ebgibbs

I will be in Alsace-Lorraine for a few days and have just been given the opportunity to ride along on a group day trip to Baden Baden. The group is going for a spa day, but I am going to stroll. I have been checking travel sites and have some general ideas, but I would love input from this site. This is my one day in Germany (the rest of the trip is all France). I leave for Paris in 48 hours (Monday a.m.). I will start this trip solo and do several side trips solo which will be a first for me, so I am especially excited/thrilled/terrified.

ira

Hi E,

Do you have a specific question?

ebgibbs

My specific question is what exactly should not be missed (other than the spas which I have already chose to miss). I will be walking and by myself. (Ira you teach engineering don't you? So does my dad, in Metz this semester which is why I get this trip.)

ebgibbs

whoops, should have been "chosen to miss"

janisj

This site has a lot of info including a virtual tour of the town and a video

http://www.baden-baden.de/en/index.html

ebgibbs

Thank you, this is a very good site, which I have looked at because of another recommendation on this forum. Maybe yours.

Suspaul

Be sure to take time to sit in one of the outdoor cafes for a coffee, great people watching as Baden-Baden is a very upscale town and it's fun to see the "well heeled". Enjoy your stay.
Susan

Pegontheroad

Lovely town. We were there during race week, and really enjoyed window shopping because of all the glorious hats in the shops.

quokka

Apart from the obvious - a stroll round the old centre, window shopping and people watching:

- A walk along Lichtenthaler Allee

- Kurhaus and Kurpark. The Casino offers guided tours in the morning - even if you're not into gambling the building is interesting and pretty to see. At that time it will be empty, the gambling starts at 2 p.m. Watching the gamblers might be fun too - I have to admit, though, that this is not my world.

- If the weather is fine, take the cogwheel train up the Merkurberg for the view.

- Try the water from the hot springs in the Trinkhalle, there is a free fountain (bring an empty bottle if you have one). Tastes a bit weird but is said to be very healthy.

- Museum Burda, if you're into modern/contemporary art. An excellent private collection and sometimes interesting exhibitions (don't know what's on at the moment). The new museum building has just been opened a year ago or so, the architecture is also worth a look.

ebgibbs

Thank you so much. I will print this out and take it with me.

gruezi

bkmkg

PalenQ

i ditto quokka's recommendation of a Casino tour and arrive before 11am or noon before the casino opens for business and there are no tours

One of the most impressionable tours i've taken anywhere - regaled by stories of royals and celebrities of a century ago in the casino still decorated in a gaudy Victorian era decor

Very fascinating and to me the highlight of my day in Baden-Baden.

If going by train the Baden-Baden station is a few miles from the spa town center - buses from station or a rather nice walking path along a stream if i remember right.

Very fine day trip - put angst to rest as there is no reason to have any.

The town itself is pleasant - nice tea shops, restaurants, boutiques, etc.

BTW the water stinks - you can sample it by the casino

PalenQ

Casino Baden-Baden
The Baden-Baden casino is one of the oldest and most traditional in all of Europe. ... to keep your money in your pocket you can always take a guided tour. ...
www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM16GE

111op

Can someone comment on the spas and baths in Baden-Baden?

It looks like the nicer one is Friedrichsbad. But the whole thing takes 3 hours without massage and 3.5 hours with massage, according to the website.

What if I don't have that much time? Is it possible to shorten the visit?

Is an appointment necessary?

Thanks!

111op

Well I guess my question is a little silly. Most likely it's possible to shorten the visit -- I mean, it's not like they spy on you or something.

But I get the impression that there's a certain regime you're asked to go through.

I went through something similar in Wiesbaden, but it doesn't seem to be as strict there.

I guess the question is more about the scheduling of the massage, etc., whether it should be done in advance.

Could someone who has done this before please comment? Thanks again!

111op

Sorry for the repeat posts. I found an interesting description and some answers here about the ritual:

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpag...752C1A9659C8B6

I guess it's not a massage. It sounds like some sort of soap thing.

Then again, if someone has done this, please report!

111op

Ok, I guess I spoke too soon.

I found another article:
http://travel.nytimes.com/2006/07/09/travel/09Next.html

"The three-hour, 16-stage spa process is not for everyone. A little rough and very intense, it's an extreme spa experience.

The first few stages are a thorough cleaning — everyone (don't try to skip one, they're watching) takes numerous showers, sits through sweat chambers, steam chambers and most even get a firm massage-brushdown that seems to designed to remove a few layers of skin. Then comes what can be the slightly awkward moment."

So maybe they do make sure you use your 3 hours!

quokka

A difference between the two, which may influence your decision, is that Caracallatherme requires swimsuit (except for the sauna part, of course) while Friedrichsbad is nude.

Friedrichsbad has a fixed curriculum that can't be shortened. Caracallatherme leaves the choice to you.

111op

That's the bit I don't understand.

How can they possibly make sure you use three hours? I mean, what if you're not happy with one stage and just want to make it shorter?

Also the website says that the last entry is two hours before closing time. If they insist that everyone must use 3 hours, then shouldn't they make it three hours?

Thanks again!

111op

It seems like there's a 30-minute relaxation period at the very end. Is that included in the 3 hours? What if I'm already relaxed and I need to leave?

I'll try to call them and see what they say.