Baden-Baden is a gorgeous spa town in Germany’s Black Forest. Over 2000 years ago, the Romans discovered thermal hot springs in Baden-Baden. In the 1800’s, the town became a popular meeting place for royalty and celebrities who visited the “healing” thermal baths and the town’s other amenities, such as the beautiful casino. Baden-Baden is a clean and sophisticated city with French architectural influence, due to its proximity to France. When my parents and I visited the Black Forest, I insisted that we had to experience Baden-Baden’s thermal baths for ourselves. I hope you enjoy my guide to Baden-Baden, Germany!
WHERE TO STAY
We stayed at the Atlantic Parkhotel Baden-Baden, which is directly across from the beautiful Baden-Baden Theater. Set on the bank of the Oos river, the exterior of this hotel is stunning and it is located in the heart of Baden-Baden. At first, there were a couple of mishaps with our booking and the room itself. However, we were delightfully surprised when the hotel upgraded us to a gorgeous suite! A wonderful breakfast is included at this hotel, which we enjoyed on the garden terrace overlooking the river.
WHERE TO EAT
My absolute favourite restaurant in Baden-Baden is Löwenbräu. The patio is lovely, especially on a summer night! Some other great restaurants in Baden-Baden are Leo’s Restaurant, Amadeus, Cafe Konig, and Monte Christo.
WHAT TO DO
Lichtentaler Allee
Strolling Baden-Baden’s Lichtentaler Allee is a must. This beautiful avenue runs along the river and through the heart of Baden-Baden. Walking Lichtentaler Allee is a great way to orient yourself and admire Baden-Baden.
Trinkhalle
The Trinkhalle is a gorgeous former spa complex built in 1842. Make sure you climb the steps and walk along the arcade, which is lined with frescos. There is also a nice park behind the Trinkhalle.
Casino
Baden-Baden’s infamous casino is located in the Kurhaus, a spa complex built in 1824. This casino has been a popular attraction for people around the world since it opened.
Thermal Baths
Over 2000 years ago, the Romans discovered twelve thermal springs in Baden-Baden. Roman Emperor Caracalla bathed in the hot springs and found that the water relieved his arthritic aches. For centuries, royalty, celebrities, and tourists from around the world have visited Baden-Baden to experience the thermal baths and their healing properties.
Today, there are two wonderful spas in Baden-Baden that use the water from the hot springs. The Friedrichsbad spa opened in 1877 and quickly became the most popular modern thermal spa in Germany. This spa combines Roman bathing culture and Irish hot-air baths into a 17-step ritual. Please note Friedrichsbad is a nudist spa and single-sex bathing is available on Mondays and Thursdays only.
My family and I opted to visit Caracalla Spa, where bathing suits are required. Caracalla Spa has various thermal baths, both indoor and outdoor, ranging from 18° C and 38° C. Your entrance fee will depend on the amount of time you want to spend at the spa. Please note that the sauna is the only nudist area in the spa and it is an additional cost. We chose the 90 minute pass (sans sauna) and we had an amazing time! I highly recommend visiting Caracalla Spa.
More info on Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Spa: https://www.baden-baden.com/en/health-wellness/thermal-baths
Roman Bath Ruins
When the Romans discovered the thermal hot springs in Baden-Baden, they created a thermal bath spa for themselves. You can see the ruins at the Museum of Ancient Bathing Culture. Guided and self-guided tours are available. You can enter the museum via the Steinstrasse, or the Friedrichsbad underground parking lot.
More info on the Roman Bath Ruins: https://www.baden-baden.com/en/media/attraktionen/roman-bath-ruins
Hohenbaden Old Castle
Just north of the Baden-Baden town centre, you can visit the ruins of Hohenbaden Old Castle for free and at any time of day. The origins of this castle date back to the 12th century! From the castle, you will have great views of the Black Forest.
I hope you enjoyed this guide to Baden-Baden, Germany!
To read my blog post, “A Road Trip Through Southern Germany and the Austrian Alps,” click here.
