Hotel Am Friedrichsbad mit Prager Stuben

Want to visit the Casino? Dress Code!

by Kathrin_E

If you want to watch or join the gambling, take into consideration that the Casino has a strict dress code. For men this means shirt, jacket and tie. (Shirt and tie without jacket are not considered formal dress in Germany.) Women should dress 'appropriate'.
No need to panic, guys, if you don't have these items with you. In case of need a tie and a jacket can be borrowed from the Casino reception.

This applies, however, only for the part with the roulette and poker tables and only after 2 p.m. when the gambling starts. For the guided tours in the morning and to visit the part with the slot machines there is no dress code at all, normal casual wear is all right.

A walk in the old town

by Kathrin_E

The old town centre on the slopes of the hill has narrow streets, shops, restaurants and cafes (most of which can't be called cheap).
The average age of the population in Baden-Baden is the highest in the whole of Germany, which one can't fail to notice when walking the streets.
On top of the hill you'll find the palace (Neues Schloss). The building remained property of the Marggraves of Baden even after 1918, but they sold it in the 1990s to some investor who had planned to turn it into a luxury hotel. So far, nothing has happened since...

See my travelogue page for more pictures of the romantic old town.

Neues Schloss - New Palace

by Kathrin_E

The former residence of the Marggraves of Baden-Baden on the Florentinerberg was first built in the 16th century and later extended. In 1700 Marggrave Ludwig Wilhelm decided to move to Rastatt where he had his new baroque palace and town erected. The palace in Baden-Baden served only for occasional visits from then on.

In 1995 the Marggraves of Baden sold the palace and all its interior in an auction. An investor bought the building and planned to turn it into a luxury hotel. So far, nothing has happened, probably due to financial problems. The decay of the building continues, its further fate is yet to decide about.

The terrace (photo 2) offers a nice view of the town and the valley.
The palace itself is closed to visitors. If the main gate is open, at least a (forbidden) peep into the courtyard is possible (photo 5).

Update, summer 2010: Seems a new investor has been found and new plans have been made. A recent press release announced the the works to start soon. "With utmost care" (whatever that is supposed to mean) the palace will be turned into a luxury hotel. A new building is planned in the park. The hotel is to open in 2013. The picture (photo 5) is taken from the sign they have put up outside the palace.

Baden Baden

by Monza_dh

I really didn’t know much about Baden-Baden before I got there. I used it as a first stop from Paris before eventually heading to Munich.

I took the train from Paris and had a small pension reserved. I planned to pick up a car for hire for the rest of my trip in Germany.

I really liked Baden-Baden, the town is perfectly clean with well dressed people all about. It definitely has a certain feel to it with it’s perfect setting with the casino and ancient roman baths.

I was here in September and the weather was enjoyable to sit out and drink plenty of beer.

If you go you have to stop in to take a mud bath and scrubdown in the baths. It will add ten years to your life.

"Picture Perfect"