When you visit Baden-Baden (Baden means ‘to take a bath’ in German), the locals joke that their baths are superior to anywhere else, that’s why they named it twice. In the 19th century, it was known as the summer capital of Europe, with European royalty flocking to this haven of nature, and the cosmopolitan and upscale environment in Baden-Baden has been maintained to this very day.
The bathhouses of Baden-Baden
To understand the culture of the city and why it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to their thermal baths is a must. It has been a popular spa town since the Roman times and the two to visit are Caracalla Spa and Friedrichsbad Baden-Baden. The former is more modern and expansive at 5,000 square metres. All pools are filled with the mineral-rich, healing waters from the local springs and, bar the cold plunge pool, their various pools are between 32°C and 38°C, the ideal temperature range for optimal relaxation for the muscles and joints. Their outdoor pool is particularly impressive, as it has a current channel, water mushrooms, and whirlpools offering hydromassage.
At Friedrichsbad, you can experience the traditional thermal bath experience. It is over 145 years old and has been a landmark of Baden-Baden ever since; the magnificent Renaissance-style architecture is a sight to behold. Your experience is more directed than at Caracalla Spa and you have 17 steps to follow to achieve the ultimate in body renewal. Their policy has always been no swimwear, but it was relaxed this summer to allow clothed participation on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Mark Twain famously visited and said: “After 10 minutes you forget time, after 20 minutes you forget the world.”
Casino Royale
If you want to embrace your inner James Bond, Casino Baden-Baden is just the place for you to visit. With an interior that resembles more of a French Royal Palace, this is one occasion where you’ll have to dress up with a jacket and tie. The one exception is if you take part in the daytime casino tours when you are probably more interested in architecture and history rather than seeking an audience with lady luck.
At various points throughout history, gambling was banned in France, Russia and other states, but not in Baden-Baden and, as a result, it was no surprise the city attracted visitors from all over the world. Dostoevsky famously wrote The Gambler based on his experiences in the casino and Baden-Baden.
Where to stay and dine in Baden-Baden
If the main purpose of your visit is a spa break, you cannot get any closer than TRIBE Baden-Baden, which is almost next door to Caracalla Spa. This aesthetically pleasing hotel is all about modern-day convenience. There are self check-in counters where you are dealt with by staff avatars and instead of mini-fridges in your room, they have a more extensive vending machine near the reception. The ground floor design is that of a modern-day social hub/co-working space, where you are encouraged to spend more time there rather than in solitude in your rooms.
Unsurprisingly, you are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining options in the city. If you want to see and be seen, the place to be is Restaurant Wintergarten at Brenners Park Hotel and Spa (the hotel is currently closed for renovations). The restaurant makes exceptional use of natural daylight with its sheltered terrace.
The view is of the scenic park overlooking Lichtentaler Allee and the food has a strong French accent but focuses on hyper-local ingredients, such as a delice of forest mushrooms. Their three-course set lunch menu is great value for money, given the haute-cuisine style of execution and every dish is exquisitely plated to be a work of art.
Another to consider is RIZZI The Restaurant, which is also located in the park of Lichtentaler Allee. Dishes are Mediterranean-focused with a strong emphasis on seafood – even their never-ending summer salad is filled with generous portions of plump and juicy prawns. The Santa Lucia octopus is a dish bursting with earthy richness thanks to the abundance of sweet tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers and rosemary potatoes.
To do in Baden-Baden
Other activities to consider when visiting include checking out the diverse museum scene. Museum Frieder Burda is the crowning glory in Baden-Baden’s famous cultural arena. The most recent exhibition is ‘I Feel the Earth Whisper’, which focuses on the fragility of the natural world with installations from world-famous artists such as Bianca Bondi, Julian Charrière, Sam Falls and Ernesto Neto.
If you want a slice of nature and enjoy the many hiking routes in Baden Baden, I suggest taking a ride up the Merkur Funicular Railway, the longest funicular railway in Germany. Once you get to the top, you’ll truly appreciate the majestic beauty of the Black Forest region, when you ascend the Merkur Tower.
OUTLETCITY Metzingen
Not far from Baden-Baden is Europe’s largest outlet with 40,745 square metres of sales area. It completely turns outlet preconceptions on its head with a shopping haven that caters for luxury shoppers. You will not normally see brands like Gucci or Prada appear at any outlet mall, furthermore, the designer shop fronts will not look out of place on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. They are some of the key reasons why over four million visitors per year visit OUTLETCITY from around 185 nationalities all across the globe.
There are 170 luxury or premium brands and a total of around 380 brands at the outlet, including their online shop. That is why you won’t be surprised to find they have a funky Moxy hotel on site when a few hours of shopping therapy is just not enough. What makes it more enticing is when you book a shopping package, you’ll get a VIP pass that entitles you to 10% off in participating stores and 15% off in participating restaurants. There are rumours that OUTLETCITY have plans to open a second hotel in the not-too-distant future.
You might be wondering why it was opened in Metzingen, and it’s because of the proximity to the Hugo Boss headquarters. Purchasing your first suit at OUTLETCITY Metzingen is a rite of passage for teenagers as they mature into adulthood. The BOSS outlet store covers a sales area of over 5,000 square metres and they recently worked on a marketing campaign in association with David Beckham.
Current footballers are also known to be regular customers of OUTLETCITY. At their members’ lounge for gold status customers, you are offered a tranquil space with refreshments and canapés along with a bespoke, personalised shopping experience. Gold status is offered when you spend at least €2,500 in total purchase value within a specific 12-month period. They often arrange special early access sales and members’ events like concerts, so it is well worth becoming a member.
There are 12 different restaurants and bars for those seeking a temporary break from retail therapy. Marché Mövenpick is one venue I would particularly recommend, as they have various food stations offering freshly cooked produce. They specialise in local dishes such as authentic schweinebraten and rosé wine from Metzinger Hofsteige.
Factbox
For more details on Baden-Baden visit baden-baden.com
For more details on OUTLETCITY Metzingen visit outletcity.com
