy tourists–and older people. This might be because Baden-Baden is primarily one thing: quite peaceful and idyllic. What else there is to discover on a trip to the spa town–TRAVELBOOK reveals it.
All tips and inspiration from this article are available in the following podcast episode of In 5 Minutes Around the World also available to listen to–narrated by TRAVELBOOK author Sabine Winkler:
Also interesting: The 7 Best Travel Tips for the Black Forest
Sights and Activities in Baden-Baden
Lichtentaler Allee
The beautiful Lichtentaler Allee is a 2.3-kilometer-long street through a park area in the city center. The small Oos River flows alongside it. Ginkgos, silver maples, and magnolias line the path. The avenue became known in the 19th century as a promenade for the famous visitors of the fashionable spa town, which was then called the “Summer Capital of Europe.”
Trinkhalle in the Spa Garden
It was built between 1839 and 1842 in the Baden-Baden spa garden of the Kurhaus. In an open colonnade, you can view 14 murals depicting regional legends and myths from the Black Forest region.
Here, you can also get tips for nearby excursion destinations, such as the Mummelsee. In the adjoining fountain room, thermal water at about 122 degrees Fahrenheit is served for drinking cures.
Sunrise at Battert Rock
Early risers and hiking enthusiasts will be rewarded with a breathtaking sunrise at Battert Rock. Those who make it to the rocks of the Old Castle ruins can look out over Baden-Baden and see the foothills of the Black Forest.
Spas
Those who don’t mind nudity can visit the classic Friedrichsbad, a Roman-Irish thermal bath that has been around for more than 140 years. Or you can enjoy a day at the Caracalla Spa. Both healing baths source their water from the Friedrichsstollen.
For those interested in Roman antiquity, there are also ancient Roman bath ruins to visit near the Caracalla Spa. They were built around 217 A.D. by order of the Roman Emperor Caracalla.
Also interesting: The 27 Most Beautiful Spas and Thermal Baths in Germany
Other Highlights
Anyone in Baden-Baden during the Christmas season should definitely visit the beautiful Christmas market of the spa town. There, you can find fabulous vintner’s mulled wine from one of Germany’s best wine regions. In September, the New Pop Music Festival is a draw. Amy Winehouse, Dua Lipa, and Herbert Grönemeyer have all performed there.