It has earned joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status alongside Bath and nine other locations on the ‘The Great Spa Towns of Europe’ list
The city is full of historic buildings(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
If you’re mulling over a European escape but prefer somewhere a touch more under the radar, one “hidden gem” featuring historic spa facilities, ancient Roman remnants and impressive museums might be just the ticket.
Situated in south west Germany, neighbouring the renowned Black Forest mountain range, this city has earned joint UNESCO World Heritage Site status alongside Bath in Somerset and nine other locations as part of ‘The Great Spa Towns of Europe’.
The destination in question is Baden-Baden, located roughly 15 miles east of the French border and 42 miles west of Stuttgart, reports the Express.
Travel influencer Katherine McQueen, who commands a following of 685,000 on Instagram via the handle vineyardsandvoyages, offered insight into all the city has to showcase.
She remarked: “This is one of Europe’s most elegant hidden gems… and most people skip it.” Describing the destination as “polished, romantic, and completely different from the bigger stops most travellers add to their itineraries”, she highlighted its “pastel streets, grand architecture, thermal baths, elegant cafés, beautiful gardens, and old-world glamour around every corner”.
However, it was the abundant history which she hailed as its greatest draw. “People have been coming here for the thermal waters since Roman times, and wellness is still one of the biggest reasons to visit today,” she stated. “You can soak in mineral-rich baths, wander through historic spa buildings, and experience a side of Germany that feels slow, refined, and deeply relaxing.”
Katherine also lavished praise on the city’s stunning casino, its culinary offerings – including, of course, the iconic Black Forest gateau – and its location, calling it “one of the most unexpectedly charming places I’ve visited in Germany”.
In her post, Katherine detailed what awaits those who visit the city. “Some of the bathhouses here feel more like palaces than spas, with mineral pools, grand domes, and centuries of wellness history,” she explained.
“But it’s not just a spa town. It’s also filled with elegant architecture, gardens, colonnades, and beautiful places to wander.”
She continued: “The whole city has this refined, romantic atmosphere. Long covered walkways, grand buildings, art, gardens, and peaceful corners everywhere.”
Concluding her enthusiastic review, she remarked: “It has that rare mix of history, wellness, food, architecture, and nature, all in one very walkable little city.
“Everywhere you look, there are details that make it feel grand without feeling overwhelming. This town rewards slow wandering. Hidden side streets, stairways, dreamy corners, and beautiful views around every turn.”
The city’s official tourism website states: “Baden-Baden was founded 2,000 years ago to do people good. Thermal water at temperatures of up to 68 degrees gushes out of the earth from 12 thermal springs in Baden-Baden.
“Even today, our spa town at the foot of the Black Forest is the perfect place to enjoy spa tradition – whether in the Caracalla Spa or in the historic Friedrichsbad Spa.”
How do I travel to Baden-Baden?
By plane: Direct flights to Baden-Baden are available from London Stansted Airport. Indirect flights are also available from most other UK airports.
By train: Eurostar services run to Paris or Brussels, with a range of onward connections available from both cities.
By car: Motorists can travel via the Eurostar, heading south-east through France or east through Belgium before crossing into Germany. From France, the journey covers between 400 and 450 miles, with an estimated driving time of six to seven hours.
