Presidential quote about German spa town nailed it
“Baden-Baden is so nice they had to name it twice.” That’s what former President Bill Clinton had to say about this enchanting town of 55,000 in southwestern Germany. I’ve been here for just a few days, as part of a pre-convention trip before the upcoming Society of American Travel Writers confab in Dresden and Leipzig.
The healing waters of the natural springs have been known since Roman times. The town was destroyed in wartime — the Palatine Wars of the late 17th century which wiped out Medival heritage. Over time, it became a favored retreat of Europe’s titled and creative elite. Queen Victoria, Kaiser Wilhelm I, Emperor Napoleon III, assorted Russian royals visited, as did Berlioz, Brahms, Dostoyevsky and Tolstoy.
Baden-Baden as spared destruction during World War II because it had neither industry nor was a transportation hub. It had elegant hotels, manorial homes, fancy French-inspired buildings , a storied casino and the Black Foresst at its doorstep. Today, its pedestrian zone and exquisite parks continue to provide a delightful setting for visitors. The spas, walking and hiking paths in the surrounding hills, excellent restaurants, shops, galleries, museums, theaters and mean there’s always something to see or do. Here are just a few random images from my short visit.
I have spent many a lonng weekend in Baden baden with my wife. I absolutely love the selection of spas there and some great hotels.
Not the cheapest town in the world but relaxing like no other place!
Stunning place. You are having a good time with your life. That’s nice to know. I hope that I’d be given that chance too. I also love to travel but I never really had the chance to travel far. Anyway, your pictures really look wonderful, I couldn’t say anything more.
Nice to see photos from Baden-Baden. I was there for just a day about 10 years ago. Lovely!