Elite Traveler HRS 2024

elite traveler HOTELS, RESORTS &SPAS2024 75

its raison d’être and guarantee a good night’s sleep.

DAY2 Kick-start your morning over a locally roasted espresso at boho-cool Ka ff eesack before exploring Baden-Baden’s historic heart. The center of the city is a car-free zone and everything is reachable on foot. Where history and luxury merge At the Kurhaus, you’ll see its riot of Corinthian columns, followed by Trinkhalle, a neoclassical pump room, with a portico festooned with mythological frescoes. The hilltop Stiftskirche church has towered above the cobbled Marktplatz square for more than 1,000 years. It is only a short stroll away from Florentinerberg with its Italianate garden fi lledwith orange, lemon and cypress trees. Next, wander down the picturesque streets of the Old Town and discover the exquisite boutiques selling luxury brands and locally made gifts. Gourmand’s paradise Hungry? Go for the daily special or a slice of Black Forest Gateau at the elegant and legendary Café König. It once counted the composer Liszt and the writer Tolstoy amongst its regulars. Or snag an al fresco table at parkside Rizzi, where the brasserie style dishes such as bouillabaisse and homemade burgers are expertly paired with a glass of riesling or pinot from one of the nearby vineyards. Oenophiles can venture out to the city’s wine region, the Rebland — Germany’s second-largest Riesling growing district, located only 3.7 miles away from the city center, where sun-drenched vineyards meet with the most beautiful views. A visit during harvest time is particularly lovely. When it’s time for dinner, opt for one of the Michelin-starred restaurants. Or keep it more casual with a table at a cozy tavern where regional fl avors such as Flammkuchen (Alsatian pizza) and braised pork cheeks can be found. Best way to end your day For a spot of post-dinner splendor and culture, get dressed up for an event at the Festival Hall Baden Baden, Germany’s largest opera and concert hall, known for its incredible acoustics and world renowned roster of artists. Arguably one of the crowning jewels in Baden-Baden’s extensive collection is the palatial Casino Baden-Baden, which is not only one of Germany’s oldest casinos but was also once named by silver screen legend Marlene Dietrich as the most beautiful casino in the world. For an evening fi lled with excitement, thrills and unrivaled luxury, there is no better place. Visitors can don their best frocks, ready for an adventure in the world of roulette, blackjack and poker unlike anyother. DAY3 Depending on your mood and level of fi tness, you might consider being active outdoors today.

Horse and carriage ride at The Lichtentaler Allee

The Kurhaus

Friedrichsbad thermal bath

Out and about Baden-Baden is a great destination for long walks and hiking tours at any time of the year. Walk parts of the Panorama Trail, voted Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail in 2020 or rent an e-bike to explore one of the many bike routes further a fi eld. The best spot for lovely sunsets is at Merkur Mountain — the highest point of the city. A funicular railway brings you to the peak in only a few minutes. For those seeking adrenaline, there is a starting point for paragliders waiting at the top. If you depart Baden-Baden by car, make use of the gateway to the Black Forest Panoramic Route, which

leads to the Black Forest National Park and impresses with more beautiful nature and splendid views over the mountains and the Rhine Valley. ‘The good-good life’ The worst thing about Baden-Baden is leaving. Home of ‘the good-good life,’ Baden-Baden is a truly enchanting place, exuding class and sophistication at every turn. For every piece of modern luxury, there is an equally charming reminder of the city’s ancient culture and history. A must-see for any traveler, this is one destination that cannot be missed. baden-baden.com

Photos Baden-Baden Kur & Tourismus GmbH, N. Dautel, C. Cancellieri