Visit Baden-Baden And The Black Forest: Germany’s Spa Town

Whether it be Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty or the many other enchanting fairy tales written by the Grimm Brothers, they were all set in the dense Black Forest of Germany’s Baden-Wurttemberg state. Growing up with these stories, it is no surprise a visit to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest was something I had always wanted to experience.

Stuck in time in all the right ways, Baden-Baden is a colourful and welcoming spa town within the Black Forest region, where exquisite architecture blends into a striking setting dominated by mountains and forestry. It is no surprise why a wild imagination graced authors who lived here for decades.

It is a town where the best of modernity flourishes alongside old-town charm. You will not spend a day here without falling in love with the random appearances of horse-drawn carriages and men dressed in top hats. It is also one of those perfect destinations for travellers wishing to explore and admire their surroundings without the rush of a big city atmosphere. In fact, the lifestyle here is so laid-back, that shops don’t open on Sundays, and restaurants/cafés don’t open before 10am!  

Truthfully, if you are looking to escape to an unfamiliar environment where you gain the thrill of travelling without the crowds, visiting Baden-Baden and the surrounding Black Forest is the paradise you deserve. Town feels untouched by tourism, allowing you to immerse in an authentic German experience without feeling like an outsider even if you don’t speak the language. Perhaps the magic of the fairytales from this region are not just stuck to the page.

Travel and Accommodation In Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden has one small airport that receives many international flights, however, there may be instances where you may need to travel into Berlin or any other larger city first. If you travel from London though, you can get here on an extremely cheap 2-hour flight from Stansted Airport. 

Being the quaint town that is it, most attractions are a short walk or bus ride away from the town centre, and the centre is exactly where you should stay. Not only for convivence but also to be able to experience the unique night and day life that is simultaneously relaxed and energetic. 

I stayed at Hotel Quellenhof, which I cannot recommend enough. It is beautiful and large, and most rooms have lovely Juliette balconies that are perfect for marvelling at the surrounding Braque-style buildings.

Nine Amazing Things To Do In Baden-Baden 

Ride the Merkurbergbahn (Merkur Mountain Railway)

Easily the best thing to do on your visit to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest is riding Europe’s longest and steepest funicular railway – the Merkurbergbahn – which summits the 2191-foot Merkur Mountain. The picturesque ride brings you up to delicious cuisine and gorgeous panoramic views of everything that surrounds the mountain town, including the upper Rhine, the Black Forest, the city of Karlsruhe and even as far as Strasbourg in France.

During the summer, the area is often abuzz with activity and visitors can join in with locals who enjoy sunbathing on the hills or watching a stunning sunset, while the off-season offers a tranquil space to immerse in nature.

Although the attraction is open year-round, do keep in mind that it does close during uncontrollable events such bad weather.  

Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths

Of course, every spa town has a collection of iconic baths and Baden-Baden is no different. Enjoy luxury within 2000 years of Roman history as you soak in the quiet of whirlpools, swimming pools, and saunas. This experience is particularly something to be enjoyed if you plan your trip during the winter.

The Paradies Cascade 

The Paradies Cascade is a unique construction of fountains from the 1920s that descends an incredible 130 feet within an ornament garden. It is one the most striking features in Baden-Baden and the Black Forest region because it is another great part of the town offering scenic views of the countryside and lovely footpaths. Considered to be  one of the country’s first ‘beautiful living projects’, the area is also famed for its exquisite collection of mansions.

Lichtentaler Allee 

Luchtentaler Alee is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places at the heart of Baden-Baden. Stroll along delightful river scenery, among more than 300 varieties of trees and come across horse-drawn carriages that make you feel like you’ve stepped into a scene of Bridgerton. This is park unlink anywhere else in the world.

Museum Frieder Burda

Dedicated exclusively to 20^th and 21^st-century art, this gallery displays interesting and unique exhibits, that are though-provoking. However if you are no too interested in art, it is in all honestly, not worth the cost.

Trinkhalle (Pump Rooms) 

Pump Rooms can be found all over Europe and the ones in Baden-Baden are just as beautiful as the rest – with its gorgeous architecture, incredible murals and manicured gardens. Sitting outside the historic building on a warm and sunny day is one of the most relaxing things to do in Baden-Baden.

Schloss Rastatt and Schloss Favorite

When you visit Baden-Baden, don’t forget to make for a detour! A short train and bus ride north of city lies the quiet town of Rastatt, which is home to two gorgeous Baroque palaces, each set-in gardens of the same period. Schloss Rastatt is particularly fascinating as it towers in its magnificent pink beauty, and although it was closes the day I visited, it was worth the journey to simply admire the exterior. 

Roman Bath Ruins

For once being known as Aquae Aureliae, it is only natural that Baden-Baden is a spa town whose history is evidenced by the fascinating, well-preserved Roman Bath Ruins.

The Baroque Old Town

If there is one thing you will never forget about your visit to Baden-Baden, is that everywhere you look, you are met by the beauties of the past. Wander the town’s lanes and alleys for endless colour and alluring architectural heritage and overall elaborate charms. 

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Average Cost For Three Days In Baden-Baden Per Person

Transport (flights from London + local travel): £60

Accommodation: £70 (£140 per double)

Attractions: £30 (excluding the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths)

Food and amenities: £65

Keep In Mind

Baden-Baden is a spa town in Germany that feels nearly perfect but there a few things to keep in mind for when you make your visit.

Having spent so much in the U.K. now, I forgot how there are many parts of the world that still rely on cash payments. So do not forget that you need cash or coins for all public transport you use, as well as at the Roman Bath Ruins.

The transport system is like anywhere else, but I did manage to get lost as soon as I got on the bus at the airport! So, for all future visitors, make sure to take the 285 to Baden-Baden Bahnhof, which is the city’s main bus station and will connect you to wherever else you’d like to go.

Practical Information About Baden-Baden

Continent/Area: Germany, Western Europe 

Neighbouring Countries: The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria. 

National Languages: German

Currency: Euro