Located adjacent to Germany’s Black Forest, Baden-Baden has long been known as an upscale spa destination, thanks to its hot springs. While its baths are the major attraction, its beautiful natural surroundings, delicious cuisine and nearby castle offer numerous unique sightseeing experiences.
Things to do in Baden-Baden
Don’t leave Baden-Baden without experiencing the baths that made the city famous. There are several options, but Friedrichsbad Roman-Irish Bath stands out. It’s over 140 years old and offers regular tours of the ancient Roman bathing complex located beneath the current spa.
Baden-Baden does an excellent job of blending urban life with natural spaces. Take a stroll down Lichtentaler Allee, a pedestrian-friendly road that winds along much of the city’s parkland. If you’re willing to venture further, head into the depths of the Black Forest and hike to the charming Geroldsauer Wasserfall.
Baden-Baden is home to the ruins of a medieval castle, Schloss Hohenbaden. These remarkable ruins, less than one hour’s hike away from downtown Baden-Baden, are open to the public. Visit the Stadtmuseum Baden-Baden, where you can take an audio guide and learn about everything from the city’s Roman times through the 20th century.
Baden-Baden and the surrounding region are famous for their food and wine. For the latter, visit the Weingut Schloss Neuweier to explore a scenic winery and taste local wines. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Weinstube im Baldreit or Molkenkur for traditional German cuisine.
Getting around Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden is about 1.5 hours west of Stuttgart by car or two hours south of Frankfurt. Trains connect Baden-Baden to surrounding cities, including Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Offenburg, Mannheim and Karlsruhe. The local bus system makes it easy to get from the train station to the pedestrian-friendly downtown area.