Dostoevsky gambled away his royalties here, Queen Victoria took the waters, Brahms composed: Baden-Baden was the summer capital of Europe — and has kept its elegance to this day.
The Perfect Spa Day
- Friedrichsbad: the historic Roman-Irish bath of 1877 — 17 stations of bathing ritual.
- Caracalla Spa: the modern thermal baths for those who prefer it casual.
- Casino Baden-Baden: per Marlene Dietrich "the most beautiful casino in the world" — guided tours by day, jacket required by night.
- Lichtentaler Allee: the 2.3 km park promenade along the Oos.
After a night flight, there is no better way to arrive in Europe than two hours in thermal water.
Getting There from FRA
Baden-Baden lies about 1.5 hours south via the A5. The private Baden-Baden day trip (from €544, driver waits) combines beautifully with the Black Forest High Road — see our Black Forest day tour.
Practical Notes
Pack swimwear for the Caracalla (the Friedrichsbad is textile-free), and the casino enforces a dress code in the evening. More destinations: day trips from Frankfurt.
