We arrived in Baden-Baden late in the evening, with the city lights shining invitingly in the dusk. The travel day had been long, so we quickly looked for a place to stay using the Park4Night app. Soon we found a suitable resting spot: a higher-situated field with stunning views and several hiking trails leading into the Black Forest. Baden-Baden enchanted us at first sight – in the twilight, the glow of the spas and the historical atmosphere of the city aroused our excitement for the next day. The night passed peacefully in the lap of nature, and we woke up refreshed in the morning.
After breakfast, we eagerly headed to the city center. The compact size of our VW Grand California motorhome proved to be a great advantage – we didn't have to avoid the narrow streets or street parking in the city center. It took up only as much space as a regular van, which made finding a spot easier. Finally, we parallel parked in a suitably sized space in an affluent-looking residential area near the spa. The magnificent mansions and villas built on the mountainside told the story of Baden-Baden's glorious past. It was fascinating to imagine what influential people had once lived there. It was easy to understand why the Romans established their own spa area here over 2000 years ago, which is still one of the city's biggest attractions.
Caracalla Spa
Baden-Baden is known for its nude spas—but we didn't quite have the courage for that experience. Instead, we headed to Caracalla Spa, where swim trunks and swimsuits were allowed. The spa area also had a sauna section, but swimwear was prohibited there, so we focused on enjoying the hot springs and whirlpools. The warm, mineral-rich water worked wonders for muscles tired from a three-day drive. We enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere and relaxing warmth of the spa until evening, when the city lights began to turn on again in the darkness.
Christmas Market and Evening Walk
As dusk fell, we set out to explore the charming city, which captured our hearts at first glance. Small cafes and restaurants created a lovely, European atmosphere, and that very evening, the Christmas market opened for the first time this year. The market was full of joyful people, lights, Christmas treats, and an enchanting atmosphere. Although we would have loved to enjoy the local delicacies, we decided to look for a quieter restaurant for dinner away from the crowd.
Overnight at the Motorhome Park
At the end of the day, we returned to our car and started looking for a suitable place to stay overnight. As we headed towards the autobahn, we found a parking area for motorhomes that offered all the necessary services, such as water points and waste disposal facilities. Payment was made at the gate's automated machine, and we were able to spend a peaceful night at a full-service rest stop. In the morning, refreshed and with our motorhome serviced, we set off for our next adventure – Spain.
