Germany: City of Baden - Part 2

One of Europe’s most famous spa resorts is elegant Baden where you can soak in the purest water, in two luxurious spas: the historic Friedrischsbad, with its 16-stage cleansing treatment, and the contemporary Caracalla Spa. There are also treatment for beauty and relaxation.

In Southwest Germany you are never far from a museum. And, not just any museum, but some of Europe’s best. From Medieval paintings to cuckoo clocks and from contemporary art to jewellery the range is astonishing.

In a striking modern building designed by New York Richard Meier, the Mueseum Frieder Burda focuses on Classical Modernism, encompassing late works by Picasso as well as Jackson Pullock, Mark Rothko and more.

Since opening in 1998, Baden-Baden’s Festival Theater (Festspielhaus) has hosted world-class opera and classical concerts, with legendary international stars. The building itself is intriguing, as it incorporates what was once the city’s railway station and with 2, 500 seats, it is one of Europe’s largest. Combining the palatial facade of the former railroad station with a modern glass extension, the glamorous facility has outstanding acoustics for opera, concerts and ballet. Offering more than 300 top class events annually.

This is an addition to the four seasonal festivals Summer (early July), Autumn (early October), Winter (mid January), and the Herbert von Karajan Whitsun Festival (late May-early June).

Also on offer in Baden-Baden are popular music and shows –not just in this theatre, but also in the legendary Kurhaus. Here the elegance of the 1820’s provides a backdrop to entertainment from classical recitals to pop music and film festivals.

In this area you will find is a land of castles, Large or small, menacing or elegant, each has a story to tell. From the fortresses (Burg or Festung) of Middle Ages to the elaborate palaces that were statements of wealth in later centuries, these time machines take you back to days gone by. Many are under the umbrella organization, the State Palaces and Garden of Baden-Wuttenmberg. The castle road links castles in several countries, follow the route in Southwest Germany for a vacation to remember.

Eating locally and fresh in this area, with markets full of seasonal, often organic, produce. From mid April to June 24, for example the emphasis is on asparagus. Drive the Baden Asparagus Route, join in the fun of asparagus festivals, eat fresh asparagus in wayside inns.

The climate in this area has mild differences, between highs and lows, for example in January it is an average temperature of 4 degrees C to a maximum temperature in July/August of 24 degrees C.
Therefore this is a wonderful area to visit all year round.