Summary
Karlsruhe, home to about a quarter of a million people, is located in the southwest of Germany, in the German State of Baden-Württemberg. You’ll find Karlsruhe north of spa town Baden-Baden, and south of Heidelberg, both interesting travel destinations.
Karlsruhe is known as the center of Justice in Germany, owing to its two high German courts, and is often referred to as the “gateway to the Black Forest,” which lies to the south, bordered by France and Switzerland.
Why Do People Go to the Black Forest?
The idea of the Black Forest, Schwarzwald in German, is indeed grand, offering visitors hiking trails, spa towns, and some captivating wine routes, including the Baden and Alsace Wine Routes. Moreover, the region is renowned for its Christmas markets and festivities that begin in the last week of November.
For further information on the Black Forest, you may explore the official Black Forest site.
Karlsruhe Rail Station
Karlsruhe Rail Station, or Hauptbahnhof, is situated at the center of a significant transportation hub. Upon exiting the station, you will encounter trams that can take you to central city locations or even further afield. A variety of hotels are located in close proximity.
Inside the station, visitors can enjoy a selection of restaurants, bars, bakeries, and sandwich vendors. In fact, in 2008, Karlsruhe was honored with the title “Train Station of the Year” for being a “lively and relaxing service-oriented station.”
Nearest Airports to Karlsruhe
Frankfurt International Airport, located about 72 miles from Karlsruhe, offers convenient rail connections from the main station directly to the airport. Furthermore, the closest airport is Baden Karlsruhe Airport (FKB), situated just 15 km from the city center.
Where to Stay
During our visit, we enjoyed a pleasant stay at Hotel Residenz Karlsruhe, which features a bar and restaurant and is conveniently located adjacent to the train station.
Top Sights – What to See and Do in Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe boasts a vibrant center built around the Marktplatz, or main market square, where shoppers will find numerous pedestrian streets lined with shops throughout the downtown area. To begin your exploration, visit the Karlsruhe Palace (Schloss Karlsruhe), the site where the city originated with its construction in 1715. Today, visitors can tour select rooms of the palace or the extensive Badisches Landesmuseum (Baden State Museum) that occupies much of the palace. On a rainy day, this museum offers a perfect escape, and the entrance fees are reasonable. The palace itself sits at the center of a unique “wheel” of roads that radiate from it, exemplifying Baroque city planning.
Like nearby Baden-Baden, Karlsruhe is home to several spa complexes. One notable facility is Terme Vierordtbad, which offers a bathing complex, saunas, and steam baths at accessible prices.
In front of the train station complex lie the Stadtgarten and Karlsruhe Zoo, both of which provide a wonderful area for leisurely strolls. Visitors can observe exotic animals that seem to roam freely within the gardens.
The Kleine Kirche (Little Church) is the oldest church in Karlsruhe, with origins dating back to 1776.
Furthermore, technologically inclined artists are encouraged to visit ZKM (Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie), Karlsruhe’s Center for Art and Media Technology, which showcases modern creativity and innovation.
