Summary of Baden-Baden
Once the playground of the rich, the gates of Germany’s most famous spa town are now open to everyone. Fantastic Rocco villas, the mystery of the Black Forest, boutique shops and – best of all – its restorative waters all make Baden-Baden a top attraction in Germany.
How to Get to Baden-Baden
The closest airport is Karlsruhe/Baden Baden, located only 10km from the city center. However, most international travelers arrive through Frankfurt’s International Airport.
The city is easily reachable on Germany’s extensive train network. Baden-Baden’s Bahnhof (train station) is a 15-minute bus ride on the 201 to the town center, and it is also well-connected by the country’s extensive motorways.
History of Baden-Baden
Located in the darkly romantic southwest corner of Germany known as the Black Forest, the spa-loving Romans called the town Aquae (“the waters”) for its healing springs. They were reputedly responsible for curing Emperor Caracalla’s rheumatism and he celebrated this natural phenomenon by building three regal baths.
After the Romans departed, the town maintained its reputation as a health center, being hailed in the Middle Ages for saving people from the Black Death. Its current name, a plural form of Bad or “bath”, was adapted with an additional Baden to differentiate it from other Badens across Europe.
By the 19th century, architect Friedrich Weinbrenner capitalized on the city’s esteemed status by establishing a Neoclassical spa quarter. A casino was later added, solidifying the city’s reputation as a center of relaxation and pleasure, attracting illustrious visitors such as Tolstoy, various Vanderbilts, Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm I, and more recently, former US President Barack Obama.
Spas in Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden’s baths are still the star attraction. The curative waters are said to rise from a depth of 6,500 feet underground at temperatures ranging from 50°C to 68°C. Along the way, it collects valuable minerals, endowing the waters with their unique properties.
While many hotels offer their own spa services, several world-class spas beckon visitors:
This historic spa is the most famous in Baden-Baden, established in the mid-1800s and modeled after Roman baths. With marble, statues, and ornate domed ceilings, it exudes elegance. Mark Twain credited this spa with alleviating his rheumatism, and its treatments guide guests through a rigorous program aimed at achieving optimal health.
Using sea salts that are known for their beneficial effects on skin and respiratory health, this spa incorporates Kneipp therapy and focuses on treatments using the extraordinary Salina Sea Salt Grotto, utilizing salts from the Dead Sea and Himalayas to heal and beautify.
This stylish, modern 4,000-square-meter spa features seven pools, saunas, grottoes, and a café, creating an extensive wellness oasis. Nudity is confined to the upstairs sauna, while swimsuit attire is required for the pools.
This 19th-century hotel offers complete spa services, including pampering treatments like saunas, pools, and massages, with a team of doctors and dentists available for comprehensive care.
Baden-Baden’s Other Attractions
- Kurhaus – A spa complex dating from 1824 that houses the Versailles-inspired casino and concert hall, adorned with frescoes and columned spaces overlooking the river Oos.
- Casino Baden-Baden – Opened in the early 1800s, this luxurious casino has been praised for its beauty by renowned figures such as Marlene Dietrich.
- Römerplatz – Visitors can explore the ruins of the Roman baths while enjoying the same healing waters once favored by the ancient elites.
- Badeviertel – This bath district also serves as an excellent shopping destination.
- Brahms House – Peek into the original living space of classical musician Johannes Brahms.
- Castle Hohenbaden – A medieval castle from 1102 boasts dungeon lairs and impressive views of Baden-Baden and the Rhine Valley.
Moreover, Baden-Baden serves as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Activities such as hiking can be enjoyed year-round, supplemented by golf and tennis during the summer. In winter, skiing takes precedence, ensuring plenty of outdoor adventures for visitors.
