Baden-Baden

Hohenbaden Castle, also known as the Old Castle, was the medieval seat of the Margraves of Baden, constructed around 1100 by Herman II. Located on the Battert rock’s western slope in Baden-Baden, it once boasted nearly a hundred rooms at its peak. The castle served as the residence of the Margraves until the late 15th century, when they moved to the newer Baden Castle. After a devastating fire in 1599, the ruins have since become a poignant reminder of the region’s feudal history and are a popular site for visitors interested in medieval architecture and history.

Stroll along Lichtentaler Allee, a lush historic promenade where art, nature, and history intertwine. This scenic riverbank park offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Baden-Baden’s elegant past.

Step into the opulent world of Baden-Baden’s historic casino, a masterpiece of architecture and luxury from the 1820s. With its grand chandeliers, statues, and timeless elegance, it’s a must-see even for non-gamblers. Join a guided tour or simply soak in the atmosphere of this legendary gaming hall.

Art lovers flock to the Museum Frieder Burda in Baden-Baden, where a stunning collection of German Expressionism and works by Gerhard Richter takes center stage. Opened in 2004 and designed by architect Richard Meier, this private museum sits right next to the Kunsthalle Baden-Baden along the picturesque Lichtentaler Allee. Beyond its core collection, it hosts rotating exhibitions that keep the art scene vibrant and engaging.

Immerse yourself in the ancient ritual at Friedrichsbad, a Roman-Irish bathhouse that combines history, luxury, and wellness. Its series of thermal stations promises a revitalizing journey into relaxation and self-care.

The Merkur, also called Großer Staufenberg, rises to 668.3 meters in the Northern Black Forest and serves as Baden-Baden’s local mountain. Accessible via the Merkurbergbahn funicular railway from the town, it offers panoramic views from the Merkurturm observation tower, which also functions as a transmission site. The mountain’s scenic trails and lookout points make it a favorite for hikers and visitors seeking breathtaking vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Climb up the scenic slopes of Baden-Baden’s Hausberg with the Merkurbergbahn, a historic funicular railway that’s been transporting visitors since 1913, with a brief closure in 1967 before its reopening in 1979. Covering 1,192 meters, this cable railway pulls you up 370 meters to the summit of the Merkur mountain, offering stunning views along the way. With two cars, electric traction, and an easy automatic control, the ride is as smooth as it is scenic—taking just about five minutes to reach the top.

The Festspielhaus Baden-Baden stands as a majestic testament to the town's cultural grandeur, its architecture echoing the historic transformation from a bustling railway hub to a sanctuary of musical excellence. Inside, the air hums with the anticipation of world-class performances, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a symphony of sights and sounds that define this renowned spa town.

The Baden-Baden Kurhaus, constructed in the 19th century under the design of Friedrich Weinbrenner, exemplifies classicist architecture and has served as a central hub for leisure and social gathering. Originally replacing an earlier promenade house from 1766, it now houses a renowned casino, event spaces, and dining venues. Its elegant façade and historic significance make it a must-visit landmark in the spa town.

The Baden-Baden Trinkhalle, designed by Heinrich Hübsch between 1839 and 1842, is a hallmark of the town’s spa tradition. This elegant open-air promenade, supported by sixteen Corinthian columns, stretches for 90 meters beside the Kurhaus. Adorned with frescoes depicting regional myths and legends by Jakob Götzenberger, it offers visitors a scenic spot to relax and enjoy the healing waters famed for their therapeutic properties. Historically, it also housed a tourist information center and ticket office, enhancing visitors’ experience.

Perched atop the Florentinerberg, the Stiftskirche Liebfrauen has watched over Baden-Baden since 987. This grand church, with its soaring 68-meter tower, has seen centuries of history unfold—surviving city fires and evolving through Gothic and Baroque renovations. The church’s interior is a treasure trove of art, including Niclas Gerhaert’s crucifix and a stunning 18th-century epitaph honoring the Baden ruler, Markgraf Ludwig Wilhelm, aka 'Türkenlouis.' Recognized as a cultural landmark, it remains the city’s most enduring religious site and part of the UNESCO World Heritage zone.

The Roman bath ruins in Baden-Baden's Old Town offer a fascinating glimpse into the city's ancient thermal history. Situated beneath the marketplace and near Friedrichsbad, these remnants of Roman baths date back to the early 3rd century, built under Emperor Caracalla in luxurious style. Discovered during 19th-century excavations, the site includes the remains of two cooling pools, bath chambers, and a heated air room, with the layout subtly marked by black cobblestones on the square. Nearby, a more modest soldier’s or hygiene bath, constructed in the 1870s, features hot and warm baths, a sweat room, and several pools, complete with hypocaust heating systems, and is accessible through a glass-fronted museum exhibit.

The Gönneranlage is a lush, historic park along the Oos River in Baden-Baden’s Lichtentaler Allee. Gifted by Herman Sielcken, the American-German coffee magnate, and designed by Max Laeuger, it’s a blooming showcase of over 360 roses and serene gardens. A charming fountain dedicated to Josephine Sielcken adds a romantic touch, with statues and benches inviting visitors to relax and enjoy the floral splendor.

The Geroldsau Waterfall, nestled in the northern Black Forest near Baden-Baden, is a charming cascade rising about six meters on the Grobbach stream. Surrounded by lush woods and rocky formations, it offers a picturesque spot for nature lovers and hikers. The waterfall’s proximity to the broad valley of Geroldsau makes it an accessible and scenic natural attraction.

Lichtenthal Abbey, known locally as Kloster Lichtenthal, is a historic Cistercian nunnery situated in the Lichtental district of Baden-Baden. This spiritual site reflects centuries of monastic tradition and offers visitors a glimpse into the religious heritage of the region, nestled within a peaceful setting that has been part of the city's fabric for generations.

In Baden-Baden’s Lichtentaler Straße, the Russian Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord stands out with its striking golden onion dome, a hallmark of Russian Orthodox architecture. Built in 1881-82 on land gifted by the city, this church was funded by Russian nobility including Grand Duchess Maria Maximilianowna, granddaughter of Tsar Nicholas I. Inside, mosaics by the renowned artist Grigor Gagarin adorn the sacred space, while beneath the altar lies the crypt containing her tomb and that of Princess Tatjana Gagarin. Today, the church still hosts regular services, welcoming visitors of all faiths.

Johannes Brahms’s former residence in Baden-Baden, known as the Brahms House or Lichtental No. 8, has been transformed into a museum dedicated to the composer’s life and work. The highlight is the attic where Brahms composed and practiced music during his stays, offering a personal glimpse into his creative world. This museum provides an insightful experience for music enthusiasts and those interested in Brahms’s legacy.

The Fabergé Museum in Baden-Baden is a unique cultural institution dedicated to showcasing the legendary Russian jeweler’s craft, notably the exquisite Fabergé eggs. Opened in 2009 by collector Alexander Iwanow, it houses over 700 pieces, including imperial Easter eggs and related jewelry, making it a must-visit for those interested in decorative arts and regal craftsmanship.

Perched at 567.9 meters above sea level on the northern edge of the Black Forest, Battert is a rugged hill renowned for its striking red rock faces and historical ruins. On its western slopes lie the remnants of Hohenbaden Castle, once a formidable medieval fortress. The southern side features the Battert Rocks, a popular climbing destination and protected nature reserve, with a circular Celtic rampart still faintly visible on the ridge. The eastern approach leads to the village of Ebersteinburg. A scenic footpath encircles the rocks, offering both climbers and hikers breathtaking views and a chance to immerse themselves in the area's natural beauty.

Yburg Castle stands as a romantic ruin perched atop the Yberg hill, on the western outskirts of the Black Forest near Baden-Baden. This historic fortress, now in picturesque ruins, offers visitors a glimpse into medieval life and the region’s strategic importance. Its scenic location provides a peaceful atmosphere for exploration and reflection amidst the lush forest landscape.

Theater Baden-Baden, located at Goetheplatz, is the city’s principal venue for performing arts. Constructed between 1860 and 1862, this historic theater hosts a variety of productions, from classical plays to contemporary performances, providing an essential cultural experience for visitors and locals alike.

Perched on the Fremersberg hill near Baden-Baden, the Fremersberg Tower stands tall at 83 meters, offering a striking blend of utility and views. Built in 1961, this reinforced concrete telecommunications tower features an observation deck 30 meters above ground, giving visitors a panoramic peek over the surrounding landscape. Just beside the tower, a cozy little restaurant invites you to unwind and soak in the scenery after your ascent.

Perched atop the Merkur mountain near Baden-Baden, the Merkur Observation Tower offers sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding Black Forest landscape. Since its construction in 1950, the tower has served both as a broadcasting station and a popular vantage point, featuring a restaurant at the summit where visitors can relax and enjoy the scenery.

Perched atop a hill on the western fringe of the northern Black Forest, Fremersberg rises to an elevation of 524.6 meters above sea level. This scenic spot, situated within the boundaries of Baden-Baden and Sinzheim, offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. Its summit features a residential area, Fremersberg Turm, which includes a charming inn and was established by Baden-Baden in 1884. Dominating the landscape is the Fremersberg Tower, an 85-meter-high transmission structure built in 1961, which also serves as an observation point with striking panoramic views.