Cobbled city streets © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
Augustaplatz in winter © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
Nestled to the north of Germany’s beautiful Black Forest lies the small and impressively cosmopolitan city of Baden-Baden. Founded over 2,000 years ago by the Romans, who discovered the benefits of the local natural thermal springs, the city has since become an iconic oasis for wellness, culture and nature seekers. Named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2021 as part of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, this little gem promises travellers a taste of “the good-good life”. Here, unparalleled wellness offerings meet exciting entertainment and world-class gastronomy, made all the more magical during the colder months. With special winter offers running from 6 January to 28 February 2025, there’s no better time to visit than now.
A WINTERY HORSE & CARRIAGE RIDE
Far from the noise and rush of cities, Baden-Baden is a haven of tranquillity where nature takes the limelight. The city centre is a car-free zone, and everything is reachable on foot. A special winter experience is a horse carriage ride along the 3-kilometre-long Lichtentaler Allee. Snuggled under cosy blankets, you’ll pass by some of the city’s iconic landmarks, including museums, grand hotels and Belle Époque villas. A local guide can be booked to accompany the ride, enlightening and entertaining with historical facts and amusing anecdotes about famous writers, great musicians and Russian czars.
Above: Lichtentaler Allee in winter © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
Hero: View of Baden-Baden from Michaelsberg © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
STUNNING DISPLAYS OF NATURE
Don’t miss the area’s natural beauty with the mystical Black Forest as a backdrop. Merkur Mountain — the city’s highest point at 667 metres, reachable within minutes on the funicular railway — offers breathtaking sights and is the best spot for lovely sunsets and fresh, crisp air. Baden-Baden is also the gateway to the Black Forest Panoramic Route, which leads to the Black Forest National Park and impresses with beautiful nature and splendid views over the mountains and the Rhine Valley.
WARMING WATER WELLNESS
Baden-Baden’s relaxing hot springs are its raison d’être. Daily, 800,000 litres of warming waters at a temperature of up to 68 degrees Celsius work wonders for the body and soul. This is what the Romans discovered some 2,000 years ago when they founded the first public baths in Baden-Baden to improve the well-being of others. Set in architectural masterpieces and appointed with the best possible service, the expansive Caracalla Spa and the traditional Friedrichsbad Spa are perfect for pampering sessions. From soap brush massages to expansive saunas, these splendid spas offer world-class treatments using mineral-rich water that bubbles up from 12 springs rooted deep below the earth. The Caracalla Spa, with more than 5,000 square metres of bathing and wellness space, creates an exceptional ambience for relaxation in the thermal water. The historic Friedrichsbad spa looks back on more than 145 years of bathing history, and its 17 different stations bring traditional Roman bathing culture and Irish hot-air bathing to the modern day.
Caracalla Spa © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH
CULTURAL WONDERS
Immerse yourself in an art-filled arcadia and delight all your senses at Baden-Baden’s cultural sites. The walls of the Museum Frieder Burda, built by acclaimed New York architect Richard Meier, are adorned with legendary works by prominent artists like Pablo Picasso, Gerhard Richter and Neo Rauch. Baden-Baden is also home to Europe’s second-largest opera and concert hall, and its acoustics are celebrated for their excellence. Festival Hall Baden-Baden hosts a variety of music and dance programmes, especially during the winter months, always at the highest level. A wide range of world-renowned performers are showcased here, from international operas to ballet shows, artist performances and music concerts.
SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP
Shopping is a real pleasure in Baden-Baden, from pretty stores to high-end boutiques and authentic craftsmanship, this sophisticated town offers a shopping experience for everyone. A must-visit is Vickermann & Stoya, Baden-Baden’s finest cobblers who handcraft made-to-measure shoes, each pair as unique as its owner. Founded in 2005, this manufacturer boasts an extensive national and international customer base who appreciate the best quality, premium leathers and excellent materials. Take your new pair of bespoke shoes for a stroll along the elegant shopping colonnades in front of the Kurhaus to find some exclusive gifts and treasures. Here, designer labels, precious jewellery and trendy accessories await to complete your polished look from head to toe.
Baden-Baden is a truly enchanting place, exuding class and refinement at every turn. However, for every piece of modern luxury, there is an equally charming reminder of the city’s history. A must-see for any traveller, this is one destination that cannot be missed.
Baden-Baden is home to various cafes and bakeries © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
The city offers ample opportunities for shopping © Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH / C. Duepper
To find out more about Baden-Baden and its special 3 for 2 winter offering, visit the links below:
Baden-Baden Tourism Board
Tourist Information Baden-Baden
City Centre
Kaiserallee 1
76530 Baden-Baden
Web: www.baden-baden-com
Tel:+49 (0) 7221 275 200
Email: info@baden-baden.com
Instagram: @visitbadenbaden
Facebook: @badenbaden