Located in southwestern Germany, Baden-Baden is a fascinating town with many faces, and is not only known as the country’s national spa town, but is also one of the most visited resorts on the European continent. Attracting a wealthy, international crowd, it’s a destination that is steeped in rich cultural history, and with a multitude of attractions and things to do, Baden-Baden has far more to offer than rest and relaxation alone.
If you’re looking for a charming and laid-back place to spend a few days away from it all, then look no further; from luxurious lodgings to award-winning cuisine, this town has got the lot.
The history of the quaint Baden-Baden stretches as far back as antiquity, and Baden-Baden has fast become a fashionable tourist destination that is famed for its beautiful location and breathtaking scenery. With a number of pretty parks to explore – including the famous Black Forest National Park, Lichtenaler Allee and Arboretum, you could easily wander uninterrupted for hours. From memorable mountainside landscapes to natural wonders and wildlife, Baden-Baden is a great place to be if you’re a fan of the great outdoors, offering a chance to immerse oneself in nature, and to truly switch off from the constant demands of modern life.
As a popular health resort, Baden-Baden has long been frequented by those seeking to nurture mind, body and soul, and is especially famous for its natural seltzer springs, known of since the times of the Roman Empire, and still a popular draw for visitors. In fact, ruins of the Roman Baths can still be seen in the town today, and are an intriguing reminder of what self-care and ‘me time’ once meant – as well as how far the idea has come.
Nowadays, the breadth of luxurious hotels and spas to choose from is vast, with a plethora of modern options. The grand Brenners Park Hotel and Villa Stephanie boast Michelin star dining and luxurious rooms, combined with slick and professional service that is second to none. Having opened its doors in 1872, Brenners Park Hotel is a long-established option with a sophisticated clientele list that has been known to include both royalty and the political elite. Villa Stephanie, meanwhile, is an elegant mansion and a former royal residence. If you’re after a truly regal feel, then you’ve come to the right place.
Roomers Baden-Baden is another popular choice amongst affluent visitors, conveniently located close to both the train station and airport. This somewhat eccentric hotel is adorned with offbeat paintings and pop art throughout, with outstanding service forming the beating heart of the establishment.
Of course, those attracted to Baden-Baden thanks to its reputation as a spa town will be drawn at once to the Caracalla Spa. Surrounded by elegant marble columns, the turquoise blue pools of this modern thermal bath make for the ultimate way to relax and unwind, an unmissable haunt for the first time visitor.
Thankfully, when you’ve finished being pampered and have wandered the extensive countryside Baden-Baden has to offer, there is plenty more to keep you occupied. Culture vultures will be more than satisfied with the variety of museums and galleries littering the town – from the Kunsthalle with its action paintings, the Lichtenthal Kloster with its contemplative silence and the Frieder-Burda museum with its prized art.
A stroll down the charming passes of Old Town, with many antique shops, cafés and galleries, is a great way to while away an afternoon, not to mention ticking off some of Baden-Baden’s must-see monuments. Start at Brahms House, which used to serve as summer house for Johannes Brahms, the composer, before moving onto Opera House, which boasts 2,500 seats from which to listen to the world’s best instrumentalists. Don’t forget the ruins of 12th century Old Castle (Altes Schloss), the Kurgarten (Spa Garden), and the number of captivating chapels that can be found across the town.
Baden-Baden is a town after every foodie’s heart, boasting a large number of Michelin star restaurants offering some of the very best cuisine in the country. Aside from the aforementioned Brenners, those looking to experience the rich gastronomic side to the destination should head for the likes of Le Jardin de France, headed up by respected French chef, Stephan Bernhard, or Rottele’s Restaurant, which offers an unmatched culinary journey inspired by influences of the Mediterranean.
Active recreation is an important part of Baden-Baden’s charm, and there are plenty of options for sports enthusiasts, with vast areas for mountain climbing and hiking, skiing in the winter, and lots of space adapted for golf and tennis. Not only that, but the town is a renowned go-to place for professional or amateur poker and casino players. Baden-Baden’s casino is one of the oldest in the world, with an original structure dating back to 1766, gaining international attention in the 1930s when it served as the venue for a number of parties for the European flower of society. Nowadays, visitors can learn how to play poker, and truly enjoy the game, much like the acclaimed authors and people of note, such as Mark Twain and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, who frequent the venue today.
The horse racing track in nearby Iffezheim, famous for hosting an array of well-known international events, is also a popular draw, and often the very same crowd can be spotted track-side, soaking up the atmosphere during race weekends and having a flutter or two whilst there.
When it comes to filling your time in Baden-Baden, there’s a multitude of choice, and we guarantee, by the time you leave, you’ll be wanting to come back for more. Fill your days with culture and adventure, enjoy the stunning countryside surroundings and don’t forget to treat yourself to some much-needed rest, relaxation and respite while you’re here. After all, when in Germany’s national spa town, it would be entirely rude not to.
