The 2.3 kilometer (1.42 miles) long Lichtentaler Allee along the river Oos was developed as an exceptional park in the middle of 19th Century. The park is also a well-groomed arboretum with oak trees that have existed for more than 300 years along with various other shrubs and trees. An ideal place for a stroll at any time of the day, the beauty of Gönneranlage (added in 1952), which comprises of a rose garden and fountain, is breathtaking. With a number of hotels and mansions along the avenue and an art museum inside the park, this place makes for a serene green spot in the town.
One of the top attractions of Baden-Baden is the Merkur Funicular Railway. Not only is it a great way to travel up the Merkur Mountain, the railway car also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region and all the verdant scenery the town has to offer. For a nominal price, the Funicular offers a novel experience.
Schloss Hohenbaden, situated in the heart of Baden-Baden is a striking historic landmark visited by tourists in large numbers. It was the official headquarters of the Margraves of Baden, a ruling dynasty. For more than 400 years, from the 11th to the 15th Century, this castle served as the aristocratic seat of the town of Baden-Baden. Today, it is a national monument and attracts adventurers amid its ruins, in quest of secrets among its myriad stairways, passages and dungeons. This castle is situated on the way to Battery mountain, and from the top, one can enjoy breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and Black Forest. It also houses a restaurant.
Located in the old town of Baden-Baden one of the best tourist attractions that attract visitors is the 2000-year-old bath ruins. Known for their thermal water baths, the site is best preserved where you can look around and experience and gain information about the remains of the first and oldest ancient baths.
Set in a magnificent 19th-century building replete with stunning frescoes, Friedrichsbad offers a unique bathing experience unlike any other in the city. What's more, is that the underground Roman bath ruins add to its historical value. Blending the traditions of the Irish and Romans, the facility features 17 different zones of thermal baths. If you want to experience an authentic bathing tradition, then this place is a must-visit.
Situated on the Florentinerberg, Stiftskirche dates back to the 15th Century. The church underwent major renovations in the 19th Century and it was redesigned with Gothic designs. The church is known for being the final resting place for many royals. There are several tombs of the royal family in the church. The interior of the church is spectacular and the stained glass windows are pretty impressive. The epitaph of Ludwig Wilhelm is another striking feature of the church.
The neo-classical building which houses la bibliothèque nationale universitaire (B.N.U) - National University Library - is one of five very large structures on the place de la République built by the Germans after the defeat of 1870. They wanted to make Strasbourg a symbol of the power and culture of the Reich; they constructed a number of grandiose buildings, whilst implementing cultural policy in Alsace-Lorraine. The current library was created between 1889 and 1894. This followed the destruction of the municipal library in the bombardments during the siege on the town in 1870. It was immediately very well-equipped by the Empire. Today it is the second best library in France, holding more than 3 million manuscripts on 55 kilometres of shelves. It is practically exhaustive on such subjects as Alsace, Germanic and religious culture.
Consecrated in 1907, the church was damaged during World War II and it was restored to its former glory in 1984. The 53 meter high tower is made of yellow palatinate sandstone and the interior of the church is characterized by Art Nouveau detailing. New Bells were installed in 1956 and a new organ completed in 2001.
Its stunning green dome and Art Nouveau elements is a striking feature in city's landscape. St. Bernhard or Bernharduskirche is a Catholic church and was built in 1914. One has to climb many stairs to enter the church. Its entrance is bounded by two free-standing pillars with engraved images of Apostles Peter and Paul on either side. Its star shaped design creates an impressive facade while its Art Nouveau interiors will fascinate you.
The former house of the monks of the Benedictine order, Münsterkirche Klosterreichenbach continues its service to the community to this day. The origins of this church can be traced back to 1085 CE when it was built to honor Saint Gregory the Great. Having withstood the test of time with minimal repairs and restoration, the stone structure still maintains its originality, with major portions of the original interiors remaining intact as well.
Tucked away on an elevated hill above the quaint town of Bühl, Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe presents a stunning visage, its sumptuous exterior evoking a vivid image of the structure's past as a thriving luxury hotel. Dating from the early 1900s, this landmark structure overlooks the verdant surrounds of the Black Forest from its lofty perch and serves as a prominent cultural landmark in the area. The former hotel stands frozen in time, having retained many of its distinctive features, and much of its designs bear allusions to the neo-baroque style of architecture. Several accompanying historical elements attest to its architectural splendor, establishing Schlosshotel Bühlerhöhe as a timeless remnant of history and grandeur.
A route between the towns of Hundseck and Untersmatt was constructed in 1930, which came to be known as Schwarzwaldhochstrasse. It was extended in 1952 to the cities of Baden-Baden in the north and Freudenstadt to the south to provide an easy access to hotels and scenic spots on the high altitude Black Forest mountains. The 60 kilometer (37 miles) stretch of the road provides a great opportunity for nature trails and winter sports at an altitude that ranges from 700 to 1100 meters (2296 to 3609 feet).