Baden-Baden Walking Tour Preview

how it works

Prior to touring, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the app. Read through the instructions below on how the app works.To skip the instructions and start the tour now, hit 'Next' on the bottom of the screen.

Start: Caracalla

Start. This walking tour starts in the bath quarter of Baden-Baden. Both baths are located here - Friedrichs Bad and Caracalla Thermal Bath. There is a long stone bench and a statue next to the bench. This is the starting point of your tour. Position yourself close to the statue, and face in the same direction as the statue.If you turn your your GPS on (recommended), the audio will play automatically as you approach the statue.

Fettquelle (Fatty Spring)

The spring you see next to the stairs is called Fettquelle – that translates to Fatty Spring in English.

Florentine Hill

You are now on what is called Florentine hill. Up here on Florentine Hill you have beautiful views to the neighborhood across from you called Paradise. As you can image this is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in town.

Tunnel Entrance

Most of Baden-Baden’s thermal water originates here on this hillside. You can’t see them, but there are a total of 12 individual springs in the ground. In the late 1800’s, a system of tunnels was constructed to join the springs.

Old Steam Bath

Just before reaching the market square notice the yellow building coming up on your right which is called Altes Dampfbad (Old Steam Bath in English)

The Old Market Square

Locate the black pepplestones on the ground. There is one circle of stones next to the church. Position yourself inside the circle of black stones. Face the hill in front of you, the church to your back.

The Gardens

Position yourself at the lage overview map on the side of the market square.

The Church

The church you see here is called Stiftskirche. This catholic church was mentioned for the first time in the year 987 and is therefore the oldest building in Baden-Baden.

Golden Book

Looking from the fountain towards the portal from which you entered, on the building wall, you see a brass placard. This placard represents the Golden Book of Baden-Baden which is the guest book of celebrities who have visited Baden-Baden over the millennia. Prominent actors, musicians, royalty, guests of state and many stars and starlets have signed the official Golden Book of the city.

Princess Louise

The statue in the garden displays Princess Louise of Baden. It is a gift to the city by a bank in Moscow. Walking through Baden-Baden you might have noticed a lot of Russian names. There are an estimated 1,800 pieces of real estate owned by Russians in Baden-Baden. In 2012, Baden-Baden received 8,800 Russian tourists.

Pedestrian Zone

Coming down the stairs you might have noticed a large stone monument. This is the Bismarck Monument. Otto von Bismarck was the Prime Minister of Prussia and the first chancellor of the German Empire in the 19 th century. If you have an interest in history, its far better that you research Otto von Bismark on your own because his importance and influence is so vast to German history, that we could spend the entire day on just him. Maybe that is why the largest monument in Baden-Baden is dedicated to Otto von Bismarck.

Antique Shop

The peach-colored building is an antique shop that you should take a peak inside if it is open. You will find an unbelievable collection of antique books, maps, and paintings that you only find in a prestigious town such as Baden-Baden. This is the real deal and the prices reflect the authenticity of the items. It is not a cheap tourist trap. You may have to knock on the door as the owner is an elderly lady who doesn’t like crowds of tourists. But she is very nice. Even if you do not collect old books, maps or paintings, we recommend stopping in to take a look around. You may be surprised to leave with something truly unique.

Baldreit

The name ‘Baldreit’ was first mentioned in 1460. At that time it was a bath hostel. Simply, it was a bathhouse and hotel with 30 bathing cabins surrounding this quaint courtyard. Instead of a modern day swimming pool, the courtyard consisted of simple wooden tubs for patrons to soak in the hot mineral water. During this period there were 400 public baths called “Bath Hostels” throughout the city.

Shopping Area

You are now in the main shopping area of Baden-Baden. Here on Lange Strasse you find department stores and smaller shops. If you do want to do some shopping or grab a coffee somewhere this is a good place for a break. You can always continue with the tour later. Just ahead of you, after the department store Wagener you find the Swiss chocolate store Läderach and several small coffee shops.

Mosaic

At the end of Stern Strasse you will be leaving Baden-Baden’s pedestrian zone. Notice the mosaic at the end of the street? This is the border of Baden-Badens Old Town – called Altstadt in German.

The Bridge

Now we are going to spend a few minutes explaining some important things about Baden-Baden. Stay on the bridge for the moment.

Emperor Wilhelm

Kaiser Wilhelm I was the first German Emperor. There are more than 1000 statues of him in existence as testament to his popularity and influence in the 19th century. He was a regular visitor to Baden-Baden and his influence can be seen all around you.

Trinkhalle

The Trinkhalle sounds like Drink Hall in English, and that is what it was. Here you would drink the mineral waters from the springs for the medicinal effects they had, or mostly believed they had, in the 19th century. This hall was built for the ritual of drinking the water and relaxing or walking around the promenade as a “cure” for your illness. This ritual of drinking the waters and walking explains the murals on the outside of the building depicting historic Germanic myths and legends.

Redwood Trees

Look to the left of Trinkhalle, at the trees on the hill. The largest of those trees are Redwood Trees imported from America by Kaiser Wilhelm I in 1864, whose bust you just saw a few minutes ago.

Kurhaus and Casino

With your back to the Kurhaus entrance look at Baden-Baden. Up in the mountains, towards the left you can now see the old castle. To the right, closer to town, you can see the new castle.

The Shops

To the right of the music pavillon you find several small shops including the tourist info. This chic shopping area is called Kurhaus Kolonnaden. This is the 19th century equivalent of a shopping mall.

Lichtental Alley

Have a look at the map in front of you. The park you see is called Lichtental Alley. This is the central park of Baden-Baden.

Cafe König

You are now on Lichtentaler Strasse. Here you find old-fashioned Café Konig – renown for its Black Forest Cake and other sweet things. We want to provide you with a few options on what to do next.

Vista Point New Castle

Vista Point Redwood Trees

Old Castle (Altes Schloss Hohenbaden)

Roman Bath Ruins

Caracalla Baths

New Castle (Neues Schloss)

Museum Frieder Burda

Faberge Museum

City Museum Baden-Baden

Photostop - Old Pharmacy

Friedrichsbad Baths

Dostojewsky Bust

Historic Toilet

Fountain Leopoldsbrunnen

Hotel Brenners Park Hotel

Hotel Aqua Aurelia

Hotel Am Markt

Hotel Maison Messmer

Hotel Badhotel zum Hirsch

Hotel Der Kleine Prinz

Rizzi Restaurant

Restaurant Leo's

Restaurant Baldreits Weinstube

Restaurant Löwenbräu

Heine's Wine & Dine Restaurant

Schneiders Weinstube Restaurant

Maltes Hidden Kitchen Restaurant

Namaskaar Restaurant

Pizza Pasta Peppe - Restaurant

M10 Restaurant

Cafe & Patisserie by Anna

Läderach Swiss Chocolate

Lindt Chocolate Store

Wagener Department Store