24 Main attractions of Baden-Baden: what to see and how much it costs

Baden-Baden grew up around water. Twelve thermal springs with temperatures up to 68 °C rise from underground right in the city center (as of 09/2026, Baden-Baden tourist office).

People come here for treatment, to walk along the Oos River, and to admire castles on the cliffs. The city is compact: everything important fits within a radius of a couple of kilometers. But there are so many sights that in one day you will only see half of them.

We walked through Baden-Baden and put the local attractions into a single route. For each sight you will find what to see, how much admission costs, and where you can save time.

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What to see in Baden-Baden

💡 In short:

• The center is walkable: Kurhaus, Trinkhalle, and Lichtentaler Allee are close together.
• The thermal baths are Caracalla Therme and Friedrichsbad: the first is modern, the second is historic and adults only.
• It is doable without a car: a bus goes to the funicular and Festspielhaus, while Mummelsee lake and the castles are easier to see by car.
• Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on the official tourist office website.

If you are short on time, start with this list. Add the rest according to your taste.

Our picks for a first visit

1. Casino Baden-Baden

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The casino occupies the Kurhaus, the former spa house. One of the oldest gambling establishments in Europe works more like a museum during the day: stucco, state rooms, chandeliers.

Gambling takes place in the evening and under a strict dress code. Entry requires an ID, and the dress code is classic, so leave jeans and sneakers at the hotel.

• How to get there: Kaiserallee 1, right in the Kurhaus, five minutes from the Trinkhalle (as of 09/2026, Casino Baden-Baden).
• Who it's for: those who want to see the historic halls and also play.
• The catch: strict dress code and ID required for entry.

Tours of the halls are also offered during the day, so it is worth comparing options on GetYourGuide in advance.

2. Fabergé Museum

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Fabergé Museum on Sophienstraße is dedicated to the firm of Carl Fabergé. The halls contain hundreds of items made of gold, silver, and stone: Easter eggs, cigarette cases, jewelry, tableware. Some of the objects belonged to the House of Romanov.

The museum is open daily, including Monday (as of 09/2026, official website). The rooms are compact, so an hour is enough to see everything.

• Cost: admission is paid, check the price at the ticket office.
• Who it's for: lovers of jewelry art and the history of the House of Fabergé.
• The catch: the rooms are small, and it gets crowded on weekends.

You can compare tickets for the Fabergé Museum on Tiqets.

3. Stiftskirche on Marktplatz

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Stiftskirche stands on the city's main square. It's the oldest church in Baden-Baden: margraves were buried here, and the tower is visible from almost everywhere.

Today it hosts services and organ concerts. Admission is free, but viewing is limited during services, so pick your time carefully.

The church preserves the tombs of the margraves, and bells of different ages hang under the vaults: the oldest was cast back in the Middle Ages, the rest came later. The architecture mixes Gothic, Romanesque motifs, and Baroque details, so people spend a long time studying the facade from different angles.

Inside, there are usually few tourists. You can calmly examine the stained glass, the stone crucifix, and the figure of the Virgin Mary, and in the evening you can stay for an organ concert. The parish organizes both Christmas and Easter performances, and tickets for those are bought in advance.

The church belongs to the Catholic community, so services follow their own schedule, and at other times entry is free. The building's foundation is gradually being eroded by groundwater, so restoration is almost constant. Residents raise money for repairs, because Stiftskirche remains Baden-Baden's main church.

• How to get there: Marktplatz, a stone's throw from the Trinkhalle.
• Who it's for: those interested in the city's history.
• The catch: the interior is more austere than ornate.

Check the concert schedule at the entrance: if you like the organ, you're in for a great evening.

4. Trinkhalle near the Kurhaus

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Trinkhalle, or pump room, stretches along the Kurhaus. The long colonnade with frescoes looks like a palace facade, and the famous thermal water flows from the taps.

The water is free to drink, and locals come here with mugs in the morning. The colonnade frescoes depict city legends, so the gallery is interesting to study, not just walk through.

The gallery is open year-round as a public space. In winter you can warm up here in the rain, and in summer you can simply drink some water on your way to the avenue.

• Cost: free.
• Who it's for: anyone who wants to try the spring water.
• The catch: the water is warm and slightly salty, not everyone will like it.

5. Caracalla Therme

© 3268zauber · CC BY-SAPhoto: 3268zauber, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Caracalla Therme operates in the city center. Inside there are two pools with different temperatures, saunas, hydromassage, and an outdoor area with views of the city.

The complex is open daily from 8:00 to 22:00, with last entry an hour and a half before closing (as of 09/2026, Caracalla Therme). Two hours in the bathing area cost €21, and with saunas €26 (as of 09/2026, Caracalla Therme). For €35 and €40 respectively, you get an all-day ticket (as of 09/2026, Caracalla Therme).

• Who it's for: families with children and those who want a modern complex.
• Not for: those looking for a historic atmosphere, you need Friedrichsbad.
• The catch: on weekends and in the rain there's a line at the entrance, book your ticket for the morning.

A short table helps compare the two complexes.

Caracalla Therme tickets on Tiqets are convenient to get in advance.

6. Church of the Transfiguration

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Church of the Transfiguration, also known as the Russische Kirche, stands on a hill above the center. The church was built for the resort's Russian community more than a century ago, and the money was raised by the Romanovs, Trubetskoys, and Stolypins.

The marble building is cross-shaped, with a golden dome. Inside, the stained glass and the mosaic icon of the Transfiguration have been preserved. Services are held here, so you'll be asked to keep quiet and not take photos during worship.

Donations to the church were made by representatives of prominent Russian families, and Nicholas II and his wife visited shortly before the tragic events. Over time, some of the church utensils and icons disappeared, and the dome was regilded more than once: the old gilding was removed and melted down.

The community fought legal battles over the building and property for many years until the church passed to the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Today it's an active parish where services are held and hymns are sung, so you'll find both parishioners and tourists.

The stained glass and stone iconostasis have survived, and the mosaic icon of the Transfiguration remains the main shrine. The city gained a spiritual center for the Russian community and a place of remembrance.

• How to get there: uphill from the center, about ten minutes on foot.
• The catch: viewing depends on the service schedule.

7. Museum Frieder Burda

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Museum Frieder Burda stands on Lichtentaler Allee. The white building designed by Richard Meier looks like a painting in itself, and its collection of German Expressionism is considered one of the best in the country.

The museum is connected to the Kunsthalle by a glass bridge, so you can see both museums in one visit. If you're tired of history, start here.

The core of the collection was assembled by publisher Frieder Burda, who spent many years buying works by German Expressionists and Picasso. The building was designed specifically for the collection, with large windows and bright galleries, so the paintings are seen in natural light.

Exhibitions change, so check the museum's website before your trip to see what's on. There are more works than space, and some pieces occasionally move to the neighboring Kunsthalle, which is why the two museums are connected by more than just a bridge.

The white, unadorned facade initially surprised locals, but now it's one of the city's landmarks. From the avenue side, the museum is especially beautiful at sunset, when the walls reflect the warm light. Plan your visit for the morning: that way you'll have time for both the Kunsthalle and a walk along Lichtentaler Allee.

• How to get there: Lichtentaler Allee, next to the Kunsthalle.
• Who it's for: lovers of modernist art.
• The catch: some galleries are closed between exhibitions.

8. Merkurbergbahn funicular

© Sitacuisses · CC BY-SAPhoto: Sitacuisses, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The Merkurbergbahn funicular takes you up Mount Merkur, the highest point in the city. The car climbs for a few minutes, and at the top you get a view over Baden-Baden, the Black Forest, and the Oos river valley.

There's an observation deck and a restaurant on the mountain. You can also hike up on marked trails and take the funicular back down.

• How to get there: the lower station is on the edge of town, served by bus.
• The catch: the line stops running in strong winds, so check the weather.

Plan your ascent for late afternoon: the sunset over the city will stay with you for a long time, and you'll make it back down before dark.

9. Gönneranlage rose garden

Gönneranlage is a few minutes from the center. In summer, countless varieties of roses bloom here, and the air on the paths smells sweet and rich.

The park was conceived as a place for quiet strolls: benches, sculptures, wide walkways. There's also a tennis court and a mini golf course on the grounds, but you're unlikely to need them.

• Cost: free entry.
• Who it's for: anyone who wants a quiet break between museums.
• The catch: roses bloom from May to October; in winter you'll only see the paths.

10. Altes Schloss Hohenbaden

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Altes Schloss Hohenbaden stands on the Battert rocks above the city. What remains of the margraves' castle are towers, walls, and inner courtyards, and some of the buildings have fallen into ruin.

Entry is free, and you can walk along the walls and through the courtyards. The best view of Baden-Baden opens up from here, especially at sunset.

The castle was the residence of the margraves of Baden and was considered comfortable for its time: it had fireplaces, reception halls, and a well-planned defensive layout. Fires destroyed most of the furnishings, but the towers and walls survived.

An aeolian harp now stands in the knights' hall, and the wind draws long, resonant sounds from it. The Battert rocks around the castle are covered in forest, so you walk to the castle along a genuine forest trail and breathe the Black Forest air.

Locals insist that the ghosts of knights appear in the ruins. You won't be able to verify that, but the views of the city and valley open up from almost any wall. Come early in the morning, before the tourists arrive, and bring water.

• How to get there: uphill from the center along a trail, about half an hour on foot.
• Who it's for: anyone who doesn't mind a walk for the view.
• The catch: the climb is rocky, so wear sturdy shoes.

11. Neues Schloss

© Txllxt TxllxT · CC BY-SAPhoto: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Neues Schloss rises on the Florentinerberg. The castle was rebuilt many times, so eras are mixed together here: state rooms sit alongside older sections.

There's no public access inside; the building is closed to visitors. But the old town route passes right by it, and the facade is best seen from the avenue.

The castle was built on the Florentinerberg as a fortified residence and later served as an archive and museum. Renovations never stopped: each new era remodeled the halls to its own taste and often destroyed what had come before.

The state rooms are in the Neo-Renaissance style, while the cellars and some of the guest rooms remain almost untouched. An investor bought part of the building and planned to open a five-star hotel, but the project stalled, so you can only admire the facade.

From the old town side, the castle looks like a set from a historical film. The best views of it are from the Florentinerberg and the Oos river promenade. Locals joke about a curse on the castle, though the real reason is simple: renovations here have never ended.

• How to get there: Florentinerberg, entrance from Marktplatz.
• The catch: you can't go inside; you'll have to admire it from outside.

12. Friedrichsbad thermal baths

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Friedrichsbad operates in a historic building from the century before last. You won't find music or waterslides here: only marble, mosaic, and silence. The treatments proceed in stages, from pool to pool.

The baths admit adults only, so couples come here for a quiet evening. Check the schedule and prices on the official website.

• Who it's for: adults who want a classic bathhouse experience.
• Not for: families with children.
• The catch: children are not admitted, and the full cycle takes time.

13. Festspielhaus concert hall

© Franzfoto · CC BY-SAPhoto: Franzfoto, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Festspielhaus occupies a former railway station building. The acoustics are on par with the best halls in Europe, and performances run almost every evening, from classical to jazz.

The hall operates without state subsidies: it relies on ticket sales and private donations. That keeps the program packed, so choose your concert in advance.

• How to get there: on the edge of town, served by bus.
• The catch: concerts end late, so check the transport schedule.

14. Römische Badruinen

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Römische Badruinen shows how people bathed here two thousand years ago. According to the tourist office, the city was founded specifically because of the thermal water.

Only foundations, channels, and pools remain of the complex; they were discovered by accident and turned into a museum. There isn't much to see if you're indifferent to antiquity, but it's an important stop for understanding the city.

For the Romans, the bathhouse was a center of leisure: people read, played music, and exercised here.

The ruins were found by accident during construction of a new building, and the discovery confirmed that the city grew up precisely around the springs. Some of the ancient statues and decorations disappeared without a trace, so today you see only foundations, channels, and pools.

The baths were the first major structures built on the conquered lands, so they offer a convenient way to read the city's history. The display boards explain how the water heating system worked, and it's clear even without a guide. Stop by here before visiting Caracalla Therme: the contrast will be striking.

• Cost: admission by ticket, check the price on site.
• The catch: the site is compact, half an hour will be enough.

15. Burgruine Iburg

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Burgruine Iburg stands on a hill above the city. Towers and walls remain of the fortress: some were destroyed by wars, others suffered from time.

Today a restaurant serving German cuisine operates within the walls, and forest trails lead to the ruins. From here you get a good view of the valley and vineyards.

• How to get there: on foot along a trail or by car.
• The catch: getting there by public transport is more difficult.

16. Bahnhof Baden-Baden

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Bahnhof Baden-Baden is located away from the center, several kilometers away. The building resembles a small palace in the Neo-Renaissance style, with cafes and shops inside.

Buses and taxis run from the station to the center. If you arrive by train, allow extra time for the trip to your hotel.

• How to get there: bus to the center, about fifteen minutes.
• The catch: walking from the station to the hotels is a long way.

17. Wasserfall Paradies

Wasserfall Paradies combines fountains, pools, and an artificial waterfall. The cascade was created as an extension of the city's water theme, with a park area and walking paths laid out around it.

The main part of the composition is tucked away deep in the park, so take your time and walk all the way to the end. In summer it stays cool here even in the heat.

• Cost: free.
• Who it's for: a relaxed walk after the thermal baths.
• The catch: it's a fair walk from the center.

18. Lichtentaler Allee

© Dguendel · CC BYPhoto: Dguendel, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Lichtentaler Allee runs along the Oos River through the entire city. It's Baden-Baden's main promenade: old trees, little bridges, flower beds, and busts of composers along the paths.

The avenue will take you to the museums, the rose garden, and Lichtental Monastery. In summer there's shade and cool air here, in winter it's quiet. Leave your car in the parking lot by the Kurhaus.

• How to get there: on foot from the Kurhaus, the avenue starts in the center.
• The catch: on weekends the paths are full of cyclists.

Further on, the route leads to museums, castles, and a lake in the Black Forest.

19. Kunsthalle Baden-Baden

© Praktikant KH · CC BY-SAPhoto: Praktikant KH, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kunsthalle Baden-Baden operates as an exhibition hall without its own collection. It hosts temporary exhibitions, so the program changes every season.

The building is connected to Museum Frieder Burda by a glass bridge. Even if the current exhibition isn't your thing, stop by for the architecture: the minimalist facade with no ornamentation already looked provocative at the beginning of the last century.

• Cost: admission by ticket for a specific exhibition.
• The catch: the halls are closed between exhibitions.

20. Stourdza-Kapelle

© Kent Wang · CC BY-SAPhoto: Kent Wang, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

Stourdza-Kapelle was built by the Stourdza family in memory of their son, who died young.

The building is in late classical style, with columns at the entrance and a single dome topped by a cross. Inside it's quiet and there are almost no tourists.

• How to get there: on a hill above the center, next to the Transfiguration Church.
• The catch: the chapel isn't always open, check the schedule on site.

21. Brahmshaus Museum

Brahmshaus stands on Lichtentaler Allee. Johannes Brahms lived here in the summer: he walked along the river, worked, and rested from the city noise.

© Gerd Eichmann · CC BY-SAPhoto: Gerd Eichmann, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The house was nearly demolished, but residents raised money for its restoration. Today it houses a museum with personal belongings and scores, and the rooms look as if the composer had just stepped out.

• Cost: admission by ticket.
• Who it's for: classical music fans.
• The catch: the exhibition is small, an hour is enough to see it.

22. Spitalkirche Church

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Spitalkirche was built as a hospital church, and today it's called the city's most elegant place of worship. The craftsmen worked quickly: the walls, murals, and organ were prepared almost without interruption.

Inside, frescoes on biblical themes have been preserved, and organ concerts still take place. Services here did not stop during World War II.

The hospital used to have another church as well, but it was closed after the new one opened.

Today Spitalkirche operates as an educational and cultural center, and organ concerts draw both locals and visitors. You'll find the program by the entrance; tickets are usually inexpensive, and the acoustics in the small hall are clean. Arrive half an hour before the start to get a seat closer to the organ.

• How to get there: in the center, not far from Marktplatz.
• The catch: the church can be closed between concerts.

23. Burg Alt-Eberstein

© Harke · CC BY-SAPhoto: Harke, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Burg Alt-Eberstein stands on a rocky outcrop. This was the residence of the Eberstein family, whose male line died out many centuries ago.

What remains of the castle are wall fragments and a tower with views of the surrounding area. In the past, defenders spotted enemies from afar from this height.

Passions raged around the fortress: neighbors tried to seize the family's lands, so assaults came one after another.

The tower served as a watch post, not just as decoration.

Traces of frescoes are still visible on the walls. The fortress stands on private land, so behave as a guest: take your trash with you. If you enjoy chivalric romances, you'll appreciate this place.

• How to get there: by car, it's a long walk from the city.
• The catch: public transport rarely comes here, plan your trip in advance.

24. Mummelsee Lake

© Norbert Hüttisch, Karlsruhe · CC BY-SAPhoto: Norbert Hüttisch, Karlsruhe, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Mummelsee Lake lies high in the Black Forest, away from the city. A small, dark lake from legends: locals told stories of mermaids and a lake king who rises to the surface at night.

A circular path runs around it, and there's a pier and a cafe. The air here is noticeably colder, so bring a windbreaker even in summer.

• How to get there: by car or bus along the Black Forest road.
• The catch: in summer the parking lot is full of tour buses.

Baden-Baden sights on the map

All the points are collected on one map. Open it on your phone and plan your route through the center so you don't waste time running around.

The most popular tickets in the city are listed below. This way you can compare prices in advance and won't have to look for them on site.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need for Baden-Baden?

Two full days are enough to see the center, visit the thermal baths, and go up the Merkur. If you also want the Black Forest with Mummelsee Lake, add a third day. In one day you'll only manage the Kurhaus, Trinkhalle, the avenue, and one museum.

Caracalla Therme or Friedrichsbad, which should I choose?

Caracalla Therme suits families: pools, saunas, hydromassage, and children are allowed. Adults choose Friedrichsbad for the marble, mosaics, and quiet. If you have one evening and kids, go with the first option. If you want atmosphere and aren't in a hurry, go with the second.

Do you need a car in Baden-Baden?

For the center, a car isn't necessary and only gets in the way: parking is paid and often full. It comes in handy for excursions, such as to Mummelsee Lake or Alt-Eberstein Castle. You can reach the Merkur and Festspielhaus by bus, and the center is easy to cover on foot.

How much does admission to museums and thermal baths cost?

The thermal baths are paid: a ticket to Caracalla Therme starts at €21 for two hours (as of 09/2026, carasana.de). Museums sell individual tickets, while the Trinkhalle, Lichtentaler Allee, and the castle ruins are free. Check current prices on the websites before your trip.

What is free in Baden-Baden?

You can drink the water at the Trinkhalle for free, stroll along Lichtentaler Allee, climb up to the Hohenbaden ruins, and walk to the Paradies waterfall. Entry to Stiftskirche and Spitalkirche is also free. You'll have to pay for the thermal baths, museums, and an evening at the casino, but walking around the city won't cost you a ticket.

When is the best time to visit Baden-Baden?

The best time to visit is May, June, and September. It's warm but without the July and August crowds. In autumn the town is calm and beautiful, and in December the Christmas market opens. The thermal baths operate year-round, so rain won't ruin your trip.

In short: what's worth booking

Let's put the decisions into a quick matrix.

• If you have one evening and kids: go for Caracalla Therme.
• If you want a historic bathhouse without kids: Friedrichsbad.
• If you're into art: see Museum Frieder Burda and Kunsthalle on the same day.
• If you want a view: go up the Merkur and walk to Hohenbaden.
• If you're driving: add Mummelsee and Alt-Eberstein.

Tickets for Caracalla Therme, museums, and tours are easy to compare on Tiqets.