Baden-Baden is a small, historic spa town of just over 50,000 residents that stands on the banks of the River Oos in the rolling, tree-clad foothills of the Black Forest close to the River Rhine, approximately 75 kilometres west of Stuttgart in south-western Germany. It is well known for its thermal springs which attracted the Romans to the area almost 2,000 years ago. Today, these same deep, hot springs (50C to 65C temp.) with their curative waters, still attract visitors looking for the known benefits attributed to them and the services available at the wellness centres located in town. In addition visitors are attracted for the quiet and elegant town, the casino, the beautiful local countryside and, in winter, the skiing!!
This small, classic town was popularised in the 19th century by many notable visitors such as Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm I, which helped develop the attractiveness once more of visiting the baths. This started to attract a slightly up-market clientele which has led Baden-Baden to develop a certain elegant feel and exclusivity which it maintains to this day. Currently these same thermal springs are fully equipped to cater to all lovers of self indulgence and offer a high quality service to its clients, which can be experienced at the Caracalla Spa or at the ‘Old Baths’, the Friedrichsbad. The township’s popularity has also increased as it has become a tourist destination for those wishing to see this historic centre!!
Within town there are several visitor attractions which are well worth some attention – for example the original Roman baths which are almost 2,000 years old and well preserved showing the design of the wall and under-floor heating. These ruins can be found underneath the Romerplatz. There is also the interesting Municipal Museum which can be found on Lichtentaler Allee. The museum displays the history of Baden-Baden from Roman times to the present day. Also on Lichtentaler Allee is Brahms House which is the only surviving residence of composer Johannes Brahms and is now a small museum. For art fans there is the Frieder Burda Collection, a museum containing approximately 550 paintings, drawings and sculptures tracing the history of art over 100 years. The collection concentrates on modern art with its primary focus being postwar German Expressionism and includes some American Abstract Expressionism.
There is also the ruined 12th century Hohenbaden Castle, or Old Castle, which stands high above the town and offers great views of Baden-Baden, the Black Forest and the River Rhine. This old ruin was once the residence of the Margraves of Baden who later built the New Castle, which is now the former residence of the Margraves, and is located on the Florentinerberg, a sun-blessed hill overlooking Baden-Baden – please note, it is not open to the public but it is possible to walk up to the castle and enjoy the views!! The city is actually named after the Margraves of Baden who lived here between the 14th and 17th centuries.
The oldest casino in Germany, which dates back over 200 years, can also be found in Baden-Baden. Once called ‘the nicest casino in the world’ by Marlene Dietrich, this elegant casino is famous for its interior design which is fashioned on the lines of a French Royal Palace!! If you wish to visit the casino you must be over 21 years old, and make sure you have your passport available.
The town of course has its Old Quarter which today is full of cafes and classy boutiques but there is still the Stiftkirche which can be found in the Marktplatz. This is the first Parish Church of the community and built on top of a former Roman Basilica. Constructed in the late Gothic style of architecture the church features impressive portal carvings and a pleasing interior but is known locally for containing the tombs of fourteen Margraves of Baden. Within the town there is also the delightful Russian Church which is built in the traditional Byzantine style with its glistening dome, the Festspeilhaus which is Germany’s largest concert venue and considered one of the top venues for opera and classical music, and the Kurhaus which becomes Baden-Baden’s glittering centre stage!!
For the more outdoor enthusiast there is of course the Iffezheim Race Track, walking amongst the delightful wooded hills backed by Mount Merkur (660 metres) which can easily be scaled via the Merkurbergbahn funicular or maybe a visit to the Fremersberg Tower from where glorious views of the surrounding countryside can be enjoyed.
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