Top Rated Attractions in Karlsruhe

Centrally located in the city, the Zentrum für Kunst und Medientechnologie or ZKM is a unique cultural institution dedicated to advancement in the fields of art and media. Located within the sprawling facility, is an array of museums as well as research institutes dedicated to the arts and media. From exploring the fantastic interactive exhibits at the Media Museum to checking out stunning artwork at the Museum of Contemporary Art, visitors will have quite a lot to explore here. The center's main aim of facilitating advancement in arts has certainly taken good shape with a number of top exhibitions and art-related events happening here. Guided tours of the facility are available for visitors who wish to have a better understanding of ZKM.

State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe is an interesting museum that preserves the natural history of the city on various aspects like geography, history, bio-geography and the like. The exhibits at this museum keeps rotating because of the various themes. The museum is also a home to several exhibits of the 17th and 18th century state and cabinet affairs. The museum conducts programs, lectures and special events that are open to the public. A great place to visit with school kids, researchers, historians or anyone who is interested in knowing about the city of Karlsruhe.

Constructed in 1715, the Karlsruhe Palace is one of the most stunning historical buildings currently standing in the city. Renowned for being the host to the Badisches Landesmuseum, the castle complex occupies a large circular area with the main building itself at the center surrounded by impeccably laid out gardens and other historical buildings. The magnificent palace with its sprawling facade, originally constructed from wood, has gone through several reconstructions. The historical museum inside the palace showcases artworks and relics right from pre-Hellenistic eras. An architectural and historical wonder, the palace is a defining landmark of the city.

Badisches Landesmuseum, situated within the majestic Karlsruhe Castle, features permanent and temporary exhibitions showcasing aspects of art, politics, and society; these celebrate Baden's rich heritage and draw historians and art enthusiasts in droves. On display are sculptures, fabrics, coins, metallics, weapons and the antiquity collection from the Turkish war among other objects.

Embrace your wild side at the Karlsruhe Zoo, one of the oldest in Germany, dating back to 1865. This serene sanctuary is rich in flora and fauna and is a staple on most tourist itineraries. Natural habitat to over a hundred species, more than 800 animals from across the world call it home. Be in touching distance of African lions, penguins, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, owls, chimpanzees, spider monkeys, Asian elephants, hippos, flamingos and so on. The favorites, however, continue to remain the seals, polar bears and snow leopards. Visitors can traverse on foot or opt for a guided tour. This ecological epicenter, in addition to doing wonders for the conservation of wildlife, promises an enchanting and unforgettable experience.

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.