We're planning a quick trip to Germany this fall & since we only have 4-5 days, thought we'd stay in one place & day trip. We're looking at Baden Baden as we've never been to this corner of Germany & it looks convenient for day trips to Friburg, Triberg, & Strasbourg, France. Hopefully, we can wait the Christmas markets kick off as would love to see these. Any tips for Baden Baden or comments about the feasibility of day tripping from there would be appreciated. Thanks!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Kim, I was in Baden Baden a few months ago, and it does provide a good "home base" for day trips to other areas. One thing to keep in mind is that it's some distance from the main part of town to the rail station, which is located in a "suburb". I used Taxi's for that trip, but there's probably a Bus option too (I didn't check). Baden Baden is an interesting and somewhat "upscale" city, and the main attractions are the Spas and the Casino. I found it interesting that some shop windows had bilingual signs in German and Russian. I've never been there in winter so can't comment on the Christmas markets or whether all the Hotels and other tourist facilities will be operating at that time of year. If you do stop there, be sure to try the "splurge" restaurant that Rick lists in the Guidebook (I'd have to check my records for the name). Happy travels!
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19099 posts
If you look up the rail schedules on the Bahn website, http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en, and you use the current date, you will see connections showing buses (SEVs) from Offenburg or Appenweier to Strasbourg. This is because they are working on the Rhein bridge and trains aren't going across. Instead they are providing substitute buses from Kehl to Strasbourg. However, they will probably be done by the time you travel (just use your actual travel date).
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19099 posts
Here, www.kvv.de/kvv/documentpool/liniennetzplan/j10/lnpbadb_j10.pdf, is a "map" of the bus lines in Baden-Baden. You will notice that a lot of the buses go from the Bahnhof to Leopoldsplatz, which is about the center of town (I think I took bus 244).
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19099 posts
The trip from Hausach up the Gutach river to Triberg is possibly one of the most scenic in Germany. We did it in 2002 with freshly fallen snow on the river valley, and it was spectacular. Baden-Baden to Freiburg is only a little over an hour, as is Baden-Baden to Strasbourg. All are easy day trips. But don't settle for just the name towns. Take the train from Baden-Baden up the Murg to Freudenstadt, often called the capital of the No. Black Forest.
Posted by
OP
Daphne, AL, USA
25 posts
Thanks for much for the info. We're looking forward to seeing this part of Germany. Hope we get a little snowfall too, Lee!
Posted by
Boston
7 posts
Great Town. Make sure you visit the baths and get a scrub down, bath and full towel wrap. It's an experience and will add a few years to your life, guaranteed!
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
When we stayed in Baden Baden we used a car to get around to surrounding area. Are you sure about Strasbourg we were dissappointed there but did enjoy nearby fairytale villages surrounding and Colmar.
Posted by
OP
Daphne, AL, USA
25 posts
JS, A Strasbourg visit has been recommended by almost everyone we know who has lived in Germany or toured eastern France. Would you share what was disappointing to you on your visit there? What did you like about Colmar that would make it a good alternate?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32213 posts
Kim, I'd like to comment on Strasbourg as well (I was in that region a few months ago). I stayed in Colmar and visited Strasbourg on a very LONG day trip. Having been to both towns, I feel Strasbourg is WELL worth a visit as there's a lot to see there, including the magnificent Cathedral. After a day pushing through crowds and waiting in queue's in Strasbourg, I was glad to get back to Colmar. I'm glad I stayed in Colmar as it's a smaller town and I had a great time there. Cheers!