This post covers the best things you can do in Baden-Baden for an amazing trip to the Black Forest (Schwartzwald) region. From relaxing at the spa to discovering the beautiful old town, and hiking through the forests nearby.
Baden-Baden is the oldest, most famous spa resort in Germany and one of Europe’s top destinations for wellness and relaxation.
Located in the Western part of Germany, close to the French border, Baden-Baden, this chic little German town will delight you with its architectural beauty, amazing spas, and great restaurants.
The highlight of the city is the 12 thermal springs, which bring the hot, mineral-rich water to the surface from over 2000m deep, with temperatures up to 68.8C (154F).
We spent an amazing weekend here last December and I am now ready to tell you all about it! 😊 Here are the best things you should do to make the most out of your trip to Baden-Baden.
Top 7 Amazing Things To Do in Baden-Baden
1. Have a Baden-Baden Spa Day
Yes, of course, a spa day in Baden-Baden is an absolute MUST and #1 on our list.
Enjoy the hot thermal waters and breathe in its healthy aerosols. It will do wonders for your body and mind!
The amazing health benefits of the thermal springs have been discovered over 2000 years ago by the Romans, who established the first baths here in Baden-Baden.
There are 2 main spas you can relax in: Caracalla (the biggest and most modern one) and Friedrichsbad (for a traditional, Roman-style spa experience).
You can find out everything you need to know about both of them HERE.
As Friedrichsbad does not accept swimsuits, our choice was obvious, we went to Caracalla Spa. 😀
This wellness center is truly impressive! It has a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, with temperatures between 18C and 38C (64-100F), several saunas, and a restaurant.
The views of the city from the outdoor pools are also pretty spectacular, but unfortunately, we were not allowed to take pictures, so all I can show you is the outside of the spa 😊.
Ticket price: 17.5EUR / 2h, 20.5EUR / 3 hours, 27EUR for the full day
2. Walk through the old town
After you’ve completely relaxed in the thermal waters, have a slow walk through the old city and take in all that beauty.
Baden-Baden is also a great place for shopping, you will find most luxury designer boutiques here, as well as some amazing chocolate shops.
As we visited during winter, the city was beautifully decorated in a full Christmas spirit. We had the feeling of being in a posh mountain resort somewhere in the Alps! 😊
3. Visit The Baden-Baden Casino
This is a sight not to miss! The Baden-Baden casino is very impressive and definitely worth a visit.
Apparently, Dostoyevsky used to be a frequent customer here so you’ll be in good company.
If gambling is not your thing (just like me), don’t worry, you can still get in and visit the place.
(Bear in mind you have to be at least 21 years old to enter the casino and your ID will be required.)
I would also highly recommend having dinner at the casino’s restaurant, THE GRILL. The food is exquisite and the service is great.
PRO TIP: If you have a reservation at the restaurant you won’t be required to pay the entrance fee. However, be mindful that there is a dress code so pack your fancy outfits! There is of course the opportunity for men to rent a suit jacket for 8EUR.
4. Get on top of the Black Forest
Let’s now leave Baden-Baden for a bit to explore the surrounding areas. For the nature lovers among us, there are quite some cool things to do in the Black Forest and one of those is the Treetop Walk on the Sommerberg (Bad Wildbad).
The most impressive part of the tree walks is the 40m high tower in the middle of the forest which offers 360 panoramic views of the Black Forest.
5. Walk on the suspension bridge
Looking for some adrenaline? How about walking 60m above ground on a suspension bridge above the forest? 😉
Wildline is the 380m long bridge that takes you over the Black Forest and allows you to experience the height of the massive trees (you feel like you can almost touch their peaks) and great views all around.
It does more slightly but it feels incredibly safe to walk on it, so not to worry.
Ticket price: 9EUR. More info HERE.
Things to do in Baden-Baden in winter
6. Visit the Christmas market
This is always such a great idea and one of the best things to do in Baden-Baden in winter.
Get your glue wine and explore the local market for some delicious German treats.
7. Try the authentic German dishes in a mountain chalet decor
When in Germany, you have to try authentic German cuisine. There are plenty of beautifully decorated restaurants to choose from in Baden-Baden, which serve traditional German food. Simply walk along the old city center and pick your favorite.
How to Get to Baden-Baden
The best way to reach this beautiful spa resort is to fly into Stuttgart or Frankfurt.
From either airport, it’s around one and a half-hour drive (or train ride) to Baden-Baden.
Where to Stay in Baden-Baden
There are many great hotels in Baden-Baden, whether you are on a budget or looking for a luxury stay.
I believe we found the BEST one of all! 🙂
We spent 2 nights at AQUA AURELIA, and loved it! This 4-stars suite hotel is extremely well located and very comfortable!
It has a direct underground connection to the Caracalla Therme, a beautiful view of the spa from their terrace, and everything you can think of in terms of being 100% pampered! 🙂
They were so lovely, we even received a wine bottle on the house as a welcome gift!
The hotel has a partnership with Caracalla spa, so we also got a small discount for the entrance price.
Note: we pay for all our travels and accommodations with our own money so this isn’t a sponsored post. I’m sharing with you guys our experiences and the best places we go to in order to inspire and help you make the most of your holidays.
So I hope you’ve enjoyed my little travel guide to Baden-Baden and the Black Forest region and hope it will prove useful for planning your next trip to Germany!
You might also enjoy:
10 Epic Things to Do in Zermatt
Why you need to add SCHILTHORN to your bucket list
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Happy travels! 🙂
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