This summer, we finally made it to Baden-Baden, the elegant spa town tucked into Germany’s Black Forest.

We’d heard the hype for years — the healing thermal waters, the fancy casino, the peaceful parks — and it lived up to every bit of it.

Baden-Baden is that rare place where you can start your morning on a forested trail, spend your afternoon in a centuries-old thermal bath, and end the night sipping wine under chandeliers at one of Europe’s most beautiful casinos. Now that’s balance.

If you’re planning a trip to the Black Forest, here’s everything we did (and loved) during our two unforgettable days in Baden-Baden.

Q U IC K G U I D E

Where Is Baden-Baden and Why Visit?

📍 Location: Southwestern Germany, near the French border, on the edge of the Black Forest.

✨ Why Visit:

Relax in world-famous thermal spas like Caracalla Therme and Friedrichsbad
Try your luck (or just admire the opulence) at Casino Baden-Baden
Stroll through the Old Town’s cafés and boutiques
Wander the Lichtentaler Allee, a riverside park perfect for slow mornings

🚆 Getting There:

By Train: Under 2 hours from Frankfurt. Taxi to town (~€30) or bus (€6 day pass).
By Car: Ideal for scenic drives through the Black Forest and nearby villages.

💶 Costs:

Slightly pricey but worth it — think affordable luxury.
Spa sessions start around €23 for 2 hours at Caracalla Spa.

🕒 How Long to Stay:

2–5 days is perfect to explore, relax, and unwind.

🎒 What to Pack:

Swimsuit (you’ll need it!)
Comfortable shoes for walking and hiking

W H E R E T O S T A Y I N B A D E N B A D E N

🏰 Luxury: Maison Messmer – Elegant 5‑star hotel with spa, central location near Kurpark and Old Town.
🏡 Mid‑Range: Hotel Beek by Anna – Comfortable 3‑star, great value, walking distance to spas and the Old Town.
💰 Budget: Maria-Viktoria Apartment
Cosy Apartment near city centre fully furnished, perfect for travellers on a budget.

D A Y 1 I N B A D E N B A D E N : History, Nature & Casino Nights

Morning: Arrival & Check-In

We arrived just before noon and checked into our apartment, about 400 meters from the town center.

For €130 a night, it was modern, spacious, and came with a full kitchen — perfect for prepping snacks for our hikes.

Lunch in the Old Town

First stop? Food. We headed to Bickeler Confiserie und Kaffeehausebetriebe, a cozy café that won us over instantly.

Their sandwiches were delicious, the cakes were divine, and sitting outdoors surrounded by pastel buildings.

There are several great lunch options nearby; this spot sits right in the town centre and is easy to find.

*Lunch at Bickeler Confiserie und Kaffeehausebetriebe*

Afternoon: Walk Through History and Greenery

After lunch, we wandered over to the Trinkhalle (Pump Room) — a 19th-century architectural gem with frescoed walls and towering columns.

From there, we strolled through Lichtentaler Allee, a peaceful park lined with trees, flowers, and little bridges that look straight out of a storybook.

We also stopped by Gönneranlage, a rose garden that smelled incredible and was bursting with color.

Evening: Casino Baden-Baden

Even if you’re not into gambling, you have to check out Casino Baden-Baden. It’s one of the most beautiful casinos in Europe — all chandeliers, gold accents, and that old-world glamour that makes you feel like royalty.

A few quick tips:

Dress Code: Jackets required for men (you can rent one for €10).
Entrance Fee: €5 for the main gaming hall; passport required for ID.
Slots Area: Free entry and more casual.

*Slot Machine in the Casino, Baden Baden*

We tried our luck on the slots and actually won €65 — not bad for beginners!

Afterwards, we took a stroll through the casino gardens, which look stunning when lit up at night.

D A Y 2 I N B A D E N B A D E N : Mountains, Cake & Thermal Bliss

Morning: Up the Merkur Mountain

*View of Baden-Baden from the Merkur Funicular Railway*

We kicked off the day with some adventure and took a bus to the Merkur Funicular Railway.

The short ride took us up to Merkur Mountain, Baden-Baden’s highest point, where we found panoramic views of the Black Forest that honestly took our breath away.

*Outside Merkur Mountain Observation Tower*

We climbed higher up the Merkur Mountain Observation Tower and were rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama of the Black Forest, nearby towns, and distant mountain peaks.

*View from Merkur Mountain Observation Tower*

We packed a picnic and found a quiet spot to take it all in.

There are tons of trails at the top — from short scenic walks to longer hikes like the Panoramaweg Trail, which circles the town.

We even spotted a few paragliders floating over the treetops.

Afternoon: Black Forest Cake & Caracalla Spa

After all that walking, it was time for dessert — the legendary Black Forest cake.

*Blackforest Cake and Pistachio Ice Cream*

We stopped at a local café for a slice and quickly realized that the authentic version is way boozier than what we’d tried elsewhere.

It was rich, bold, and surprisingly strong! We followed it up with some pistachio gelato as a sweet palate cleanser.

Then we headed to Caracalla Spa, and wow — total bliss.

We spent the afternoon floating between the warm indoor and outdoor pools, watching the hills roll by in the distance. Every bit of tension melted away.

💡 Tip: If you want a massage, book ahead — the reservation office closes at 5 PM sharp.

*Lichtentaler Allee, lined with graceful trees*

Evening: Dinner

For our final night, we had dinner at Lifestyle, a relaxed Italian restaurant just outside Caracalla Spa.

The seafood pasta was perfection — fresh, garlicky, and exactly what we needed. We even grabbed a pizza to go for a late-night snack.

Other spots we loved or would recommend:

Löwenbräu Baden-Baden: Classic German fare in a cozy, traditional setting.
La Gondola: A romantic Italian place with great pasta and wine.

Why We Fell in Love with Baden-Baden

We visited in July — peak travel season — and were surprised by how calm Baden-Baden felt. There were tourists, sure, but none of those overwhelming crowds or busloads of tour groups. It’s peaceful, charming, and feels like a hidden gem despite its luxury reputation.

Whether we were hiking, soaking in thermal pools, or strolling through flower-filled parks, Baden-Baden made time slow down in the best possible way.

Two days left us completely recharged and already planning our return — next time for three days, and yes, we’ll definitely rent a car.

So if you’re exploring the Black Forest or just passing through southern Germany, don’t skip Baden-Baden.

*One of the Paintings in Trinkhalle (Pump Room)*

H I G H L I G H T S & E S S E N T I A L S

📍 Destination: Baden-Baden, Germany
A historic spa town at the edge of the Black Forest — thermal baths, scenic parks, charming Old Town streets, and a glamorous casino.

🚆 Getting There

By Train: Frankfurt → Baden-Baden, ~2 hours, €25–30 one-way; taxi (~€30) or bus (€6 day pass) to city center
By Car: Scenic Black Forest drives, flexible for hikes and nearby villages

🎟️ What We Did

Morning soak at Caracalla Spa
- Funicular ride up Merkur Mountain for panoramic views
Walks along Lichtentaler Allee & Gönneranlage Rose Garden
Sampled authentic Black Forest cake
Peeked into Casino Baden-Baden for old-world glamour

💰 Total Cost for the Day: €150–200 per person (spa, transport, food/snacks only)

💡 Travel Tips