If you’re yet to discover the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden, you’re in for a rare treat. This hidden gem in the north of Germany’s famous Black Forest region could be called the Green City, for its stunning views and natural surroundings that feel a world away from the concrete jungle.
Yet, Baden-Baden offers far more than parks, gardens and vistas – a whole host of cultural, culinary and wellness delights await visitors to this revitalising blend of history and luxury. And for those seeking the ultimate designer shopping experience, a short drive to the east is Metzingen’s retail extravaganza – a mini-city of high-end flagship stores and Europe’s largest outlets.
Baden-Baden and the good-good life
Known as the ‘Summer Capital of Europe’ during the Belle Epoque period, Baden-Baden has a rich and glorious history as one of Germany’s pre-eminent destinations.
Famous for its thermal baths, wellness-seekers have been visiting the elegant spa town for centuries, drawn to its picturesque natural setting and cultural delights. Modern visitors continue to enjoy the many charms of this unique destination that promises to delight and restore body, mind and soul.
World-class wellness
Baden is the German word for bathe, and spa-lovers are spoilt for choice with the local wellness venues. There’s Caracalla spa, a modern spin on the town’s historic bathing culture – where contemporary architecture meets luxury wellness. If you prefer a more traditional spa experience, the majestic Friedrichsbad is a textile free bathing temple offering 17 steps of recommended wellness, inspired by ancient bathing culture. Whatever you choose, the mineral-rich thermal waters of Baden-Baden are renowned for promoting natural healing and enhanced well-being.
A rich cultural scene
Baden-Baden was honoured in 2021 by UNESCO as one of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, but there’s much more to this captivating town than its wellness resorts. Perhaps the ultimate must-see destination is the Casino Baden-Baden, a place Marlene Dietrich described as ‘the world’s most beautiful casino’. This exquisite Belle Epoque gambling hall is like a step back in time to the heyday of Europe’s royals and nobles, many of whom have graced the roulette tables of this stunning old-world casino. The town also boasts an impressive collection of museums, musical venues, such as the famous Festival Hall, theatres and galleries that would satisfy even the keenest culture lovers.
Fine dining and wine country
It’s rare for a town to have a one Michelin-starred restaurant, yet Baden-Baden has two. This ethos of culinary excellence is why the town is renowned among foodies and gastronomes, with an impressive range of fine dining establishments and gourmet restaurants on offer. Also nearby is the Rebland wine region, where wine lovers can sample the local Riesling varieties surrounded by spectacular views of the local countryside.
Places to stay
Baden-Baden offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury five-star hotels to smaller four-star family-run hideaways that pull out all the stops. Whether you’re looking for palatial resort hotels reminiscent of European royalty, or contemporary architecture full of stylish interiors, Baden-Baden has it all.
Outletcity Metzingen – the ultimate in luxury lifestyle shopping
Outletcity Metzingen with over 170 luxury, premium, sports and home and living brands is a high-level, luxury shopping experience where you can spruce up your holiday wardrobe or bag some stylish designer pieces to take home. Whether you’re after a Gucci bag or some Jimmy Choos, the range of flagship designer stores makes this a haven for label lovers and is just a 90-minute drive from Baden-Baden, approximately 30km south of Stuttgart.
Tax-free shopping
The home of designer deals – at Outletcity Metzingen, many sales include discounts of up to 80%. Even better, UK shoppers can bag even more bargains by reclaiming the VAT.
Food and drink
The designer shops are not the only arbiters of good taste at Outletcity Metzingen, with an inspiring range of venues to refuel or relax. Enjoy cocktails and nibbles in the Moxy Hotel, or a glass of fizz in the Bollicine Champagne Bar to celebrate a good day’s shopping. Foodies are spoilt for choice with a range of restaurants and cafes, whether you want a leisurely lunch or a quick pit stop, there’s something to whet every appetite.
On-site lifestyle hotel
The Moxy Outletcity Metzingen is a fashion and lifestyle hotel designed to accommodate serious shoppers with a taste for the best. Situated amid a mile of luxury shopping, the on-site hotel is the perfect base to discover the designer flagship stores that Outletcity Metzingen is famous for. With uber-cool interiors, and a first-class atmosphere, you’ll be among friends in this ultra-stylish shopping retreat – and with the Moxy Bar open 24/7, the fun goes on long after the stores are closed.
Transport links
If you’re travelling by car, Outletcity Metzingen has ample parking and a range of options, as well as EV charging stations.
For those arriving by train or plane, there are regular trains from Stuttgart and Baden-Baden to Metzingen, as well as the Shopping Shuttle, which leaves from Stuttgart airport as well as Stuttgart city centre. Once you arrive at the Metzingen train station, it is a leisurely 15-20 minute walk to the first shops.
Getting to Baden-Baden from the UK
Baden-Baden lies in the southwestern region of Germany, in the state of Baden-Württemberg, close to the French border and the River Rhine. There are a number of travel options from the UK, including car, air and rail.
By car
After choosing your preferred option for crossing onto the continent, there are many picturesque routes to Baden-Baden through France or Belgium. These are easily doable in a day, taking around six or seven hours.
By air
There are regular flights from London Stansted to Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (FKB), part of Baden Airpark, which is approximately seven miles west of Baden-Baden town centre.
By rail
Taking the train from London is a great option for travelling in relaxed comfort while enjoying the picturesque countryside of Europe along the way. Take the Eurostar to Paris, and then use France’s high-speed train line (TGV) for onward travel to Baden-Baden.
Baden-Baden: So nice, they named it twice
However you choose to travel to the beautiful city of Baden-Baden, you can be sure it will be worth the trip. This rare gem offers all you need for a well-earned dose of the good-good life. Culture and nature, history and wellness, fine dining and great shopping – Baden-Baden has it all, just waiting for you to explore.
Bookings:
If this has made you curious, visit baden-baden.com and outletcity.com to find out more.
For bookings, one of the destination’s preferred booking partners will help you create an unforgettable getaway:
