Baden-Baden is the ideal base to explore the Black Forest's enchanting scenery, from valleys, lakes, and waterfalls to charming towns, such as Freiburg and Baiersbronn. This is the perfect area to hike and get active or simply enjoy meandering through the countryside by car.
Baden-Baden's Festival Hall, the Festspielhaus, is Germany's largest music and performance venue, housed in a converted railway station that stages ballet, symphony, and opera from renowned German and international artists. One of the highlights of the season is the annual Easter Festival when the Berlin Philharmonic takes center stage.
The steeply planted vines on the edge of the Black Forest grow Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Pino Blanc, and Riesling grapes. The wines of southwest Germany have reached international acclaim in the last decade. The best vineyards are between Baden-Baden and Basel.
The striking modernist Frieder Burda museum showcases modern and contemporary art of the 20th century in their permanent collection, including Picasso and Gerhard Richter.
Baden-Baden has been a famous spa town for centuries. Between May and October, the original Roman baths dating back to the reign of Caracalla (3rd century AD) are open for viewing. You can still enjoy the warm thermal waters at the 43,000-square-foot Caracalla Spa.
Baden-Baden is a green oasis for lovers of parks and gardens. Probably the most extraordinary of these is the Rosengarten auf dem Beutig, or Rose Garden. Visit in June to see the best blooms.
Germany is the original home of Christmas Markets, and the Baden-Baden market starts on November 29 and continues until January 6. Surrounded by the mountains and the forests, this winter wonderland is certain to inspire a festive mood.
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Spring, summer and early fall are great times to visit the region. Between April and September visitors can enjoy the nearby Black Forest region, the hiking and biking trails and of course the thermal baths. During September and early October, the wine production is in full swing, and visitors can explore the different wineries along the Rhine valley.
Baden-Baden is a cultural hub in the area, with highly regarded museums like the Frieder Burda and the Fine Arts Museum, as well as the Faberge Museum. The thermal baths, the Belle Epoque architecture and the several music venues make this destination the perfect base to explore the region. The Black Forest, one the biggest attractions in the country, is an ideal day trip from Baden-Baden. There are several routes available to explore all the lakes, picturesque towns and to immerse in the local culture by visiting the different artisans and taste the regional cuisine. Heidelberg, located an hour north, is also worth a day trip. The historical town, famous for its castle overlooking the valley, boasts the oldest university in the country.
The best way to cover Southwest Germany is self-driving. There are many day trip options and the roads are first-class, which make the trip enjoyable and the area easy to navigate. Anywhere in the area can be reached within one hour – the Black Forest, Heidelberg, Strasbourg, Freiburg, the Rhine Valley and even Stuttgart. Shore tours on the Rhine ports as well as pre and post private programs covering the whole are between Basel in Switzerland and Frankfurt are also popular.
Staying at Brenners Park Hotel, one of the most (if not the most) exclusive hotels in the region, takes guests back in time to experience the Belle Epoque years. Enjoying breakfast on the garden outside and strolling along the Oos river on the Lichtentaler Allee afterwards is truly memorable!
To celebrate special occasions, local residents head to the fine world-class Schwarzwaldstube Restaurant at the Hotel Traube Tonbach, in the Black Forest. With views over the lush hills, and featuring a minimalist design, this three-star Michelin restaurant is the perfect place to indulge in the local cuisine with creations of one of Germany’s best chefs, Torsten Michel.
Arts and crafts are present everywhere in the region, and there is an array of souvenirs guests can take home. Our favorites are the glass creations from local glassblowing manufacturers, the detailed miniature cuckoo clocks and of course the Black Forest cake, or at least an authentic recipe for it!
