Baden Baden Germany

Baden-Baden is located in Southwest Germany and it’s just a few minutes from the French border. It lies in the foothills of the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) in the Oos Valley. It has an exceptionally mild climate with an early spring and a prolonged autumn with gloriously rich colors. Baden-Baden is known as a well established health resort, spa/beauty/wellness and vacation town.

The oldest traces of human settlers in the valley of the Oos River are 10,000 years old and date back to the Middle Stone Age. The Romans were the ones who founded the first permanent settlement, called Aquae, which is now known as the Old Town. They erected their emperor’s, citizens', and soldiers’ thermal baths on the Marktplatz and Roemerplatz; the remains of which can still be visited today. The Golden Age of the town began in 1797 with the Rastatt Congress. The impressive casino “Jacques Benazet” made Baden-Baden an elegant spa society and the “Summer Capital of Europe.” All politicians and great leaders in science and art, simply said, the “high nobility” from all over Europe met here for “summit meetings.” Most of this city survived the two World Wars. It did not get its reputation as an international spa resort until the 1950s.

State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle): This museum was built in 1908 by architects Hermann Billing and Wilhelm Vittali.

Casino: The most beautiful casino in the world and Germany’s oldest and largest casino was designed in the style of French palaces. You can play French and American roulette, baccarat, black jack, poker and Klondyke. Tours in different languages are available (English, French, Russian) by prior arrangements.

Opera and Concert Hall (Festspielhaus): This modern facility cleverly integrates the town’s historic railway station, a splendid neo-Renaissance edifice. Top-quality concerts, ballet and music festivals can be seen here. The Opera and Concert Hall was designed by architect Professor Holzbauer in 1996/97.

Lichtentaler Allee ( Lichtental Alley) This world-famous park along the River Oos was once the place to rendezvous for European nobility, artists and diplomats. Enjoy the beauty of 300 different varieties of trees and plants that flourish there.

Goenner Rose Garden (Goenneranlage) This beautiful rose garden was created in 1952 and has about 300 varieties of roses. Especially recommended for those who like to enjoy romantic moments.

Baden Baden Theater This Theater is amongst the most beautiful in Germany. It was built between 1860 and 1862 in the late baroque style of the Paris Opera House.

Thermal Fountain One of the best-known landmarks of Baden-Baden has three basins and it was modeled on a Roman original.

The old castle (Altes Schloss): This ancient palace was built in 1102 as “Hohenbaden” and it’s well worth a visit.

Roman Bath Ruins: In 1847 excavations revealed Roman Bath ruins beneath Roemerplatz square. They have been restored to provide a vivid picture of ancient thermal bathing culture.

Baden-Baden makes an ideal base for excursions like wine tasting in the surrounding winegrowing area, the Black Forest High Road to Freudenstadt, Lake Mummelsee and Baiersbronn. You can also cross over into Alsace (France) and go shopping in Strasbourg.

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The above information was written for Travels with Friends by Monika Holeanca, who was raised in Germany.

Sights in Baden-Baden, Germany