There are 11 UNESCO Great Spa Towns of Europe and Baden Baden is one of the most renowned. Sometimes referred to as the ‘Monte Carlo of the Black Forest’, Baden Baden has played host to Europe’s elite for centuries and the pedigree of the town still shows.
When France banned gambling in the early 1800’s, Baden Baden was quick to build the ‘most beautiful casino in the world’ to attract and entertain the aristocracy on their summer tours. Playing host to horseracing, theatre productions and spas, Baden Baden has remained the glamorous playground of the rich and famous ever since.
The historic beauty, charm and elegance of this town is evident at every turn. It is picture postcard perfect with the dramatic back drop of the Black Forest mountains and beautifully preserved traditional buildings. The Theatre, Opera House and Casino are all with a minutes’ walk of each other, in fact everywhere in the town is walkable within 10 minutes, making it a super relaxing stay.
Spa life, is still taken very seriously in Baden Baden. From 9am on a Tuesday morning the modern thermal spa Caracalla was populated with locals, all there to get their fix from these healing waters. It is a beautiful modern large, indoor/outdoor spa and situated right next to its more traditional Friedrichbad Spa.
Friedrichsbad Spa maintains the traditions of this ancient practice with a no textile, mixed sex, no phones, no talking policy. The imposing building provides 13 stages to this unique spa experience, which include various kinds of heat, steam, bubbles, pools and rest. It is a once in a lifetime experience that I highly recommend.
Since the town was established for fun and entertainment there is no shortage of things to do. You can ride the funicular railway up the Merkur Mountain and take in the stunning views across southern Germany and then paraglide back to earth. Or if you prefer to keep two feet on the ground the stunning Rose Gardens will be in bloom in late April/early May. The town also plays host to a vintage car exhibition and of course there is the horse racing, designer shops, food markets etc.
The restaurant scene here is great with a beautiful variety to suit international tastes and absolutely brilliant service everywhere we went. I have never experienced a town so posh and friendly in equal measure.
Everyone in Baden Baden has a twinkle in their eye and a cheery demeanour. Even the buses give way to pedestrians with a slow wave and the town’s tag line is ‘the good, good life’. There must be something in the water!
Review and Images by Emmie Blower @emmiebhungry
Feature image courtesy of unsplash.com
