Founded more than 2,000 years ago to provide people with a feeling of well-being, over the centuries Baden-Baden has become a magical place that offers relaxation and stimulation in many different ways. In short: a synthesis of health, nature, culture and cosmopolitanism, which is now also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the "Great Spa Towns of Europe".

1. ARCHITECTURE AND ART

Villas, museums and thermal spas: they all rise picturesquely and imposingly in the city, and so along Lichtentaler Allee you will find not only magnificent grand hotels and palaces in the style of the Belle Époque, but also the "Jewel in the Park" - as the Museum Frieder Burda is affectionately called. The unique, light-flooded architecture of the building provides space for a constant dialogue between the art exhibitions and the romantic park landscape. Strolling through the charming alleys of Baden-Baden, you will always find gems that make the heart of architecture fans beat faster and breathe a dreamy atmosphere into the city. Another highlight of the city are the truly magnificent halls of the Baden-Baden Casino.

Romantic architecture runs through the entire spa town. ©Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

2. CULTURE AND EVENTS

There is hardly a day in Baden-Baden when there is not a concert, horse race, culinary or dance festival, a theater performance or some or other event - the list of possibilities is endless. With its 2,500 seats, the Festspielhaus in Baden-Baden is the second largest opera and concert house in all of Europe and attracts visitors not only with its fantastic acoustics. Numerous world stars have performed here: whether Johannes Brahms, Ed Sheeran or the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra - Baden-Baden's music scene knows many notes.

The Festspielhaus scores with a top-class event calendar. ©Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

3. NATURE AND THE BLACK FOREST

Baden-Baden is the gateway to the Black Forest, and the wild beauty of the dense forests meets palm and lemon trees here thanks to the Mediterranean climate. That and the many hours of sunshine give the World Heritage city plenty of Mediterranean flair. Surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills, the landscape here offers countless hiking and biking trails with magnificent views, plus top-notch golf courses, rose gardens and, of course, the local mountain Merkur, which is not only popular with hikers but also offers true climbing and paragliding adventures. And the best thing is: nature is also blooming in the middle of the green town center.

Kissed by the sun - rolling hills, rugged climbing walls and lush greenery make Baden-Baden a popular destination for nature lovers. ©Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

4. WELLNESS AND RELAXATION

Every day, several thousand liters of the best thermal water bubble up from the city's numerous springs. The ancient Romans already appreciated the healing power of these springs and built the first baths in Baden-Baden. Under the dome of the historic Friedrichsbad you can literally dive into the past: built in 1877, at the height of the Belle Époque, people still bathe here according to Roman-Irish bathing culture. The counterpart is the modern Caracalla Spa with a spacious sauna area, hot and cold water grottoes, sparkling whirlpools, waterfalls, flow channels and the wellness lounge. In addition to the thermal baths, top-class wellness hotels provide a wide range of relaxation options.

Historical oasis of recreation. ©Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

5. CULINARY ENJOYMENT

Baden-Baden also leaves nothing to be desired in terms of cuisine. There is something for every taste - whether it's a star restaurant or a cozy wine tavern, guests with an affinity for food will get their money's worth. The surrounding vineyards provide the perfect beverage. The fertile soil not only allows flavor-intensive Riesling to grow, but also dark red Merlot and the yellow-reddish Gewürztraminer feel at home in this wine-growing region. And what would a visit to the Black Forest be without a bit of sweet tradition? Traditional cafés and confectioneries enchant with Black Forest cake and homemade chocolates.

Sweet specialties can be found at the traditional Caféhaus König, run by the Gmeiner family, who are among the best chocolatiers in Germany. ©Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH

GOOD TO KNOW

Manufactures
Designers as well as local artists love Baden-Baden and many of them have small stores in the charming alleys that are worth a visit.

Wellness and Spa
The "Villa Stéphanie" as part of the "Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa" is one of the most famous hotel addresses - here everything revolves around the spa.

Grande Cuisine
With the recent Michelin star awarded to "Maltes Hidden Kitchen," the city now has a total of two starred restaurants.

World Heritage Tour
Travelers interested in history can learn more about the bathing culture and the history of the World Heritage city on the walks and guided tours. For children there are interactive offers.

More inspiration and info about Baden-Baden can be found here >