While Baden-Baden is undeniably German, its location just a few miles from the border with France lends it a Gallic charm that manifests in the cafes and manicured gardens that give this town a sophisticated yet relaxed air. It's a town that has much more to offer than just water, although that's not a bad place to start.
Soak it up
If you take to the waters to relieve your aches and pains or just to unwind, you'll be partaking in a tradition that originated with the Romans. The Roman bath ruins are well worth a visit before you dip your toes into the water at Caracalla Therme or Friedrichsbad. The latter was built in 1877, a shrine to bathing with statues, a dome and gorgeous tiling.
Into the Black Forest
Baden-Baden is nestled in a valley, but you don't have to wander far to find extraordinary Black Forest walks. Looming over the town is Merkur (Mercury) mountain, with a 2191 foot summit. Serious walkers can wind their way to the top on the footpath, although there's also Europe's steepest funicular railway if you'd rather reserve your energy.
From the top the views are incredible, and can be enjoyed from the summit restaurant, Merkurstuble – where a warming drink is very much the order of the day if you've trekked to the top during autumn or winter. There are countless walking trails here, all providing you with a real sense of the area's natural beauty.
Glamour and Glitz
While it's possible to do Baden-Baden on a budget, there's definitely a glamorous side to the town. It has attracted the rich and famous since the 19th century. It made the back pages of papers in 2006 when the England football team stayed there and the city had also hosted Barack Obama, Mark Twain and Tolstoy. Russian great Dostoyevsky even wrote 'The Gambler' while trying his luck at the local casino - it's Germany's oldest and often described as the most beautiful in the world.
Sample some 'look but don't touch' glamour at the Faberge Museum, which includes some of the delicate, jewelled eggs that Carl Peter Faberge crafted for the Russian royal family in the late 19th century. If this puts you in the mood for a blowout, there's a range of Michelin-starred restaurants to dine at. Brenners Park Hotel recently got it second star and gourmets can feast on lobster, caviar and the special of the house – saddle of venison – albeit at a price.
Whether you're here to walk, bathe or sample a slice of the life of the rich and famous, this is a memorable and unique town. Car hire in Baden-Baden is the perfect way to explore what it has to offer.