This is Baden-Baden
Summer capital of Europe, the smallest cosmopolitan city, great spa town? Baden-Baden has many names. "The good-good life" is the Baden-Baden way of life - you can't describe it, you have to experience it for yourself.
Baden-Baden | Official Image Film
The European Capital of the Art of Living
What makes Baden-Baden the European Capital of the Art of Living? The spa town has reinvented itself: In addition to the thermal springs discovered 2,000 years ago and the splendor of past centuries amidst unique natural surroundings, innovative hotel and restaurant concepts have emerged. Art, wellness, and sports promise stimulating days, while new clubs and bars offer exciting nights. The city is a complete work of art where glamour and pleasure, health and hospitality converge. More and more visitors from around the world appreciate this. What do they find here? "The good-good life" in Baden-Baden.
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Where is Baden-Baden located?
Baden-Baden is located in the southwest of Germany, nestled between the gentle hills of the Black Forest and the picturesque vineyards of the region. The spa town thus combines the natural beauty of the forest with the rich tradition of winemaking, making it a unique travel destination. Baden-Baden offers not only a spectacular landscape but also a convenient location, making it easy for travelers to discover the cultural and scenic treasures of three different countries.
Baden-Baden is just a 20-minute drive from the Rhine and the French border. In no time, you can immerse yourself in the Alsatian charm of Strasbourg and enjoy the French way of life.
Switzerland is also not far away, and a day trip to the picturesque city of Basel or the breathtaking Alps is easily possible.
Green oasis between the Black Forest and vineyards
Baden-Baden lies at the foot of the Black Forest. Here, wild beauty meets palm and lemon trees. The city is surrounded by gentle hills and vineyards, the sun shines more often than anywhere else in Germany, in short: nature spoils its inhabitants. It offers countless hiking trails with magnificent views, top-class golf courses, famous rose gardens and the local Merkur mountain for paragliding adventures. But the best thing is: nature is also flourishing in the centre of Baden-Baden. The Lichtentaler Allee winds through the city like a green ribbon, connecting grand hotels and museums, inviting you to stroll and relax - while the abundance of flowers beckons for an intense scent experience.
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What makes Baden-Baden special?
It is this unique blend of culture, soothing thermal baths, lush nature and culinary delights that characterises Baden-Baden. Here you don't have to decide whether you want a city trip, a wellness weekend or a nature holiday - you have it all in one.
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Why is Baden-Baden also known as "the smallest Cosmopolitan City"?
Baden-Baden is a small town with only 56,000 inhabitants (on 140.2 square metres) and yet the spa town is known all over the world.
In the 19th century, Baden-Baden was so popular that it was proclaimed the "summer capital of Europe". The rich and beautiful, aristocrats and intellectuals from all over the world met in Baden-Baden and influenced the development of the city:
- The cultural offerings in Baden-Baden are world-class: with the Festival Hall Festspielhaus, Casino, Kurhaus, Theatre and numerous museums, culture is on the programme all year round.
- Today, Baden-Baden is international, cosmopolitan and tolerant. Citizens and travellers from many nations peacefully live and enjoy our smallest cosmopolitan city at the foot of the Black Forest.
Thanks to Baden-Baden's compact size, most of the sights and attractions are so close to each other that you can easily explore the city on foot - relaxed and at your own pace.
Baden-Baden is so nice that you have to name it twice.
Great history - World Heritage Baden-Baden
Since 2021, Baden-Baden has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe. Baden-Baden gained particular fame in the 19th century as the "summer capital of Europe", but its roots go back to the Romans, who recognised early on how good Baden-Baden is for its inhabitants and visitors.
The Romans
The Romans built the first bathing facilities in what was then Aquae Aureliae (Baden-Baden) in order to enjoy the thermal waters. One of these, the so-called Soldiers' Bath, is located directly below the Friedrichsbad and is an impressive testimony to Roman bathing culture.
Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, Baden-Baden, then known as "Baden", underwent a period of transformation and development. The town became an important centre of trade and communication, partly due to the continued use and appreciation of the thermal springs. Margrave Hermann VI granted Baden city rights in 1257, a decisive step that strengthened Baden's political and economic position. Numerous buildings were constructed during the Middle Ages, including the famous Old Castle, which towers high above the town and still bears witness to Baden-Baden's medieval history today. This period was characterised by a flourishing market and the development of urban structures that made Baden-Baden a central location in south-west Germany.
19th century
In the 19th century, Baden-Baden experienced an extraordinary heyday as one of Europe's most distinguished spa towns. With the opening of the railway lines and the construction of the magnificent casino in 1824, which was designed by the famous Parisian architect Jacques Bénazet, the town consolidated its status as a meeting place for the international aristocracy and cultural figures. Celebrities such as the Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyevsky, the French composer Hector Berlioz and the British Queen Victoria were among the illustrious guests who sought relaxation and entertainment in Baden-Baden.
The town also underwent significant urban development during this period; magnificent villas, luxurious hotels and elegant gardens were built and formed the image of a sophisticated spa town. The influence of the Belle Époque was strongly felt in Baden-Baden and the city became a symbol of sophistication and joie de vivre. This era had a lasting impact on cultural and social life and contributed to Baden-Baden's status as the epitome of European spa culture to this day.