Express By Holiday Inn Baden-Baden

Things to do for free

by Kathrin_E

Baden-Baden is a posh spa and thus well known for being ... not cheap. Budget travelers, check prices carefully.
There are, however, enough things that can be done for free to keep you busy for a day. I've described most of these activities in separate tips, so here is just a short list:

~ Walking through the Kurpark

~ The afternoon concerts in the 'concert shell' in front of the Kurhaus

~ People-watching and window-shopping in Kurhauskolonnaden and town

~ Drinking the healing waters in the Trinkhalle or at the Fettquelle next to Friedrichsbad (bring an empty bottle or a cup)

~ A walk along Lichtentaler Allee to see the beautiful parks and gardens, hotels and villas

~ Gönneranlage gardens

~ The churches

~ Courtyard and church of Lichtenthal monastery

~ Strolling through the old town up to the terrace at the New Palace for the view

~ Hike up to castle Hohenbaden, visiting the ruin is also free

~ Lots of hiking trails in the surrounding forests

Baldreit: Former Bath And Guest House

by Kathrin_E

The Baldreit was first mentioned as a bath and guest house in the 15th century. After the destruction in the 17th century wars it was rebuilt, its current appearance derives from the 18th and 19th century.

The romantic courtyard is well hidden in the old town. The easiest acess wil be from the upper corner of Marktplatz opposite the steeple of the Stiftskirche; follow the sign down the stairs.

The building is used by the Stadtmuseum (town museum) as offices and storage; the museum's exhibitions are in a different building in Lichtenthaler Allee.

Horseraces

by tini58de

Twice a year (in May and August) there is the famous international horse racing of the town Baden-Baden. It is a fantastic thing to experience the thrilling and romantic atmosphere of the horse race. You can watch the horses, bet or just have a look at the dressed up audience...

The first races took place in 1858. Today, races are organized by the International Club of Baden-Baden, founded in 1872.

Since 2000, Iffezheim has hosted the 'Mercedes-Benz - Grand Prix of Baden-Baden', which makes Baden-Baden the only German racing track of the newly created 'Emirates World Series Racing Championship'. This 'Formula 1 of the Thoroughbreds' encompasses the 12 most significant races on four continents.
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A Wombat in Germany's Poshest Spa

by Russell_the_Wombat

Baden-Baden is a veeeery posh place. Luckily it is not far from our home, so we can go and visit on a day trip with a cheap tram and bus ticket for humans - accompanying wombats get a 100% discount - and visit whenever we like to, without worrying about the expensive hotels etcetera.

There are beautiful buildings and parks, fancy shops full of stuff which no sensible wombat needs but which costs a fortune, and strange rich people to watch.

The town gained fame because of its thermal springs that were already known and enjoyed by the ancient Romans. Humans love to bathe and relax in hot water. I never got the hang of this, but never mind. The water is said to be very healthy to drink, too. According to its bad taste, it must be extremely healthy.

Uphill into Baden-Baden's Old Town

by Russell_the_Wombat

We got off the bus next to Trinkhalle and Kurpark and started your visit with a walk through the old town. In the morning the street cafes were still empty.

We did not bother with the shopping street but climbed a narrow lane uphill.

Baden-Baden's old town has the atmosphere of the "good old times" a hundred or more years ago when the Important, the Rich and the Beautiful (and those who thought they were) used to come to Baden-Baden for the summer.

The buildings here are elegant spa hotels with an atmosphere of rich old people. Not our world. I do not think anyone in there loves wombats.

I clombed fences and walls...

... for a better view...

... until I found the perfect spot at the top of a stairway.