Start our journey with two exceptional sites that represent the quintessential historical charm of Baden-Baden - the Trinkhalle and the Hohenbaden Castle.

The Trinkhalle, also known as the Water Drinking Hall, is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. This elegant 1842 building, designed by architect Heinrich Hübner, impresses with its neoclassical facade with an impressive 90-meter-long colonnade. But the real treasure of the Trinkhalle is the unique frescoes adorning its interior, painted by artist Jakob Götzenberger. The fourteen paintings depict legends and stories from the Black Forest region, creating a kind of gallery of local folklore.

Interestingly, in the 19th century the Trinkhalle served as a place where visitors came to drink the healing water from local thermal springs. Today the building houses a tourist information center, but you can still taste the mineral water from the original fountain. What many tourists don't know is that the water comes from a depth of more than 2,000 meters and contains minerals that were believed in the past to cure a variety of ailments - from digestive problems to skin diseases.

The Altes Schloss zu Hohenbaden (Old Hohenbaden Castle), on the other hand, takes us even deeper into history. This majestic ruin, towering over the city, was built in the 12th century by the Margraves of Baden as their ancestral seat. The castle, expanded over the following centuries, was abandoned in the 15th century when the rulers moved to a new residence in the valley. A fire in 1599 completed the destruction, leaving the picturesque ruins we can admire today.

The climb up the castle hill, while requiring some effort, rewards with one of the most beautiful views of Baden-Baden and the Rhine valley. Particularly fascinating is the so-called 'Knights' Hall' (Rittersaal) - the largest room in the castle that has survived to this day. Local legend has it that on windy nights here you can hear the 'Aeolian harp' - mysterious sounds emanating from the ruins as the wind flows through the remains of the walls. This acoustic phenomenon attracted romantics in the 19th century, inspiring poets and composers.

The two attractions represent different facets of Baden-Baden - the Trinkhalle symbolizes the elegance and cosmopolitan character of the resort from its golden era in the 19th century, while the Altes Schloss recalls the city's medieval roots and its strategic importance in the region. The Trinkhalle is easily accessible, located in the heart of the city, making it an ideal starting point for sightseeing. Hohenbaden Castle requires a bit more effort, but offers a more authentic, less crowded experience and spectacular views you won't find anywhere else in the area.

Baden-Baden is not only about architecture and history, but also breathtaking scenery and unique natural attractions. In this section we will discover two places that allow you to fully appreciate the natural beauty of the region - Mount Merkur with its famous railroad and the picturesque Lichtentaler Allee.

The Merkur Funicular Railway is one of Baden-Baden's most exciting attractions, operating continuously since 1913. This historic funicular railroad traverses 370 meters of elevation difference over a distance of just 1192 meters, making it one of the steepest in Europe, with gradients as steep as 54% in places! The journey takes about 5 minutes and is an unforgettable experience in itself, offering gradually revealing panoramas of the city and surrounding forests.

The summit of Mount Merkur, rising 668 meters above sea level, is a true paradise for nature lovers and hikers. There is a viewing platform here, from which, in good weather, one can see not only all of Baden-Baden, but also the Rhine Valley, the Black Forest and even the French Vosges. Few people know that the name of the mountain comes from the Roman god Mercury - the patron saint of travelers and traders. In Roman times, a temple dedicated to this deity was located on the summit, and archaeologists have found numerous artifacts from that period.

Another interesting fact is that Mercur is home to the region's only herd of mouflons, which were brought here in 1940. Lucky tourists can observe these majestic wild sheep while hiking on the surrounding trails. There is also a cozy restaurant at the top, where you can relax and enjoy local specialties while taking in the panoramic view of the area.

The Lichtentaler Allee, on the other hand, is the true 'green pearl' of Baden-Baden - a historic park promenade over 2.3 kilometers long, running along the Oos River. Established more than 350 years ago, initially as a road connecting the city center with the Lichtental monastery, it has evolved over time into an elegant park that has become a favorite stroll spot for the European aristocracy.

The avenue delights in every season - in spring magnolia and Japanese cherry blossoms bloom here, in summer you can admire more than 300 species of roses and exotic trees, in autumn the avenue shimmers in all shades of gold and red, and in winter it creates a fairy-tale, peaceful setting. Along the promenade there are numerous benches and resting places, as well as historic bridges and pavilions.

A little-known fact is that Lichtentaler Allee has been a source of inspiration for many artists - Dostoevsky walked here, Brahms composed here, and Berlioz conducted concerts here. Along the avenue there are also important cultural institutions, including the famous Frieder Burda Museum, designed by Richard Meier, and the Kunsthalle Baden-Baden.

Comparing the two attractions - the Merkur offers a more active experience with an element of adventure and spectacular views, ideal for those who enjoy active recreation and seek panoramic perspectives. Lichtentaler Allee, on the other hand, is for lovers of quieter walks, art and architecture, and is accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. The Merkur requires more time and planning, while the avenue can be visited spontaneously, incorporating it into a walk around the city.

To conclude our tour of Baden-Baden's most beautiful attractions, let's discover a place that often escapes the attention of tourists rushing to the city's more famous sights - the Geroldsauer Wasserfall, a picturesque waterfall hidden in the Grobbachtal valley, just a few kilometers from the resort center.

Geroldsauer Wasserfall is a true hidden treasure of the Black Forest and one of the most romantic attractions in the Baden-Baden area. This small but captivating waterfall is located in the heart of the Grobbach valley, in the Geroldsau district. Although not impressive in height (it cascades down from a height of about 9 meters), its charm lies in the picturesque setting of the pristine forest, which forms around it a natural amphitheater of moss, ferns and tall fir trees characteristic of the Black Forest.

The history of the place is fascinating - the waterfall was known and visited as early as the 19th century by visitors seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. It inspired many artists of the Romantic era, and local legends attributed magical properties to its waters. According to one, whoever drinks water from the waterfall on Midsummer Night will gain eternal youth. Another tale tells of forest spirits (the so-called Waldgeister) who were said to inhabit the surrounding ravines and protect the purity of the waters.

A scenic trail of about 2 kilometers leads to the waterfall, starting at the Geroldsau parking lot. The route leads through a fairy-tale forest, along a murmuring stream, over wooden bridges and along stone paths. It's a gentle, pleasant hike, accessible to people of all ages, although the path can be a bit slippery after rain. Along the way there are numerous benches and resting places where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the forest.

The area around the waterfall is also a photographer's paradise - the play of light piercing through the treetops, the crystal clear water reflecting the green of the forest and the moss growing on the rocks create a magical scenery at any time of the year. The place looks especially charming in early spring, when the melting snow increases the volume of water, and in autumn, when the surrounding trees shimmer with gold and red.

Interestingly, near the waterfall there is a traditional forester's lodge converted into a cozy inn called Waldgaststätte Bütthof, where you can enjoy authentic Baden cuisine specialties - from the classic Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte (Black Forest cake with cherries) to Maultaschen (a type of dumpling) and Schäufele (roast pork shoulder). Prices at the inn are moderate and portions are generous, making it an ideal place to eat after a hike.

Compared to Baden-Baden's other attractions, Geroldsauer Wasserfall offers the most authentic experience of Black Forest nature. While Lichtentaler Allee is a meticulously designed city park and Merkur is a popular scenic spot, the waterfall remains a relatively undiscovered corner where you can escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the true atmosphere of the Black Forest. It is ideal for those who appreciate tranquility, authenticity and close contact with nature.

It is worth remembering that the waterfall looks most beautiful after rainy periods, when the water level is higher. In the very dry summer months it can be less impressive, although the surrounding forest always offers pleasant coolness and silence. The best time to visit is in the early morning hours, when the sunlight creates a magical glow piercing through the mist hovering over the water, and the area is not yet crowded with other tourists.