Baden - Baden

Germany

Baden-Baden, situated on the western fringes of the Black Forest, is without doubt one of the most important spas in Europe and has been systematically transformed into a modern spa town since the early 19th century. Bathing in Baden-Baden is a tradition that dates back to Roman times.

The town is situated in the valley of the river Oos and extends over the slopes of the picturesque surrounding hilly landscape. It consists of several areas of specific building types and ensembles that make up one of the most internationally famous and popular health resorts of the 19th century - the "summer capital of Europe".

The historic spa district includes the twelve thermal springs, the Roman bath ruins, a rare example of a Baroque bath in the Neuen Schloss, and finally the Friedrichsbad (1877) - all testimony to the innovative balneology of the late 19th century.

There is a well-preserved newer spa area. This includes one of the oldest preserved European examples of a Kurhaus, built by Friedrich Weinbrenner, originally called the Trinkhalle (1839-42) by Heinrich Hübsch, and the theatre (1860-62) designed by French architects. Other areas representing the large spa include several villa districts with churches and temples from different religions.

There are also a large number of magnificent historic hotels, such as the Badische Hof (1807), known as the first Grand Hotel in Germany, as well as spacious parks and green areas. Internationally renowned artists, composers such as Hector Berlioz, Jacques Offenbach, Johannes Brahms and Clara Schumann as well as writers such as Ivan Turgenev, Fyodor Dostoyevsky had a great influence on the special atmosphere in Baden-Baden.

www.visit.baden-baden.de