Tips for excursions around Baden-Baden
... and into the border triangle
Baden-Baden is surrounded on three sides by forested slopes - and on the fourth side, the valley opens out onto the Rhine plain. Forest walks or mountain bike tours are easily accessible from the Hotel ***s Schweizer Hof.
After just half an hour's drive, you can be walking along the Rhine - whether on the German or French side - or skiing along the cross-country trails of the snow-covered Black Forest. The area between the Rhine and the Black Forest is also particularly beautiful, with vineyards overlooked by many an idyllic ruined castle, such as Windeck Castle (Bühl) or Yburg Castle (Baden-Baden Varnhalt).
We hope you have lots of fun when you set off! Come to reception any time if you have any questions. We’ll be more than happy to help you plan.
Highlights
Location of the Hotel ***s Schweizer Hof
- City of Baden-Baden
- Black Forest
- Rhine valley
- Border triangle (Germany, France, Switzerland)
- Europa Park (approx. 50 minutes)
Hiking Tip: Baden-Baden Panorama Trail
a 45 km circular trail with magnificent views, starting just a few minutes' walk from the Hotel Schweizer Hof. The Panorama Trail is one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Germany, but we have countless other impressive hiking tours in Baden-Baden and the region!
Ancient castle and Battert mountain (less than 10 minutes by car)
The impressive ruins of Hohenbaden Castle in the forest. Built in 1002, it’s the former seat of the Margraves of Baden. Great views, aeolian harp, castle restaurant with courtyard. From there we head for "Battert" mountain with its striking red rock face, which we also climb.
Other castles in the vicinity: Windeck Castle (above Bühl in the vineyards; Yburg Castle
Geroldsau Waterfalls (10 minutes by car)
Wild, romantic hiking trails lined with rhododendrons and mossy stones along the Grobbach, particularly refreshing in summer. Rustic country pub, Highland cattle on the pastures. On the way there, we recommend stopping at Lichtenthal Monastery.
Merkur mountain railway (less than 10 minutes by car)
One of the steepest funicular railways in Germany takes you up Baden-Baden's Merkur mountain. Fantastic views, restaurant, stone showroom, sunbathing lawns, paraglider launch point. Beautiful hike to the valley station (with wildlife enclosure, Kneipp facility). From there, you can take the bus or city train to the city centre.
Rebland (5 minutes by car to the start of the wine route)
Sun-drenched vineyards, idyllic half-timbered villages - Baden wine tastes best in the "Rebland" along the Baden Wine Route.
Favorite Castle (10 minutes by car)
Pretty pleasure palace of Margravine Sybilla Augusta, widow of Ludwig Wilhelm von Baden, known as "Türkenlouis", with a porcelain exhibition, beautiful park and café with delicious cake.
Rastatt Baroque Residence (15 minutes by car)
The oldest baroque residence on the Upper Rhine, built by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm of Baden-Baden, known as "Türkenlouis" on the model of Versailles.
Rhine valley
Walks along the Rhine, crossing by ferry to France, idyllic half-timbered villages and breathtaking natural surroundings in the Rheinauen wetlands.
Black Forest
Less than 10 minutes by car from the hotel is the start of the Black Forest High Road to Freudenstadt, which winds up to 1,000 metres and reveals sensational far-reaching views. Tourist highlights on the route include Mehliskopf (summer toboggan run and forest rope course), wilderness trail, Mummelsee lake, ski slopes and wonderful cross-country ski trails. In the Black Forest Nature Park and National Park you can experience the wild beauty of the Black Forest - also on great adventure tours with the rangers.
Excursion to France
Alsace is like a picture book with half-timbered houses decorated with flowers, stork nests on the roofs, tarte flambée, Crémant d'Alsace ... in villages like Ribeauvillé, Kaysersberg or Riquewihr, time appears to have stood still. Even in Strasbourg, there is still a picturesque quarter with crooked little houses called Petite France.
Excursion to Switzerland
Switzerland is only an hour's drive away. First, Basel (approx. 11/2 hours) welcomes you with its lovely medieval old town and world-famous museums. But be sure to continue on to enchanting Lucerne (2.5 h) on the lake and snow-capped mountain peaks.