15 Wonderful Things to Do in Baden-Baden, Germany

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There are so many wonderful things to do in Baden Baden. So many in fact, that I’m planning a trip back there to explore deeper into the Black Forest. 

Of all the places I’ve visited in Germany, Baden-Baden surprised me the most.

I’d seen the destination pop up all the time while browsing cheap flights on Skyscanner’s ‘Everywhere’ feature. I’d always thought, ‘Nah, there’s probably not a lot there’.

And boy, was I wrong!

This part of Germany is beautiful. It’s one of the great spa towns of Europe, located on the edge of the Black Forest and is the perfect blend of elegant charm, historic sites, and natural beauty.

There are also plenty of great hiking trails and things to do around the town itself, so you could easily turn a few days’ trip into a week here if you love the outdoors. 

So, if you’re considering visiting this hidden gem in Germany, here are the 15 best things to do in Baden-Baden, Germany.

✅ Don’t have time to read the whole article? Here’s the best walking tour of the town, the hotel we stayed at during our time there. And, to see the best of Baden-Baden, I highly recommend hiring a car.

Where to stay in Baden Baden

First things first, let’s talk about where to stay. Since Baden-Baden is a town, you might not expect there to be a lot of choice when it comes to accommodation, but there are quite a few hotels, B&Bs, and apartments in the area for you to choose from.

We stayed in a lovely B&B less than 10 minutes drive from the heart of Baden-Baden (we also hired a car which makes it much easier to visit this part of the country. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area.

• £££ – Batschari Palais Baden-Baden – This stylish 4* hotel in the city centre of town has spacious suites with large comfortable beds. A delicious buffet breakfast is served every morning and there hotel is within walking distance from the centre of the town.
• ££ – Haus Am See – This adorable B&B was where we stayed during our time here. It has cosy rooms, a beautiful lake just outside the hotel and balconies with views into the forest. It’s also really quiet here and incredibly peaceful and the breakfast was simple but delicious.
• £ – Hotel Rebstock – This charming hotel is decorated in the traditional German style. You will need a car to stay here as it’s located a little outside the town centre. But you’ll be closer to the forest if you love the outdoors. The rooms are spacious and comfortable and the hotel has a historic feel to it. 

✅ Discover more of the best places to stay in Baden-Baden

The Best Things to Do in Baden Baden, Germany

So, now that you know where you’re staying and know a little more about this delightful slice of German paradise, here are the best 14 things to do in Baden Baden.

1. Admire Trinkehalle

Cost: Free

This was one of the first places we visited here. The beautiful building is well worth a visit if you’re in the town. This 19th-century structure has 14 picturesque frescoes painted by Jakob Götzenberger, a stunning ceiling adorned with artwork, and an impressive length of around 90 meters

The frescoes illustrate scenes from the Black Forest’s legends, which are really interesting. You can pretty much see lots of different stories in the paintings.

Then, the area around this building makes it even more impressive. The beautiful gardens have a selection of places to sit and admire the surroundings. 

All in all, the Trinkehalle is a great place to admire the town’s past and see stunning architecture and beautiful nature at the same time.

✅ I recommend using this company to book your hire car in Baden-Baden

2. Wander the Old Town

Cost: Free

I love exploring the Old Town in a destination and I think it’s one of the best ways to get a feel for a place. This town has quite a romantic vibe with quaint courtyards, boutiques, and cafes. There are hidden architectural gems and so much history steeped within its cobblestone streets. 

I think we spent a good few hours wandering around its narrow, winding alleyways, popping into the local boutiques, which all offer an array of unique and high-quality items—perfect for a casual day of shopping.

In between browsing, you relax at one of the many cosy cafes that dot the Old Town. Grab a cup of coffee and don’t forget to try a slice of the famed Black Forest cake.

3. Soak in the Caracalla Spa

Cost: €19 for 2 hours, €23 for 3 hours, or €31 for all day.

You can’t visit a German spa town without actually visiting a spa, right? A revitalising dip in the mineral-rich hot springs of the Caracalla Baths is one of the best things to do in Baden Baden.

This modern spa complex, inspired by ancient Roman times, has a diverse selection of thermal pools, saunas, and wellness treatments.

There are both indoor and outdoor pools here, with different temperatures ranging from a soothing 18°C (64°F) to a muscle-melting 38°C (100°F).

You can also indulge in aromatic steam baths, one of the many solariums, or the sauna area, where you can use different heat intensities to create therapeutic effects tailored to your exact needs.

4. Take a Trip to the Merkur Funicular

Cost: €7 for a return trip

You absolutely have to visit the Merkur Funicular Railway. It’s about a 10-minute drive from the centre of the town and one of the best things to do in Baden Baden if you love viewpoints and stunning scenery. 

It’s one of the most technically challenging funiculars in Europe and the longest funicular in Germany. With a steep incline of over 50% in places, it climbs 1,214 feet to the top of the Merkur Mountain.

The views from the top are out of this world. You can see panoramic views of the Black Forest and the town in the distance. 

When you reach the summit, there is a range of hiking trails you can explore through the forest. There is also a tower at the top that you can climb if you want to get even higher, a small play area for children, and a little restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat with the most beautiful views. 

✅ I recommend using this company to book your hire car in Baden-Baden

5. Stroll Through Lichtentaler Allee

Cost: Free

This picturesque green space is the green heart of the town and a perfect introduction to Baden-Baden’s laid-back lifestyle. This historic space has been in use since the 19th century and stretches a pretty impressive 2.3 kilometres along the Oos River. 

It’s dotted with impressive sculptures and historical buildings, including the Gönneranlage, a rose garden gifted by a patron of the city. This is a great spot for a leisurely walk in nature, a sunlit picnic on the banks of the river, or even a space to explore the culture and history of the town.

6. Experience the Opera House

Cost: Free to view. Tickets vary.

If you love cultural events and magnificent buildings, you’ll adore the Opera House. When we visited there was a show on and there was an assortment of people, all dressed up, waiting to go inside.

There were also people outside trying to flag last-minute tickets, so, if you haven’t booked, you might be able to get lucky here!

Also known as the Festspielhaus, the exquisite opera house is the ultimate place in the little town for a touch of cultural sophistication. As one of the largest opera houses in Europe, the venue is effortlessly beautiful, with elaborate frescoes and rich, gold accents on the ceilings and walls.

It wasn’t always an Opera House, however as it used to be a railway station in the 19th century. It was transformed into a concert hall but you can still kind of see the railway station vibes.

Today, it hosts a wonderful array of performances from world-renowned operas to ballets and classical concerts, attracting audiences from around the world. If you’re into opera and shows, this is one of the best things to see in Baden Baden.

7. Visit Paradise Cascade

Cost: Free

This place is utterly stunning. There’s really no other way of putting it. It’s located within Lichtentaler Alle’s gardens, and this hidden gem is one of the most popular sights in the park. We visited in the wintertime, so the actual waterfall was frozen. However, it was still a pretty stunning spot. 

Framed by towering trees, the fountain is just wonderful. In the summer months, the lush greenery surrounding the cascade allows the dappled sunlight to play upon the water.

It’s a great opportunity for photography any time of year. In winter, the frosty trees and the frozen water look beautiful and, in summer, the greenery and the flowers create a much more vibrant atmosphere. 

Whichever time of year you decide to visit, definitely bring your camera as you’re sure to love this spot. It is also a great place for a quiet break during a stroll through the gardens or for a nice picnic beneath the trees. 

8. Uncover the Roman Bath Ruins

Cost: €5 per adult

Did you know that Baden Baden used to house a collection of Roman Baths? I mean, you probably figured considering it’s a spa town, right? But the local tradition of soaking in thermal waters dates back hundreds of years. 

These well-preserved ruins are a must-visit in the little town if you love history. During excavations, archaeologists unearthed an intricate system of walls, basins, and channels, that were once a part of daily life in historic Germany.

It’s easy to imagine the site in its heyday. It was probably bustling with activity, as the Romans went about their bathing rituals that were as much about cleanliness as they were about socializing. It’s well worth exploring the old baths and you can learn a lot about how the town used to run.

9. Explore Hohenbaden Castle

Cost: Free

If you love abandoned ruins (which I cannot get enough of), and yet more stunning viewpoints, you’re going to adore this place. Also just a 10-minute drive from the town centre, Hohenbaden Castle will give you some of the most breathtaking views you’ll see during your entire time here.

I’m not even joking, these views were by far my favourite. I mean, look at this!

Of course, as I mentioned, we visited during the winter months so the scenes look like a frosty Christmas card. But, I can imagine in summer, they’re just as beautiful – minus the icicles of course!

The atmosphere is pretty magical. Perched on a hillside, this medieval fortress offers a wonderful view of the spectacular valley below. Once the home to the Margraves of Baden in the 11th century, Hohenbaden Castle is now a crumbling ruin.

Nonetheless, you can still imagine how the castle used to look: its walls and towers are still partially intact and you can climb into the upper parts of the castle.

A slight word of warning though, the castle can be a little bit sketchy. Many of the stairways to the upper parts don’t have hand rains and, especially in the winter, the stairs can be a little slippy. So, if you are planning on visiting the castle, be very careful when you explore.

Top Tip: You’ll need a car to visit this place. There is a small car park at the foot of the castle but the road to get to it is very windy, so you may want a confident driver behind the wheel.

✅ I recommend using this company to book your hire car in Baden-Baden

10. Go for a Walk in the Black Forest

Cost: Free

No trip to southwestern Germany would be complete without exploring the Black Forest. It’s the ideal place to go hiking, bird-watching, or simply to relax and enjoy nature. 

This area of Germany is known for its extensive range of hiking trails, suitable for all levels of experience. Whether you’re after a gentle stroll or a rigorous trek to a mountain peak, the variety of paths through the deep woods and rolling hills offers a fantastic experience. 

One famous trail is the Westweg, a long-distance route stretching over 280 kilometres that takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes the forest has to offer.

For those seeking a shorter excursion, the Triberg Waterfalls present a more manageable hike with the reward of Germany’s highest waterfalls at the end. If you don’t fancy getting the funicular, you could also hike to the top of the Merkur Mountain instead. 

No matter the trail you choose, I highly recommend getting out of the town itself as enjoying the natural surroundings is one of the best things to do in Baden Baden. You might just walk Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail while you’re there!

11. Visit the Museum Frieder Burda

Cost: €14 per person

For art lovers, the Museum Frieder Burda should be high on your list of Baden Baden attractions. It’s a striking steel and glass structure designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier which is home to a stunning collection of modern and contemporary art.

The building’s design ensures that natural light floods the exhibition spaces, creating a fantastic ambience, perfect for admiring the artwork.

Inside, the museum showcases an impressive collection of more than 1,000 works of art, including masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock, and Gerhard Richter.

Besides the permanent collection, the Museum Frieder Burda also hosts temporary exhibits that offer insights into current trends and different perspectives on the modern art scene.

12. Explore the Friedrichsbad Spa

Cost: €35 per adult

Fancy a second spa trip? Then head to Friedrichsbad, where you’ll find a traditional spa with 150 years of bathing history behind it. Established in 1877, this spa is known for its elegant Roman baths and the invigorating Irish-Roman steam bath sequence.

The spa’s architecture is also pretty stunning, with ornate frescoes and statues that date back to when it was created.

Within the spa, it’s not as simple as just relaxing in a hot bath. There’s a 17-step ritual that you can follow which takes you through a series of warm air baths to hot steam rooms, and even an invigorating dip in a cold water plunge pool. 

Each step is designed to harmonize the body’s temperature and to purify and rejuvenate both the skin and the respiratory system. It’s an incredibly unique experience and one that I highly recommend if you fancy leaving the town feeling completely pampered.

13. Visit the Baden Baden Christmas Market

Cost: Free (but you’ll probably buy Bratwurst and mulled wine!)

If you love festivities and fancy exploring one of the best Christmas Markets in Germany, you’ll definitely want to visit during the winter months. 

We visited here after spending a few days previously exploring Frankfurt, Cologne, and Strasbourg and it was one of the prettiest markets we visited. There was a street filled with lights and little heated bubble pods where you could sit and drink mulled wine. 

The Baden-Baden Christmas Market offers a festive wonderland in the heart of the city’s picturesque spa gardens.

Wander past beautifully decorated market stalls offering a variety of traditional German Christmas decorations, handcrafted toys, and unique gift ideas. The market’s stalls are covered with lights and greenery, creating a super cosy atmosphere.

The market also features a range of great food (let’s face it, who doesn’t go to a Christmas market for the food?). You’ll find sweet pastries, scrumptious chocolates, hearty German sausages and swirls of potatoes on sticks.

You’ll also find lots of beer and spiced mulled wine. It’s one of the best things to do in Baden Baden if you’re visiting in the festive season.

14. Take a Day Trip to Strasbourg

Cost: Train tickets cost around €26 per person.

One of the best day trips I took was to the lovely little city of Strasbourg. Since we visited during the winter months, this city was all decked up in its festive outfit and there were lights everywhere, market stalls, and such a wonderful atmosphere – it’s not called the Capital of Christmas for nothing!

However, even if you’re not visiting in the winter months, this is a great day trip. The city is just under 1 hour’s drive from Baden Baden and it’s a very easy journey down the motorway and then across the French border.

If you aren’t driving, you can also get a train between the two cities. There’s a short stop in Appenweier before it continues to Strasbourg, but the whole journey takes just over an hour.

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region and a wonderful blend of French and German culture.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city’s historic centre, Grande Île, is a beautiful collection of narrow streets lined with timber-framed houses that lead to the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral. You can climb to the viewing platform here for wonderful views of the Rhine Valley.

Also in Strasbourg, you’ll find Petite France, the city’s most picturesque quarter, where you can explore canals framed by flowering balconies and cobblestone streets. You’ll also find delicious food and mouthwatering wines thanks to the nearby vineyards.

✅ Book train tickets from Baden-Baden to Strasbourg

15. Take a Day Trip to Heidelberg 

Cost: Train tickets are around €38 per person

When we visited this corner of Germany, we drove down from Frankfurt. On the way, we stopped in Heidelburg and dedicated a day to this little gem. Nonetheless, if you’re flying straight into Baden itself, this city makes a great day trip from the forest town.

This university town is famous for its historic castle ruins and vibrant Old Town. Nestled along the Neckar River, Heidelberg is a pretty romantic city, especially with the towering ruins of Heidelburg Castle towering over it. 

The old castle, perched on a hilltop, is one of the best things to do in Heidelberg and offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Germany’s history.

Once you’ve explored the castle, head to the city’s Old Town, or Altstadt to explore the cobbled streets, cafes, and boutiques. Be sure to go for a walk along the river and cross the beautiful Old Bridge, Alte Brück.

Whether for a day trip or longer Heidelberg’s blend of history and charm makes it a must-see destination in Germany.

✅ Book train tickets from Baden-Baden to Heidelberg

Is Baden-Baden worth visiting?

Yes, Baden Baden is easily worth visiting. The little town has so much charm and, if you love the outdoors, it’s one of the best places in Germany for hiking and exploring nature.

Plus, the town itself is so charming. With beautiful buildings, historic architecture, thermal spas, and crumbling castle ruins, it’s an ideal place for a romantic escape to the German countryside.

How many days do you need in Baden-Baden?

That depends on what you want to do there. If you’re only planning on exploring the town itself and visiting a few of the spas, then you could probably get away with spending 2 days in Baden Baden.

However, if you love the outdoors and want to explore the surrounding forest region, go hiking, and take a few day trips to the nearby towns and cities, you could easily spend over a week here. So, it entirely depends on your interests.

As a general rule, 4 days in Baden Baden should give you the best of both worlds. 

Where do you fly in to visit Baden-Baden?

Despite being a small town, Baden Baden actually has its own airport. The Karlsruhe / Baden Baden (FKB) Airport is the third largest in the Baden-Württemberg state and directly serves the town.

Ryanair flies there directly from London – this was the flight we took home as we flew into Frankfurt and drove down to Baden. Several other airlines also fly direct from the UK. There are also plenty of direct flights from the rest of Germany and other major cities around Europe.

✅ Book flights to Baden-Baden

Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Baden-Baden, Germany

Overall, I think that Baden Baden is a fantastic place to visit in Germany. It has the perfect small-town vibes that I absolutely love and paired with the beautiful natural surroundings and historic centre made for an unforgettable trip.

It’s a place that’s pretty on my list of places in Germany that I want to revisit. So, if you’re planning a trip here, I can almost promise that you won’t be disappointed.

P.S. If you want to visit other places in Germany, I recommend Dresden and Bastei Bridge.

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a small commission if you make a purchase. But, I only recommend products and companies that I use and love.