Cities & Culture
Baden-Baden: for the finer things in life
Once the summer capital of Europe during the Belle Époque, Baden-Baden is now famous worldwide as a spa and culture town and a top-class reputation for healthcare. With its glamorous festivals, elegance and mild climate, Baden-Baden excels in everything it does.
Situated in a beautiful spot on the fringes of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden provides the most stylish setting imaginable for a cultural or health-related break. The spa town's 12 natural thermal springs well up from a depth of 2,000 metres, supplying thermal spas with 68°C hot spring water to pamper visitors from around the world. The water is also used for a wide range of treatments.
A Baden-Baden landmark, the alabaster-white Kurhaus is one of the world's most beautiful casinos, while the Festival Hall– Europe's second largest venue for opera and concerts – is the spectacular setting for the annual Whitsun Festival held in honour of Herbert von Karajan.
Lichtentaler Allee park is also home to the fascinating Frieder Burda Museum, which has one of the world's best collections of modern art on display. Other notable institutions are the Baden-Baden Museum, Fabergé Museum and Baden-Baden State Art Gallery as well as the theatre and philharmonic orchestra. The famous horse races at the Iffezheim racecourse have been attracting spectators from all over the world since 1858. The beautiful Old Town is perfect for a leisurely shopping trip, while numerous award-winning restaurants serve refined cuisine. Wine lovers will also appreciate the nearby wine region with its cosy and often exquisite guest houses.