For those based in the UK and of a certain vintage, 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 discerning travellers 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; here are five essential experiences in Baden-Baden.
Indulge In Black Forest Culinary Traditions
The Black Forest Gateau may be the region’s most Instagram-worthy export, but Baden-Baden’s culinary scene offers far more than just this famous dessert. While the traditional cake remains a must-try (head to Café König for the most authentic version), the city has evolved into a gastronomic destination in its own right.
Sample modern interpretations of Baden-Württemberg classics at Fritz & Felix, where traditional dishes like Badisches Schäufele (smoked pork shoulder) are given contemporary twists. During winter, warm up with house-made Kartoffelsuppe at the historic Heiligenstein restaurant, where they’ve perfected this creamy potato soup over generations. For an elevated dining experience, book ahead for Le Jardin de France, whose innovative take on Franco-German cuisine has earned its Michelin star.
Experience Contemporary Culture At Museum Frieder Burda
Yes, Museum Frieder Burda remains Baden-Baden’s cultural cornerstone, but today it’s more than just an art museum. The Richard Meier-designed building now hosts interactive installations, digital art exhibitions, and collaborative projects with emerging artists alongside its prestigious permanent collection. The museum has embraced technology with an excellent audio guide app and regular evening events that combine art, music, and local wine tastings. Entry is €18, but free on the last Friday of each month.
Explore The Revitalised Oos Riverside
The Oos River corridor has been thoughtfully developed into a vibrant urban space while maintaining its natural charm. The historic Lichtentaler Allee remains the star attraction, but new additions have enhanced the experience. The recently completed riverside cycling path connects major attractions, with electric bike rentals available at several points. The Gonneranlage rose garden has been expanded to include a butterfly sanctuary, and the new Baden-Baden Art Mile features rotating outdoor installations along the riverbank.
Don’t miss the biergartens offering craft beers from local mikrobrauereien alongside traditional favourites. Some even host local jazz shows at the weekend. Prost!
Read: Is it culturally appropriate to wear lederhosen to Oktoberbest?
Visit The Modernised Casino Baden-Baden
The Casino Baden-Baden has carefully balanced its Belle Époque charm with modern amenities. While the historic rooms maintain their original splendour, a new wing houses contemporary gaming options and a stylish cocktail lounge. The casino now offers digital gaming tutorials for beginners, table and slot games aplenty, and hosts regular poker tournaments that attract players from across Europe.
The Grill restaurant has been reimagined as a sustainable dining destination, focusing on locally-sourced ingredients and Baden-Württemberg wines. Even if gambling isn’t your thing, the guided architecture tours (available in multiple languages) offer fascinating insights into the building’s history and restoration.
Embrace Culture At The Festspielhaus
Germany’s largest concert hall has evolved into a dynamic cultural centre. Beyond classical concerts, the Festspielhaus now hosts contemporary performances, international theatre productions, and innovative cross-genre experiments. The venue’s commitment to accessibility includes multilingual subtitles for operas and real-time translation services for selected performances.
The newly opened Festspielhaus Lounge offers pre-show dining with panoramic views of the Black Forest, and the venue’s app provides everything from digital programmes to last-minute ticket deals.
Travel Tip: Consider visiting during the Advent season when Baden-Baden transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with one of Germany’s most atmospheric Christmas markets. The combination of thermal spas, cultural events, and festive atmosphere makes it an ideal winter break destination.
Luxuriate In Thermal Spas
No visit to Baden-Baden is complete without experiencing its famous thermal waters. While the historic Friedrichsbad remains gloriously traditional with its 17-step Roman-Irish bathing ritual, the modernised Caracalla Therme now offers a contemporary wellness experience. The newly added rooftop infinity pool provides spectacular Black Forest views, while the digital wellness app helps you plan your perfect spa journey. Book the early-bird session (8:00-10:00) for a more serene experience and reduced rates.
Hike The Premium Black Forest Trails
To work off the gateau, you’ve got to hike the trails…
Baden-Baden’s surrounding Black Forest has been made more accessible with the introduction of the Premium Trail network. The Panoramaweg, a 40km circular route divided into convenient stages, offers some of the best views in the region. Download the Black Forest Trails app for offline maps, difficulty ratings, and points of interest. The new Baden-Baden Trekking Hub at Merkur Mountain provides equipment rental and guided tours, making it easier for casual hikers to explore safely.
Visit The Museum Of Art & Technology (LA8)
Housed in a converted industrial building, this innovative museum (commonly referred to as LA8) showcases the intersection of art and technology. Interactive exhibits demonstrate Baden-Baden’s technological heritage, from its early spa mechanisms to modern digital art installations. The highlight is the Virtual Reality Chamber, where visitors can experience a 360-degree journey through the Black Forest’s seasons. Book online for the popular weekend workshops combining traditional Black Forest crafts with modern technology.
Experience The Local Wine Culture
The Baden wine region is Germany’s third-largest, and Baden-Baden serves as an excellent base for exploration. The recently established Baden-Baden Wine Route connects several urban vineyards and wine bars, offering a self-guided tour of the region’s viticultural heritage.
Don’t miss the Wine & Design quarter, where contemporary wine bars like Vinothek am Steinbach pair local wines with tapas-style regional specialities. The tourist office offers a digital wine passport that includes tastings at participating venues and discounts on bottle purchases.
And if one just isn’t enough, then check out our guide to some of the world’s other best wine hikes.
Getting There: Baden-Baden is now even more accessible with direct trains from Paris (under 4 hours) and regular connections from Frankfurt Airport (under 2 hours). The new Baden Airpark offers flights from several UK cities during peak season.
