Trinkhalle and Kurgarten

Situated on the banks of the Lichtentaler Allee and at the gateway to the Kurgarten park, Baden-Baden's Trinkhalle is a magnificent neoclassical building. Built in 1839, it was designed by the architect Friedrich Weinbrenner, who also worked on several other important buildings in the city, including the Kurhaus.

The Trinkhalle was originally built to house the town's thermal springs, which had been used for medicinal purposes since Roman times. Visitors were free to drink the spring water, renowned for its curative properties. The building includes a large central hall where visitors could gather to drink the water, as well as smaller rooms for medical consultations.

Today, the Trinkhalle in Baden-Baden also houses an exhibition of 14 murals, immersing visitors in the legends of the northern Black Forest. These works, which are completely free to enter, face the building's 16 emblematic columns, which recall the town's Roman history.

Ideal for relaxing and enjoying the natural beauty of the region, Baden-Baden's Kurgarten , or Kurpark, is a magnificent public park located directly opposite the Trinkhalle. Built in the 19th century, the park is now one of Baden-Baden's most popular spots for summer walks and picnics.

As well as its wide variety of flowers and plants, the Kurgarten is famous for its formal gardens, which some people like to compare to the gardens at Versailles, and its fountains. The most famous of these, with its 60-metre-high fountain, is located in the centre of the park and offers a spectacular view of the Trinkhalle in the background. A pond, complete with ducks and swans, completes the idyllic setting and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Black Forest (hiking trails are also accessible from the park, for those wishing to explore the area further). Among the buildings and points of interest in the Kurgarten is the Kurhaus, a historic building that once housed the town's thermal baths. Today, the Kurhaus is a congress and entertainment centre, hosting events throughout the year, as well as one of Germany's largest casinos.

As well as its tourist appeal, the Kurgarten is also a popular venue for cultural events and open-air concerts. The park regularly hosts classical, jazz and pop concerts, as well as events such as food and wine festivals. A detailed programme of events is available on the official Baden-Baden website.

🍴 For your lunch break, or at dinner time, there are several dining options close to the Kurgarten or in Baden-Baden town centre. Located right next to the park, Café König offers a variety of pastries and light dishes, as well as hot and cold drinks. You can enjoy their terrace overlooking the park. And don't miss the Löwenbräu restaurant, a traditional Bavarian establishment just a ten-minute walk from the Kurgarten, serving typical German dishes such as sausages, sauerkraut and beer.