TheTrinkhalle, also known as the Pump Room, is one of Baden-Baden's most fascinating sights, which is wrongly overshadowed by more publicized attractions. This elegant 1842 hall, designed by Heinrich Hübner, is an architectural masterpiece with an impressive 90-meter-long colonnade. But the real treasure of the place is the captivating frescoes by Jakob Götzenberger, which adorn the walls under the arcade. The fourteen paintings depict legends and stories from the Black Forest, transporting visitors to a world of German folklore and mythology. Particularly intriguing is the legend of Mummelsee, a mysterious lake said to be home to water nymphs who draw unwary wanderers into the depths. Another fresco tells the story of Fremersberg, where the devil is said to have tempted the monks of the monastery.

The Trinkhalle once served as a spa hall, where visitors came to drink the healing water. To this day you can still taste the mineral water from the original fountain located inside the building. Rich in minerals, the water has a distinctive taste, which some describe as 'metallic' or 'earthy'. While not to everyone's taste, it's worth trying this local specialty, which has attracted European aristocracy to Baden-Baden for centuries. The hall is open to the public year-round, and admission is free, making it an attractive option for frugal travelers.

The cable car to Mount Merkur (Merkurbergbahn), on the other hand, is a real treat for lovers of engineering and spectacular views. This historic cable car, launched in 1913, is one of the steepest in Europe, climbing gradients of up to 54%. The journey to the top of Mount Merkur (668 meters above sea level) takes only a few minutes, but provides an unforgettable experience. The carriages move along a single-track route with a passing track in the middle, which in itself is an interesting technical solution.

A viewing platform awaits tourists at the top of the Merkur, which offers a panoramic view that includes not only Baden-Baden, but also the vast expanses of the Black Forest, the Rhine Valley and, on good visibility, even the French Vosges. It is undoubtedly one of the best vantage points in the region, and much less crowded than the city's main attractions. There is also a cozy restaurant at the top, where you can enjoy local specialties. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are numerous hiking trails starting at the top of the mountain, as well as a launching point for paragliders. The cost of the round-trip train ride is moderate, making this attraction accessible to a wide range of tourists.

The Geroldsauer Waterfall (Geroldsauer Wasserfall) is a true gem of nature hidden in the Grobbachtal valley, just a few kilometers from the center of Baden-Baden. This picturesque corner offers respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and allows you to immerse yourself in the authentic nature of the Black Forest. While the waterfall itself may not impress with its height, its charm lies in the harmonious combination of cascading water, mossy rocks and lush vegetation creating an almost fairytale-like setting. The water cascades down from a height of about 9 meters, creating a pleasant, soothing hum that has a calming effect on the senses.

A scenic path of about 2.5 kilometers leads to the waterfall, starting at the Geroldsau parking lot. The route is well marked and accessible to people of all ages, although some sections can be challenging for those with limited mobility. Along the way you can enjoy the typical Black Forest landscape with dense spruce forests and streams. The waterfall looks particularly charming in spring, when melting snows increase the flow of water, and in autumn, when the surrounding trees shimmer with gold and red. It is advisable to bring a camera with you, as the place offers numerous opportunities to take beautiful photos.

Near the waterfall is the traditional restaurant Waldgaststätte Bütthof, where you can enjoy local specialties such as Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (the famous Black Forest cake) and Spätzle (a type of pasta). Prices are moderate and the quality of the food is high, making this place an ideal stop on your trip. Admission to the waterfall itself is free, which is an added bonus of this attraction.

The Gönneranlage, on the other hand, is one of Baden-Baden's most beautiful yet lesser-known gardens. Located along the famous Lichtentaler Allee, this historic rose park was established in the early 20th century and named after its founder, Friedrich Gönner. The garden impresses with its carefully designed composition, in which roses play a central role - more than 400 varieties of these flowers create a veritable fever of colors and fragrances, especially between May and October.

The centerpiece of the garden is an impressive fountain with the sculpture 'Galatea on a Shell', made by Max Levigrac. Surrounding the fountain are symmetrical flower beds, alleys and resting areas. Particularly charming is the viewing terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the Oos River valley and the surrounding hills. The garden is designed in the Neo-Baroque style, with clear influences from French garden art, which gives it an elegant, aristocratic character.

The Gönneranlage is the perfect place for a quiet stroll or a moment of relaxation with a book. Unlike Baden-Baden's more popular attractions, crowds of tourists are rarely found here, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. The park is accessible all year round, though of course it looks most beautiful during the rose blooming season. Admission is free, making it an attractive option for travelers on a tight budget. It's worth planning a visit to the Gönneranlage in conjunction with a walk along the entire Lichtentaler Allee, which is itself one of Baden-Baden's iconic landmarks.

Battertfelsen at Hohenbaden Castle is where history intertwines with geology to create some of the most spectacular scenery in the Baden-Baden area. Rising more than 200 meters above sea level, these impressive rock formations are not only a natural wonder, but also an excellent vantage point. The Battertfelsen rocks, made of red sandstone, were formed more than 240 million years ago, during the Triassic period, when the area of today's Black Forest was the bottom of a shallow sea. Wind and water erosion have sculpted these rocks over the millennia, giving them fanciful shapes that spark the imagination.

The most fascinating aspect of Battertfelsen is their immediate proximity to the ruins of Hohenbaden Castle, also known as Altes Schloss (Old Castle). This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century by the Margraves of Baden, was for centuries a symbol of power and prestige. The castle was partially destroyed by fire in 1599 and never rebuilt, giving it a romantic, somewhat melancholy character. The castle ruins and the surrounding rocks form an unusual symbiosis, where man's work and nature coexist in harmony.

The viewing platform on Battertfelsen offers a breathtaking panorama encompassing the Rhine valley, the Black Forest and, in good weather, even the distant mountain ranges of France. It is an ideal location for photographers, both amateurs and professionals, looking to capture the magic of the landscape. Particularly captivating views can be enjoyed at sunset, when the last rays of the sun give the red rocks a golden glow.

Several hiking trails of varying difficulty lead to Battertfelsen and Hohenbaden Castle. The most popular route starts in the center of Baden-Baden and leads through picturesque forests, taking about an hour's walk. A more challenging trail leads through the so-called 'Battert-Klettersteig,' offering additional excitement for climbing enthusiasts. Note that some sections of the trail can be steep and challenging, so comfortable hiking shoes are recommended.

There are many legends and stories associated with Battertfelsen and Hohenbaden Castle. One of them tells of the 'Windy Harp' (Äolsharfe) - a special instrument installed in the castle ruins, which produces sounds under the influence of the wind. This instrument, inspired by ancient Aeolian harps, was placed in one of the towers in the 19th century and still fascinates visitors with its mysterious music. Another legend tells of the ghost of the last margrave, who walks through the ruins on moonless nights looking for his beloved wife.

It is worth mentioning that there are several eating places near Battertfelsen, where one can rest and eat after a hike. Especially recommended is the Schloss-Gaststätte restaurant, which offers traditional Baden cuisine at moderate prices. Admission to the Battertfelsen area and the ruins of Hohenbaden Castle is free, making this attraction accessible to all tourists.

Comparing all of Baden-Baden's described attractions, Battertfelsen and Hohenbaden Castle stand out for having the most natural character and the greatest dose of history. Unlike the Trinkhalle or the Merkur Railway, which are fully developed for tourism, here you can feel the true spirit of the past and nature unspoiled by civilization. On the other hand, accessing these sites requires a bit more physical exertion than the other attractions, which can be a challenge for the elderly or families with small children. Nevertheless, for those seeking authentic experiences and unforgettable views, Battertfelsen and Hohenbaden Castle are a must-visit in Baden-Baden.