Baden-Baden Travel guide Baden-Baden

lightbulb

Baden-Baden

Spa town in western Germany.

In short

Baden-Baden in short

Rapid access

How to get there?
Where to stay?
Practical information

In a nutshell

Located less than 1 hour from Strasbourg, in the German state of Baden-Württemberg, the Black Forest is dotted with high peaks, vineyards, rich farmhouses and large lakes. This region, which borders on France, is home to dozens of spa resorts, including the very chic Baden-Baden, in the south-west of the region. Founded by the Romans in 80 AD, Baden-Baden is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe's great spa towns.

Municipality of Baden-Baden, in the south-western Black Forest, Germany.

For centuries, Baden-Baden has grown with its customers. But the spa has remained true to tradition. You'll find shops, patisseries and cafés that have been family-run for generations. This German town also offers its visitors a varied programme throughout the year: from concerts to visits to the local museums, and events organised at the casino or the theatre, your stay in Baden-Baden is unlikely to be boring.

Street in downtown Baden-Baden, in the south-western Black Forest, Germany.

Considered to be one of the most exclusive spas in the world, Baden-Baden has been a success story since the late 18th century. At the time, the town was renowned throughout the continent, earning it the nickname "Summer Capital of Europe" until the 1870s. The Friedrichsbad thermal baths, dating from 1877, are still considered one of Europe's finest spas.

Entrance to the Friedrichsbad in Baden-Baden, Germany.

In the past, the town was known simply as Baden. However, because of its geographical location - in the state of Baden-Württemberg - it was customary to call it "Baden in Baden(n)". This name enabled the Germans to distinguish the municipality from the other towns in the country, some of which bore the same name. It was not until 1931 that the name Baden-Baden was officially recognised.

Municipality of Baden-Baden, in the south-western Black Forest, Germany.

Baden-Baden has retained its tourist appeal, particularly since the opening of the famous Caracalla Spa in 1985. This spa complex covers more than 4,000 m² and is a favourite with travellers, as well as locals and Alsatians, who don't hesitate to make the round trip for a day. The city's many parks and gardens also invite you to relax and unwind, whatever the season. Finally, take the funicular to the top of Mount Merkur to admire the view over Baden-Baden and the Black Forest.

The New Roses garden in Baden-Baden, Germany.

Among the many sights not to be missed during a stay in Baden-Baden are the town's two castles, the Festspielhaus (Europe's second-largest opera house), the Kurhaus with its casino and Trinkhalle, and the theatre with its typical Belle Époque façade. As for museums, don't miss the Fabergé and Frieder Burda museums.

Le Trinkhalle de Baden-Baden en Allemagne.

Lovers of nature and forest escapades can also take advantage of their holiday in Baden-Baden to explore part of the Black Forest. To discover the region's vast coniferous forests, take the Route des Crêtes, linking Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt. Just a few minutes' drive from the centre, the Geroldsau waterfall is also a popular nature spot for hikers.

The Geroldsau waterfall in Baden-Baden, in the heart of Germany's Black Forest.

How to get there?

Whatever your mode of transport, Baden-Baden is easily accessible from France. By car, the journey from Strasbourg on the A5 motorway takes just 50 minutes. There are also several daily train and bus connections from the Alsatian capital and other major French cities. Finally, if you choose to arrive by air, you could stop in Stuttgart or the Karlsruhe / Baden-Baden regional airport (FKB ), which is just 15 kilometres from the city centre.

Baden-Baden

✈️ Flights to Stuttgart

Flights to Stuttgart

From

£58

Book

Where to stay?

Fromluxury hotels to family flats, there's no shortage of accommodation in Baden-Baden. Whatever your budget or requirements, you'll easily find accommodation to suit. To meet visitor demand, private individuals are also offering rooms (or entire flats) on rental websites such as Airbnb.

To make your stay easier, the official Baden-Baden Tourist Office website regularly offers packages including accommodation and additional services (guided tour, romantic dinner, entrance to the thermal baths, etc.). In the off-season, these special offers are a great way to save money: take advantage of them!

Practical information

Visas and formalities:
As with all European Union countries, you do not need a visa to travel to Germany. A valid identity card is all you need to cross the border. Minors travelling without their parents must be in possession of an exit permit signed by a legal representative.

Language:
The official language is German. However, as throughout the country, most shopkeepers, restaurateurs and hoteliers in Baden-Baden speak perfect English. Because of Baden-Baden's proximity to the Alsatian border, you'll also often come across people who can answer you in French.

Currency and payments:
The currency used in Germany is the euro. Credit cards (or bank cards) are widely used and will not cost you anything extra. Beware, however: some small shops and restaurants refuse to accept this method of payment, preferring to pay in cash. Always keep a few notes in your wallet.

Getting around:
The easiest way to visit Baden-Baden is to put on your best shoes and wander the streets of the town centre. Nicknamed "the city of short distances", the town is easy to get around on foot. To make getting around easier, however, you can opt for public transport (on a network of 41 buses) or hire an electric bike.

Health:
The vaccinations required to enter Germany are the same as those required in the United Kingdom.

Emergency number:
For any emergency requiring the intervention of the fire brigade, the police or an ambulance, contact 112. This European emergency number will enable you to express your need in French and initiate the intervention of the emergency services.

Security:
As everywhere else in Europe, petty crime (including pickpocketing) is unfortunately rife in tourist areas. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially on public transport, and avoid carrying large sums of cash.

German rigour:
Germans are known for their rigour and discipline. Always be on time: punctuality is an important quality in Germany, and any lateness will be seen as a lack of respect. Likewise, untimely effusiveness and being on first-name terms are not appreciated. Even with a friend, abandon any idea of embracing in public and content yourself with a simple handshake.

lightbulb_outline Editor's tip

Do you have a week's holiday? Extend your stay in the Black Forest with a visit to Karlsruhe. Located around 30 minutes' drive from Baden-Baden, this town of over 300,000 inhabitants is also well worth spending 2 or 3 days in.

Useful links

Visit Baden-Baden

explore Try out our comparators

It is Easy to travel

Baden-Baden: Spa town in western Germany.

In a nutshell

How to get there?

✈️ Flights to Stuttgart

Where to stay?

Practical information