For those based in the UK, Baden-Baden will be familiar. Not for its regional speciality, Black Forest Gateau, its winding mountainous hiking trails or multitude of spa resorts, but as the scene of England’s 2006 World Cup failure – Rooney, Ronaldo, winks et al – and perhaps more infamously, the pinnacle of the WAG era.
But these memories of misbehaviour are incongruous with the soul of this lovely little town located on the French-German border. Here, immense yet understated luxury and a picture perfect backdrop attracts celebrities and tourists looking for something lowkey and relaxing, immersed in the hillside forests far from the hustle and bustle of the world below. If this sounds like your sort of thing, then read on; our 5 IDEAL things to do in Baden-Baden, Germany.
SAMPLE BLACK FOREST GATEAU & THE REGION’S OTHER SPECIALITIES
Is it home to the world’s most famous cake? Perhaps. But regardless of superlatives, if you’re in the Black Forest region, it would be seriously rude not to sample a slice of their renowned gateau at the first opportunity. It’s worthy of the hype; dark chocolate, cherries, kirsch and whipped cream…what’s not to love? But Baden-Wurttemberg’s culinary pride extends far beyond that cake.
While visiting Baden Baden you’ve got to try badisches schaufele, a smoked pork shoulder which pairs beautifully with superfood sauerkraut, and pairs even more beautifully with a hefty stein of beer. In the colder months, the locals keep warm with a bowl of kartoffelsuppe, a potato soup enriched with cream. You should too.
MUSEUM FRIEDER BURDA
Baden-Baden is so quaint, so picturesque, and with so much carefully coiffered charm, that you’d be forgiven for thinking there wasn’t anything cutting edge to be found here. You’d be wrong; Museum Frieder Burda will satisfy that culture vulture crowing within. As much as the modern art housed within, the building itself is a must-see; designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, it’s a refreshingly light, razor-sharp structure, and was awarded the New York Chapter Design Award. Check out the Museum Frieder Burda website for up-to-date information on an ever changing cast of prestigious exhibitions. Entry is €14.
RIVERSIDE RECREATION BY THE OOS
The river oos cuts through Baden Baden and much of the the town’s focus falls on its flow. The pretty-as-a-picture central park and promenade Lichtentaler Allee is a lovely place to have a stroll or picnic, with the gentle trickle of the Oos providing a relaxing soundtrack. Make sure you find the Gonneranlage art-nouveau garden, which houses 400 types of roses (in bloom May through to October) and is ideal for some Instagram friendly photography.
Stop at Wallstreet im Hamilton for a beer overlooking the water halfway along your stroll, and for lunch or dinner (the former is eminently more affordable) cross the Oos and make for Le Jardin de France, a Michelin starred eatery which just Ooses class. Sorry.
Lichtentaler Allee | © Robert Kutts / Flickr
VISIT THE WORLD FAMOUS CASINO
We couldn’t get any further without mentioning perhaps the most famous building in Baden-Baden, and ‘the most beautiful casino in the world’, as described by Marlene Dietrich, the American-German actress and singer.
Casino Baden-Baden took its inspiration from French palaces, particularly during the Belle Époque (Beautiful Era), and it evokes a unique type of elegance. Aside from marvelling at the architecture, there are other elements here to keep you entertained even if you’re not at the table. The Grill restaurant does the good stuff well; steaks, sushi and lobster are all available here.
But you’re here for the gaming, right? Learn that famous phrase, “Rien ne va plus” (no more bets), since roulette is the casino’s biggest hand. That said, there are different games with different blinds values taking place across the casino any day of the week. And if none of these take your fancy, then head to the Kurhaus, where you’ll find over 140 slot machines, many of which feature some of the household free slot games.
SEE A SHOW AT FESTSPIELHAUS
For a town so small, Baden Baden actually packs one hell of a cultural punch. Germany’s largest concert hall (at 2500 capacity) is here, housed in the town’s old railway station. At the Festspielhaus, you’ll find regular performance from some of the world’s best, all under a unique, neo-classicist roof. The next month sees several performances of Germany’s most treasured son, Beethoven’s, most celebrated symphonies.