Car Hire Baden-Baden
Mini guide to Baden-Baden
Baden-Baden was famous in the 19th century as a playground for Europe’s nobility, who were drawn by its hot springs, rejuvenating waters and scenic countryside. Nowadays the city is as popular as ever.
Sights not to be missed include the Caracalla-Therme, named after a Roman Emperor. Medicinal treatments here include: mud baths, massages and whirlpools. The slightly radioactive water, which is rich in sodium chloride, hovers at a very high temperature of around 70C.
Bathers usually begin in cooler pools, working up to the warm water. The baths also have a sauna area, with foot baths and sun baths. You can also sip the water in the Pump Room. Away from the spas, go to Spielbank, the oldest casino in Germany, where you can tour the historic gaming rooms.
Enjoy a refreshing walk along the park promenade of Lichentaler Allee, next to the banks of the Oosbach River. The variety of exotic shrubs and trees as well as the beauty of the rhododendrons and roses makes it a pleasant stroll. At the northern end of the park, on the banks of the stream are the buildings of the Kurgarten, including the classical Kurhaus, which is used as an entertainment complex.
The shops in Baden-Baden contain some of the most expensive boutiques in Germany, selling designer clothes and leather goods. For culture, visit the beautiful Baroque-style Theatre am Goetheplatz, which presents opera, ballet and theatre performances. Restaurants in the area tend to be upmarket and of good quality.
The nearby Black Forest is alive with fairytale villages, well-equipped spas and modern ski resorts. The peaks in the southern part of the forest are excellent for skiing in winter and hiking or mountain climbing in summer. The lakes of Titisee and Schluchsee are popular for boating, swimming and ice-skating.
Access to Baden-Baden by car is via the A5 autobahn north and south or the A8 autobahn east and west. Baden-Baden is on major rail lines connecting Frankfurt and Basel, and Stuttgart and Munich. There are 20 trains daily from Stuttgart; 25 from Munich; and 45 from Frankfurt. Long-distance bus service is provided to Freudenstadt and Tübingen.
