Things To Do in Baden-Baden, Germany’s Classy Spa Town

On a visit to Baden-Baden for the Deutscher Medienpreis (German Media Awards), Bill Clinton said; “Baden-Baden is so nice you have to name it twice.”

Indeed it is nice. It’s MORE than nice; I don’t think the word does it justice.

Baden Baden Germany

Located in the Baden Wuttermburg area of Germany at the foothills of the Black Forest, Baden-Baden was for many years a playground for celebrities, royals, politicians and aristocrats.

This year George Clooney visited Baden-Baden to collect an award for his work as a global humanitarian activist. George Clooney, need I say more?!

With two thermal baths and a decadent casino, this glamorous spa town is certainly the perfect place to relax and indulge for a couple of days.

On the #BaWuByTrain blog trip we spent and afternoon in Baden-Baden, and I only wished I had more time. I loved the green lawns, charming streets and small bridges lined with flowers. If you want to unwind, this is definitely the place to do it.

Without further ado, here’s what to do in Baden Baden.

The Casino

Baden-Baden Casino Germany

Our first stop was the beautiful casino, which is incredibly opulent and decadent. The interior was inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and my jaw dropped open a little bit when I saw the rich red interiors and crystal chandeliers. It may not be quite as extravagant as the Monte Carlo casino, but it still made me feel like I was part of a James Bond movie. All I needed was a floor length dress and a huge diamond necklace to complete the look!

Baden Baden Casino

Marlene Dietrich described the Baden-Baden casino as “The most beautiful casino in the world”. Take a look for yourself to see if you agree!

Before 2pm the casino isn’t open to gamblers so you can take a guided tour of the building. But the real action happens when the gamblers pile in and you get to see the tables in action.

Lunch

Tuna Sashimi Restaurant Rizzi Baden Baden

If you have time for lunch in Baden-Baden I highly recommend visiting restaurant Rizzi.  This was by far the best restaurant I have had the pleasure of dining at in Germany. To start I had the tuna sashimi, followed by a fillet mignon that was cooked to perfection, served with a side of green beans, mashed potato and béarnaise sauce. I was too full for dessert, but I’m sure the desserts would have been equally delicious!

Spa

Caracalla Spa Baden Baden

To cap off a perfectly indulgent day, we had the choice of visiting either the Caracalla or Freidrichsbad spa. The Freidrichsbad is and Roman-Irish bath that was frequented by Mark Twain, who declared his favourite bath in the world. “

“After 10 minutes you forget time, after 20 minutes the world” 

Freidrichsbad Spa Baden Baden

The only catch here is you have to get completely naked, so If you don’t feel like swimming around in your birthday suit, then I suggest visiting Caracalla. Caracalla is a modern Spa with both indoor and outdoor pools of varying temperatures. Downstairs there is a steam room and a solarium, while upstairs there is a ‘clothing optional’ Roman saunascape. I visited the Caracalla Spa but I would like to go back and try the Freidrichsbad as I imagine it would be a bit more relaxing and quite the experience.

If you have more time…

Unfortunately I didn’t have much time in Baden-Baden and wish I could have stayed longer. If you are staying a couple of days I recommend visiting the Fabergé Museum and taking a nice long walk along the riverside.

My 10-day train trip through the Baden Wurtemmburg region of Germany was sponsored by the Deutsche-Bahn and the tourism board. They provided me with accommodation, train travel and activities. All opinions expressed here are my own. 

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