{"id":18043,"date":"2022-05-30T21:31:34","date_gmt":"2022-05-30T19:31:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/?p=18043"},"modified":"2025-01-27T10:12:05","modified_gmt":"2025-01-27T09:12:05","slug":"baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/","title":{"rendered":"Baden-Baden: Summer Capital of the Belle \u00c9poque"},"content":{"rendered":"
[vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/e2_200_1a-panorama-sm.png” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”old brochure, introducing the spa town” desc=”Archiv Baden-Baden” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”nobel”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653938586364{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Introduction and user guide:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong>Last year, Baden-Baden<\/strong> was finally added as a UNESCO World Heritage<\/strong> site as one of eleven \u2018Great Spas of Europe<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n

One more reason to tell the exciting story<\/strong> of this spa town! As with all long stories, they have many facets. Therefore, I will introduce you to the various aspects in different modules – just read the ones that interest you the most. I will begin with a very typical aspect of a citizen\u2019s<\/strong> life<\/strong> back then, since we are especially interested in what life looked like for your everyday person.<\/p>\n

In the module \u2018A spa day back then<\/strong><\/a>\u2019, we\u2019ll start by planning the spa treatment: which of the many accommodation options<\/strong> to choose, how to find them (without booking.com or google) and how to spend the day as a spa guest<\/strong>. Spoiler alert: it started and ended with the intake of liquids. For those interested in what they were and what happened in between, read on here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What I find particularly exciting<\/strong> about Baden-Baden is that many of the buildings<\/strong> of that time are still standing<\/strong>, whether the spa buildings themselves, the theaters, hotels and restaurants, or other prominent buildings in the town. Why is that? Rumor has it that during World War 2, the U.S. Air Force mistook Baden-Baden for Schaffhausen in Switzerland, which was widely destroyed by bombs. Baden-Baden<\/strong> was lucky<\/strong> and suffered only minor damage from the war.<\/p>\n

To exemplify this, I often juxtapose pictures of famous sights<\/strong> taken back then<\/strong>, in comparison to today<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

The travel guide from 1913, a document that I have relied on for my research, lists various excursion destinations<\/strong> – in the module \u2018Walking and strolling – excursion destinations then and now\u2019<\/strong><\/a>, I present four of them to you, which can still be visited today<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

My personal favorite<\/strong>: the ride on the Merkur Railway, which opened in 1913, up the local mountain which bares the same name.<\/p>\n

A <\/strong>valid question<\/strong> remains why Baden-Baden in particular became the summer capital of Europe<\/strong> in the 19th century. In the module \u2018The 19th century – from a gambler’s to a wellness paradise<\/strong><\/a>\u2019 I address it, and also tell you a thing or two about famous personalities<\/strong> in the spa town and about the various nations<\/strong> that came as guests. Of course, there were also some celebrities<\/strong> among them! A little spoiler: Even Sisi stopped by. Find out for yourself who else came (and why…), as well as a little about the beginning of wellness<\/strong> as leisure activity, excuse me, I meant as a curative concept<\/strong>!<\/p>\n

For those of you who want to know exactly how the city came into being and developed, I have gone back to the <\/strong>beginning<\/strong> and outline its development up to the 19th century. In the module \u2018Hot springs – the origins of Baden<\/a><\/strong>\u2019, you will learn what an important role<\/strong> the springs<\/strong> played in the development of the town. The ancient Romans<\/strong> were the first to enjoy bath<\/strong>ing<\/strong> in them, and later the German emperors<\/strong> and other guests came for spa cures<\/strong>. But the town also had to cope with some crises. In the article you can read about how they were overcome and who helped to ensure that the spa <\/strong>town<\/strong> was not forgotten, but instead regained popularity<\/strong> as a health resort.<\/p>\n

Of course, you can also read all <\/strong>the articles<\/strong> one after the other or chronologically<\/strong> – depending on your interest, desire<\/strong> and time<\/strong>! And maybe the article will inspire you to visit<\/strong> the city<\/strong> yourself and enjoy the flair of the Belle \u00c9poque<\/strong>: have a coffee in the Kurhaus, stroll along Lichtentaler Allee and pay a visit to the venerable Friedrich- or modern Caracalla-spa! You can obtain more information for your visit<\/strong> here<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bruecke_oos-1.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Bridge over the Oos at the beginning of the 20th century…” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/l1070877_grete_oos.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”…and me in front of it today (for once not dressed historically)” desc=”c buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Eissegeln”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653915954858{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]By the way, the next event in Baden-Baden is the \u2018World Heritage day \u2019 on Pentecost Sunday, June 5th. I will be there and walk through the spa gardens in historical dress with my friends from the association \u2018Plaisir d’Histoire\u2019 and I would be happy to meet some of you there. So hopefully s<\/strong>ee you soon<\/strong>![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.5-konzert-im-kurgarten_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”At the Kurhaus (photograph from the beginning of the 20th century)” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”kurtag”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653917728791{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

    \n
  1. A spa day back then<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    How can one imagine a typical spa day in Baden-Baden in the Belle \u00c9poque times? Before the visit, the first thing that one would do was look for accommodation appropriate for one’s status. These could typically be found through advertisements in the women’s and family magazines of the time, or even calendars.<\/p>\n

    Here is a small selection of them:<\/p>\n

    (advertisements)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/baden-baden-hotelannoncen-sm.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Advertisements from back then for accommodation in Baden-Baden” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”wilsede”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653917953298{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Or one could buy a travel guide in advance – the ones by Albert Goldschmidt were especially popular. In addition to practical hints and tips, which we will come to later, the guidebooks naturally also included recommendations for accommodations.<\/p>\n

    For Baden-Baden, for example, the \u2018Hotel St\u00e9phanie-les-Bains\u2019 (now named \u2018Brenners Park Hotel\u2019), the \u2018Hotel und Badehaus Badischer Hof\u2019 (\u2018Radisson Blue\u2019), the \u2018Holland Hotel\u2019 (\u2018Hotel am Sophienpark\u2019) and the \u2018Hotel Messmer\u2019 (\u2018Maison Messmer\u2019) were listed as first class hotels – all of which, by the way, still exist today! Furthermore, hotels for those with less expensive taste were listed; nowadays, we would call these \u2018middle class hotels\u2019. These were, for example, the \u2018Hotel L\u00f6wen am Friedrichsbad\u2019, the \u2018Schweizerhof\u2019 and the \u2018Hotel und Badhaus zum Hirsch\u2019.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, hotels for those with even more modest demands were also included, such as the \u2018Laterne\u2019 and \u2018Hotel Merkur\u2019. You guessed it, the mentioned examples all still exist today \u2013 although they\u2019ve certainly undergone a renovation or another…<\/p>\n

    Furthermore, lodging houses, pensions and even private apartments could be rented (for a minimum of 8 days!) if you traveled with large family and staff.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Ski”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653917979453{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]After arriving at the hotel, one obtained a spa card, with which one was allowed to visit the spa house and garden and use all other amusement facilities.<\/p>\n

    This is what it looked like:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/e2-193_55-tageskarte-sm2.png” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Spa card for one day” desc=”Quelle: Stadtarchiv Baden-Baden” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”75Dienstjahre”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653918042456{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]To get in the mood, one could stroll along the famous \u2018Lichtentaler Allee\u2019, past the \u2018Sintersteinbrunnen\u2019 with its fountain, where the trees and the parasols protected the visitors from the sun. Then the evening program began – perhaps with an aperitif in the spa park, where the orchestra played.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1464-lichtentaler-allee-as-_sm.jpg” image_size=”full” lightbox=”true” title=”Stroll along Lichtentaler Allee (photograph from 1909)” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”75Dienstjahre”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653918119034{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Afterwards one went out for dinner at a restaurant (naturally, the said guidebook recommended places to eat) such as the \u2018Konversationshaus\u2019 (deemed as \u2018fine\u2019) or for a slightly more rustic experience to the \u2018L\u00f6wenbr\u00e4u- Terrace and Garden\u2019 with Munich beer. The latter still exists today, and there is still a restaurant today in the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 (which went by the name of \u2018Konversationshaus\u2019 back then). Wine was certainly drunk there rather than beer; at the time Rhine and Moselle wines were particularly popular, along with champagne – which, however, was not quite so exclusive (and expensive) back then.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1461-kurhaus-nachmittagskonzert_sm-1.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Late afternoons were spent attending concerts and perhaps having the first aperitif?” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653918296392{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]After a hopefully pleasant night’s rest, the program started quite early the next morning: after all, one was at the spa. The guidebook says about the drinking cure:<\/p>\n

    \u2018Approximately 2-8 or more cups (\u00e0 250g) of warm water of the Friedrichs spring (38-50 degrees Celsius) are drunk in the morning at the fountain sober…It is best to leave pauses of 10-20 minutes between the individual doses and to wait at least half an hour between the last glass until breakfast or the bath. Drinking should take place in the drinking room of the Grand ducal drinking hall with the Wandelbahn. The main time for drinking at the spa is in the morning from 6-8 o’clock. The spa guest can enjoy the experience to the sound of morning music.\u2019<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.24-trinkhalle-innenansicht_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”This is what the drinking hall looked like from the inside” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653920847425{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The early bird catches- well, in this case, only water!! At least there was music to go with it. Fountain cards were issued for the use of the drinking hall.<\/p>\n

    There were other springs in the spa district, such as the \u2018Fettquelle\u2019, which still exists today, but whose water is officially no longer suitable as drinking water due to current drinking water standards. In contrast, the scientific standards of that time classified it as curative.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1461-wandelgang-trinkhalle_sm.jpg” image_size=”full” lightbox=”true” title=”During the breaks between drinks, people went to the walk way (Wandelgang) for morning music.” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921095999{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Breakfast was well deserved and afterwards you could go swimming – the men to the \u2018Friedrichsbad\u2019 and the women to the \u2018Augustabad\u2019. Or, if the weather was nice, to a caf\u00e9, such as the \u2018Caf\u00e9 Zabler\u2018, described in the guidebook: \u2018Lichtentaler Str. 12, with garden, much frequented\u2019. That’s right, it still exists today and remains popular- only the name has changed: these days, it is called \u2018Caf\u00e9 K\u00f6nig\u2019.<\/p>\n

    Or you just sat down on a park bench to read comfortably.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1461-lesende-frau-sm.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Reading in the park” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921118600{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]When the weather was bad, the salon of the spa house was a good alternative for a pleasant chat (such as gossip regarding who came with whom and why…). After all, better to take advantage of the spa tickets that one had paid for. There were also reading rooms, where all kinds of newspapers and magazines were kept – approx. 250, as it says in the guide book.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1462-plauderecke-salon-kurhaus_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”A cosy corner for chatting in the Kurhaus” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921195809{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]When one had regained strength, perhaps after a midday nap, one went back to the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 \u2013 this time to the store in front of it (which still exists), where one could buy postcards for loved ones at home, travel souvenirs and, of course, jewelry![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1462-ansichtskarten-reiseandenken_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Shopping! Souvenirs or…” desc=”both images collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1462-bijouterieladen_sm2.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”…jewellery” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921370516{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Before one had to plan one\u2019s evening program \u2013 the guests were spoiled for choice with concerts, theatres and balls – one could go for a little excursion in the surrounding area. One could either take a carriage, or, starting in 1909, an automobile, as seen below (referred to as \u2018Motorwagen\u2019, or motor car).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/woche-09-s.1464-automobilfahrt-badegesellschaft_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Excursion: On foot, by carriage or even by motorised vehicle?” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”ausflugsziele”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921467266{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In the guidebook of the time, worthwhile excursions and walks were presented, along with times in which they were completed (which seem rather short to me, since everyone walks at their own pace). Here are some that are still popular today:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Walking and strolling – excursion destinations then and now.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      \u2018Lichtentaler Allee\u2019 \u2013 \u2018G\u00f6nneranlage\u2019 \u2013 \u2018Lichtental with monastery\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

      This beautiful avenue was laid out as early as 1655. First, one walks past the \u2018Sinterstein Fountain\u2019, the \u2018Frieder-Burda Museum\u2019, the monument to Empress Augusta, and admires the \u2018Brenner Park Hotel\u2019 and other historic buildings that lie along the Oos on the other side.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/bl_kutsche_lichtentaler_allee_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”On the move in Lichtentaler Allee to this day: carriages” desc=”c buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.22-lichtentaler-allee_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Lichtentaler Allee at the beginning of the 20th century” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921596205{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Further along, one passes a tennis court – the oldest one in Germany, by the way! At the time referred to as \u2018lawn tennis\u2019, this sport was practiced by women and men.<\/p>\n

      Soon the \u2018G\u00f6nneranlage\u2019 comes into sight on the right hand side of the Oos. In the middle of the garden stands the rather monumental \u2018Josephinenbrunnen\u2019 (\u2018Josephine fountain\u2019), which bears the first name of the wife of the donor, the entrepreneur Sielcken. The garden was named after the mayor of the time, Albert G\u00f6nner. Nowadays, the garden is known for its roses, which bloom from late spring to fall \u2013 an impressive 360 varieties are grown there.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426159-8a4cd2de-7caf-9″ include=”18016,18057″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921680178{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]If you continue along the path, you\u2019ll reach the village of Lichtental and the Cistercian convent built in 1245 which bares the same name and is still \u2018in operation\u2019. In the idyllic inner courtyard there is a store and a caf\u00e9, and in the convent church there are services of worship and concerts.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/l1070887_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”The inner courtyard of the monastery” desc=”c buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653921846186{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Merkur Railway<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The idea of building a railway up the mountain of Merkur had existed for a long time. It first arose when the casino closed in 1872 – more attractions were needed! As the saying goes, all good things are worth waiting for, and as with many other construction projects, this was also the response at first.<\/p>\n

      But then it happened very quickly: In 1911, the railroad was approved of and built within 15 months starting in 1912. At the ceremonial opening on August 16th, 1913, all was finally well. Ever since (with the exception of a 10-year break in the 60s and 70s) it has been running continuously. With gradients of up to 58%, the railroad is one of the longest and steepest funicular railroads in Germany. Alone the experience of waiting for the train in the renovated art nouveau hall is enjoyable.<\/p>\n

      After the 5-minute ride in one of the two carriages, a wonderful view of the city, a lookout tower, a playground and barbecue area, as well as a place to stop for a bite to eat await you on Baden-Baden’s 668-meter-high local mountain. Naturally, you can also go for walks or hikes from there – or take off with your paraglider![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/merkurbahn.jpeg_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Above: the former observation platform of the Merkurbergbahn, on the left below the railway station and on the right the observation tower with “restoration“.” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653922002609{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\u2018Hohenbaden Old Castle\u2019<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

      The castle, the ancestral seat of the Baden dynasty, has long been in ruins. Until it was moved to the \u2018New Castle\u2019 in the late 15th century, it was the residence of the Margraves of Baden. After that, it was initially a dower. In 1599, the castle was destroyed in a fire, after which it sank into a slumber and the ruin was only structurally secured at the beginning of the 19th century. Since then, it has been a popular destination for excursions; in our travel guide from 1913, the ruins are linked to a tour of the Battert (565 meters high). The description of the ruin reads:<\/p>\n

      \u2018At the southwestern end of the Battert, known for its jagged rocky crest<\/em> (….<\/em>) Hohenbaden Castle (the old castle) <\/em>stands proundly on an isolated rock, surrounded by <\/em>a magnificent forest.<\/em>\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

      Fortunately, the magnificent forest still surrounds it today and the view of the city is also magnificent! Various parts of the rather large ruins can be visited, including the castle courtyard, an Aeolian (wind) harp (there was already one in Belle \u00c9poque times, but today’s is even larger) and a medieval outhouse. Back then as well as today there was and is a restaurant in the castle:<\/p>\n

      \u2018Larger meals require advance reservation, telephone no. 6<\/em>2<\/em>\u2019, it said in 1913.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.48-altes-schloss-mit-blick-in-rheinebene_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”View from Hohenbaden Ruin into the Rhine Valley” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653922154749{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Ruin of Ebersteinburg\/ Alteberstein Castle<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

      At first the castle belonged to the count named – you guessed right- Eberstein, but due to its strategic location (and the corresponding view – more for tactical than for aesthetic reasons) it became an object of envy. According to the legend, Otto I (912-973) already had eyed it but was unable to conquer the besieged castle and therefore lured Count Eberstein to a tournament in Speyer….<\/p>\n

      Apparently, however, Otto I did not succeed in his plan, since Count Eberstein remained in possession of the castle until the 13th century. Then, it was gradually taken over by the Margraves of Baden, for whom it remained important until the 14th century. Apparently, the castle was not destroyed, but disintegrated. Today, the wildly romantic ruins can be climbed either from the nearby village of Eberstein or on hiking trails from Baden-Baden – also via the Hohenbaden Castle presented earlier, by the way![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/ebersteinburg.jpeg_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”In the background: the ruin, in front of it the village of Ebersteinburg, today a district of Baden-Baden (Ebersteinburg).” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Cecilie”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653922285117{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Trout farming<\/strong><\/p>\n

      A curious fact: trout farming is already recommended in the guidebook from 1913, and has existed since 1877:<\/p>\n

      \u2018The upper Oostal is known for its unique natural beauty (…), further up, the valley narrows significantly; sideways towards the Murg another valley appears, and in foreground, it seems as if the increasingly dense rocks are closing together; here is the highly frequented Gaisbacher fish farm (excellent trout, restaurant and pension, climatic spa). A visit is highly recommended.\u2019<\/em><\/p>\n

      Nowadays it is possible to reach the farm by bus, but you can also still walk there and visit the facility.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-baden_baden_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”View of the city (photograph from the beginning of the 20th century)” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”spielerparadies”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935198691{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

        \n
      1. The 19th century: From gambler’s paradise to wellness heaven<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        At the beginning of the century, the number of guests increased and the state government took notice. It took over the Promenadehaus and appointed its architect Friedrich Weinbrenner (1766-1826), who had already proven his potential in the residential city of Karlsruhe, to extend the building.<\/p>\n

        In the following years he was to play an important role in the city not only as an architect but also as an urban planner. Under his direction, a Capuchin monastery was transformed into the hotel \u2018Badischer Hof\u2019 – one of the earliest \u2018first-rate\u2019 grand hotels, which naturally attracted wealthy visitors! In addition to a huge dining room, it had a ballroom and its own bathing cabins and other spa facilities, connected through its own water pipe from the hot springs.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/oa-badischer-hof_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”The first hotel “of the first rank“: The Badische Hof” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935266740{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]However, Weinbrenner is best known for the construction of the new \u2018Conversation House\u2019. In the surrounding springs district, he had already rebuilt a conversation house from an existing Jesuit college in the years before and built a \u2018Trinkhalle\u2019 (\u2018drinking hall\u2019) in 1823; both buildings no longer exist.<\/p>\n

        Additionally, some private buildings were built under his supervision – located in the floodplain of the river Oos, where the later spa buildings were to be built later. These included a summer palace for Queen Friederike of Sweden on \u2018Lichtentaler Allee\u2019, today’s \u2018Kulturhaus LA8\u2019, and the \u2018Palais Hamilton\u2019, which can be described as the first sophisticated city palace. Originally built around 1808 for the wealthy country doctor Mayer, it was passed on via Grand Duke Leopold to Napoleon’s adopted daughter Grand Duchess St\u00e9phanie (she had married Grand Duke Charles of Baden, but he died young). The name of the palace comes from St\u00e9phanie’s son-in-law, Duke Hamilton, who had married one of her daughters, Marie. The house can still be admired today at Sophienstrasse 1 and it now houses a bank.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/hamilton-palais_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Hamilton Palace; Lithograph (ca. 1830)” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/palais-friederike_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Palais K\u00f6nigin Friederike von Schweden, Lithographie (ca. 1830)” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935383238{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Another quick note on the architect Friedrich Weinbrenner: His classicist style became known beyond the borders of the country and he was one of the first preservationists! Weinbrenner was committed against the demolition of medieval buildings; for instance, he fought to preserve the city gates of Baden-Baden – in this case unfortunately without success.<\/p>\n

        His newly built conversation house was a white elongated three-part structure with symmetrical forms – at 140 meters long, it was the largest building erected in Baden-Baden to date. The central section with its porch supported by Corinthian columns was preserved more or less true to the original, while the two sides were structurally altered over the years. The display front facing the city attracted a lot of attention.<\/p>\n

        Inside, there was a ballroom, gaming salons, a library, a restaurant and a theater – entertainment was certainly provided for!<\/p>\n

        In the course of construction, the park area to the east and south of the house was also landscaped.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426165-89e1c3b1-c81e-3″ include=”17917,17918″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935514598{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The French – good guests and businessmen<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Frenchmen began to arrive as exiles during the French Revolution to settle in the city. \u00a0These created favorable conditions for further guests to follow suit. Naturally, it was also the proximity to Paris that made Baden attractive to French spa visitors. In addition, there were other events that drew well-to-do Frenchmen away from their own country to Baden: the July Revolution of 1830, a cholera epidemic the following year, and most importantly, the ban on gambling throughout France in 1837.<\/p>\n

        In Baden, gambling had been allowed since the beginning of the 19th century. At first, roulette was played in the main hall of the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 (which initially went by the name of \u2018conversation house\u2019), which was called \u2018hazard game\u2019 at the time, and cards were played in other rooms.<\/p>\n

        It was mainly French leaseholders who successfully developed and skilfully managed the casino and the conversation house. Foremost among them was Jean Jacques B\u00e9nazet, who was able to build a dynasty in the city through his business skills, whose members were to become important patrons for the city. Certainly, a little self-interest was also a factor – they had understood that their business success was linked to the further development of the spa town of Baden.<\/p>\n

        Interestingly, the revenues of the casino and the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 were heavily taxed – the entries went into a \u2018Badfond\u2019 (spa fund), which was explicitly collected for the development of the town and maintenance of its public facilities.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/album-baden-baden-trinkhalle1-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”The drinking hall from the front, photographed at the beginning of the 20th century.” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936110048{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The new drinking hall (\u2018Trinkhalle\u2019) \u2013 stroll around, drink and be seen!<\/strong><\/p>\n

        This also made it possible to build a new drinking hall in the immediate vicinity of the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019. This was also done in order not to completely neglect the spa character of the town: One had to have an official reason for the pleasurable stay, after all!<\/p>\n

        It was built from 1839 to 1842 by Heinrich H\u00fcbsch, a pupil of Weinbrenner\u2019s. In the building, built in the style of late Romanticism, one could fill one\u2019s cup of thermal water in the fountain room, then walk through the colonnades and look at the fourteen painted pictures (by J. G\u00f6tzenberger) with legends of the surrounding towns. The water was known for its high lithium content, which was said to help against all kinds of ailments and aches, such as gout and metabolic disorders. Today the water, which still bubbles freely at some springs, is mainly used for external applications.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426166-e0f90421-5142-1″ include=”17921,17922″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935746870{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]International visitors – who came and who left?<\/strong><\/p>\n

        More and more guests came, not only from France. While the number of visitors increased modestly from 1806 to 1830 from about 1000 to 11,000 guests, the number tripled to about 33,000 guests by 1847 and increased again by almost the double to over 62,000 annual visitors by 1869.<\/p>\n

        Not only guests from France liked to come, but also many Englishmen, Russians and Americans, who also made their mark on the city. And not to forget Germans! Apart from the fact that gambling was equally forbidden in some German countries, it simply became en vogue for aristocrats and wealthy commoners to spend a \u2018curative\u2019 summer in Baden-Baden.<\/p>\n

        Each nationality brought its religion and consequently, many other churches were built in addition to the already existing Catholic and Protestant churches. These included a Russian Orthodox church, the church \u2018St. Johannis\u2019 for the English-speaking visitors (even the English Queen Victoria donated for the construction!) and, at the end of the 19th century, a synagogue, which was unfortunately destroyed in 1938 during the pogrom – all other churches mentioned exist to this day, seen in these pictures:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426167-7edba638-9118-3″ include=”18035,18030,18032,18034,18033,18031″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653935986453{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]A detailed account of which German and international guests came was recorded in the \u2018Badeblatt\u2019, which included lists of who stayed in which hotel or pension\/villa, moved and left again.<\/p>\n

        Particularly interesting in the past and today:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/badeblatt-1876mai20_sm.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”The 1876 Bath Journal announces Empress Augusta’s coming” desc=”Quelle: Stadtarchiv Baden-Baden” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936173433{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The celebrities: kings, empresses and all kinds of luminaries<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The up-and-coming summer capital naturally also attracted celebrities, which made it even more popular. These included the Prussian King Wilhelm I and his wife Augusta, who was particularly fond of Baden-Baden and felt more at home there than in her obligatory home of Berlin.
        \nTwo monuments testify to the fact that Baden-Baden held both of them in high esteem: The bust of the empress was unveiled two years after her death, in the \u2018Lichtentaler Allee\u2019 in 1892, where it has stood ever since (only now somewhat further south). A bust of Emperor Wilhelm I can be found in front of the \u2018Trinkhalle\u2019.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/sz10-11-s.1225-augusta-kaiserin-sm.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Empress Augusta” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/wilhelm-i-ausschn-oval2.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Emperor Wilhelm I.” desc=”by Wilhelm Kuntzem\u00fcller – Kabinett-Fotografie, Gemeinfrei, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=6032380 (Ausschnitt)” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936193949{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The Austrian Empress Sisi also stopped by from time to time, but remained incognito. She came to visit her sister Mathilde, who had been a temporary resident of Baden-Baden since 1880.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/sisi-bild-winterhalter-wikimedia.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Came to visit her sister: the Austrian Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi – here painted by Franz Xaver Winterhalter, who owned a villa in the city” desc=”Quelle: Wikimedia\/Commons” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936279012{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Mathilde had married the Prince of Naples-Sicily, later Count of Trani, and thus the brother of her brother-in-law, the last King of the Two Sicilies, the husband of her elder sister Marie. Their unhappy marriage produced a daughter, Princess Maria Theresa. When she married in 1889, her excerpt from the church was a major social event in the city.
        \nAfter a serenade in front of her house in the presence of Grand Duke Frederick and his wife Luise, Empress Augusta, who was (coincidentally?) present, personally hosted a soir\u00e9e at the \u2018Hotel Messmer\u2019 before the bride traveled to her groom the next day by rail in a state-owned magnificent carriage.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936316074{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Composer Clara Schumann loved to spend summers in the city, especially when her friend, composer Johannes Brahms was around. They were welcome visitors in the salon of the versatile musician Pauline Viardot, who played an important role in helping to develop Baden as a highly cultural city: With salons and soir\u00e9es, she brought together the creative artists and cultural workers, and even founded her own opera house with the \u2018Theatre Viardot\u2019, a garden theater and an art and lecture hall. It can be said that her work helped to establish the musical tradition of the city.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/clara-schumann-70.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”Clara Schumann in her older years” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936390018{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Not only musical celebrities met in her salon, but also poets and thinkers as well as other \u2018bright minds\u2019 who frequently stayed in the city. Among them were famous figures such as Theodor Storm and the Russian writers Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Turgenev. There were rumors in town about a menage \u00e1 trois between Viardot, her (much older) husband and the (much younger) Turgenev. Nothing is known for sure, but it should be noted that Turgenev had already followed the Viardots to Paris and then to Baden-Baden. Then again, it may have simply been a creative working relationship between the three of them…<\/p>\n

        Writers like Dostoyevsky were not only in the city to write, but also to gamble – his novel \u2018The Gambler\u2019 was certainly influenced by some his own experiences in Baden-Baden…[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Hochwasser”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936448486{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In the course of the 19th century, the spa town became somewhat of a playing ground for many other famous writers, including the American Mark Twain, the Englishmen William Thackeray and Mary Shelley, and the Frenchmen Alexandre Dumas and Honor\u00e9 de Balzac.<\/p>\n

        Gambling and other amusements<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Even though the casino was an important reason for many guests to visit Baden-Baden, it was not the only one. Even the French tenants of the casino and \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 were anxious to create other attractions that would delight guests and perhaps induce them to stay longer.<\/p>\n

        \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 – Gambling in the ambience of the Sun King\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 became even more splendid in the 1950s: luxurious ballrooms and magnificent gambling halls were created in the Baroque and Rococo styles. Four rooms have been preserved: the Louis XIII and Louis XIV halls as well as a \u2018Salon Pompadour\u2019 and a conservatory in the Louis XVI style. At first, people gambled in them, later they danced, and today? They do both![\/vc_column_text][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426172-b0a69e95-44fa-1″ include=”17931,17930″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936596427{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Theater<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The profits that were won from the casino and the \u2018Kurhaus\u2019 must have been considerable, for the leaseholder Edouard B\u00e9naret donated a new theater to the city. Built in 1860-62 according to the plans of French artists Charles Derchy and Charles Couteau, the exterior was built in the Neoclassical style, while the interiors were designed in the playful Rococo style. For its opening in August of 1862, the opera \u2018B\u00e9atrice et B\u00e9n\u00e9dict\u2019 was composed especially by Hector Berlioz! Not only operas were performed there, but also many concerts. Today, the theater is one of the oldest theaters in Germany that is still in operation – and one of the most beautiful! In addition to classical plays, the theater’s own ensemble also performs modern plays.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426173-61fe4039-0876-5″ include=”17935,17934″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936664176{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Horse racing<\/strong><\/p>\n

        Also initiated by Edouard B\u00e9nazet, horse races have been held at the racecourse in nearby Iffezheim since 1858. This was always a social highlight and an opportunity for the ladies to show off their latest hats! The Baden \u2018Great Week\u2019 takes place annually at the end of August\/beginning of September – until today.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”mitte”][vc_column][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/spimb13-s.1072-ifzesheim-rennbahn1-sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Horse racing in Iffezheim – a social event!” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”mitte”][vc_column][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/spimb13-1072-ifzesheim-rennbahn-baden-bden_sm.jpg” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”A view of the racecourse in Iffezheim at the beginning of the 20th century.” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936827384{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]These additional entertainment venues became all the more significant when an important attraction for spa guests disappeared in 1872. The sovereign Friedrich von Baden already wanted to prohibit the gambling operations at the beginning of the 1860s, and the ban was finally decided by the North German Confederation in 1867. The concession was extended until 1872, but then it was over: the casino had to close.<\/p>\n

        The city needs new baths!<\/strong><\/p>\n

        The city’s leaders thus had several years to come up with new concepts to maintain and expand the appeal of the city to paying guests. Back then as well as today, one had to keep up with the times: observe new trends and implement them! One such trend was that health, hygiene and sports were becoming increasingly important, and not just for the sophisticated members of society. People realized that hygiene was vital for preventing disease and that maintaining one\u2019s own health was important – and with it how they dressed, ate and how they could take care of their body. This included applications for health (we would say wellness treatments today) and also sports. Industrialization had increased the number of people who no longer worked primarily physically, but in \u2018bureaus\u2019 and offices. As a form of compensation, they needed exercise in their free time!<\/p>\n

        In Baden-Baden, it was decided to build the Friedrichsbad. Constructed in the Renaissance style, it was to be the most modern bathhouse in Europe when it opened in 1877![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”pagination” items_per_page=”1″ element_width=”12″ gap=”35″ arrows_design=”vc_arrow-icon-arrow_12_left” arrows_color=”grey” paging_design=”point_dots” paging_color=”sandy_brown” item=”masonryMedia_ScaleWithContentBlock” initial_loading_animation=”none” grid_id=”vc_gid:1653938426176-8af2e725-ec2e-5″ include=”17939,17941,17940″][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Flieger”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653936926521{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The various options for baths and treatments (and how much they cost) are shown in this excerpt from a spa brochure.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/reisefuehrer-s.27-preise-friedrichsbad-sm.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”That’s how much wellness cost back then…” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/reisefuehrer-s.28-preise-friedrichsbad-sm2.png” image_size=”Medium 500″ lightbox=”true” title=”…massages and gymnastics were also offered!” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937049500{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]In the Friedrichsbad (named after the \u2018Landesvater\u2019, or state father at the time, Grand Duke Friedrich) there was also a gymnastics hall with equipment. Here is a description from the Baden-Baden guide from 1913:<\/p>\n

        \u2018…Up one flight of stairs is the department of Swedish mechanical gymnastics and massage, one of the grandest facilities on the continent.\u2019<\/em>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.19-saal-fur-heilgymnastik-im-friedrichsbad_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Fitness studio at that time: The room for therapeutic gymnastics in the Friedrichsbad (photo from the beginning of the 20th century).” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Eissegeln”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937132808{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Initially, the baths were designed for both men and women. Following the antique tradition, the bath was separated into a men’s and women’s unit, and bathing was therefore done separately. Despite the high prices, the bath soon reached its capacity limit.<\/p>\n

        Thus, the counterpart for women was built from 1890-1893 in the immediate vicinity of the Friedrichsbad (this was necessary due to the location of the springs), and was named the \u2018Augustabad\u2019 after the German empress. The interior design was similar, and both baths charged the same prices.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/koelbins-album-baden_baden-s.18-schwimmhalle-im-augustabad_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”The swimming hall in the Augustabad (photo from the beginning of the 20th century)” desc=”collection buergerleben” caption_location=”outside-image” hover_image_overlay=”false” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”Eissegeln”][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937211862{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]While one can still enjoy a bath in the \u2018Friedrichsbad<\/a>\u2019 today, the \u2018Augustabad \u2018was demolished in the early 1960s.<\/p>\n

        Instead (and also in close proximity) there is now the \u2018Caracalla-Therme<\/a>\u2019 as a modern counterpart to the time-honored \u2018Friedrichsbad\u2019.<\/p>\n

        In the following module, you\u2019ll discover that the springs have been used for a long time:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row id=”ursprung”][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937326491{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]\n

          \n
        1. Hot springs – the origin of Baden.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

          Everything began with the discovery of the hot springs – they are somewhat of a constant in the development of the city.<\/p>\n

          The original name of the Roman settlement that developed around these springs around 70 A.D. is still a matter of debate today. However, what is certain is that two Roman baths have been preserved: The imperial baths near the collegiate church and the marketplace, discovered in the mid-19th century during the construction of the steam baths (which acquired their name because they were more splendidly furnished), and the rather meager \u2018soldier baths\u2019, discovered during the construction of the Friedrich and Augusta baths, the ruins of which can still be admired today near the \u2018Friedrichbad\u2019. It is believed that the Roman settlement was a place where soldiers were sent to recover- hence it name, \u2018soldier’s baths\u2019.<\/p>\n

          Perhaps it was the Roman Emperor Caracalla who had the baths expanded and renovated; after all, today’s modern baths bear his name. Remains of the Roman settlement are still preserved.<\/p>\n

          The Romans were driven out by the Alemanni. Unfortunately, there are no written records from that time. However, the first record following antiquity was a donation from 987 by Otto III, in which the place is referred to as \u2018Badon\u2019 – that sounds quite similar already![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937356923{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The nearby Hohenbaden Castle, which can still be seen as a ruin above the town, is mentioned for the first time in 1122 – it was most likely built around 1100, probably by Hermann I, progenitor of the House of Baden. In 1112, his son, Hermann II, was called \u2018Margrave of Baden\u2019 for the first time, which can be regarded as somewhat of a birth certificate of the Margraviate of Baden and the Baden dynasty. From 1150 Baden developed urban structures and not too long after -from about 1306 onwards- the thermal springs were used (again) for baths!<\/p>\n

          At first, the city became a health resort for bathing cures. One lay in the baths for hours, which according to the state of knowledge at the time was very healthy \u2013 or perhaps mainly relaxing… Emperor Charles Frederick III already traveled to Baden for a bathing cure in 1473.<\/p>\n

          In 1535, the Margraviate of Baden was divided into two parts according to hereditary division laws and these new parts were called after the names of the towns they were situated in, namely Baden-Baden and Baden-Durlach. Over the course of time, the city of Baden received various additions to its name, such as \u2018Baden in Baden\u2019 in order not to confuse it with other existing cities in Austria and Switzerland with the name of \u2018Baden\u2019, before it finally became \u2018Baden-Baden\u2019 in the 19th century.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/oa-s.19-baden-baden-mitte-17.jh_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”Copper engraving of Baden-Baden in the middle of the 17th century.” desc=”Master builder Arhardt (attributed)” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937433370{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]The city experienced a tragedy with the Nine Years\u2019 War. In 1689, it was burned down by French troops; naturally, the bathing business came to a standstill and did not really get back on its feet after the reconstruction. In addition, Baden was suddenly no longer a royal seat. Its ruler Ludwig-Wilhelm of Baden, also known as \u2018T\u00fcrkenlouis\u2019 due to his successful campaigns in the Ottoman Empire, wanted to have a palace built following the Versailles model.<\/p>\n

          Unfortunately, this was not possible in Baden-Baden and the project was carried out in Rastatt, which consequently became the royal seat in 1706. The reconstruction of Baden-Baden was slow, the bathhouses and hostels were unfashionable, and the cityscape was not very well-kept. Another reason that the bathing cures fell out of fashion: Both sexes often bathed together and thus all kinds of diseases were transmitted \u2013 this went against the idea of a curative and hygienic activity.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_image src=”https:\/\/www.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/oa-s.27-baden-baden-19.jh-anfang_sm.jpg” image_size=”medium” lightbox=”true” title=”This is what Baden-Baden looked like at the beginning of the 19th century” desc=”Detail of aquatint sheet by C. Kuntz (1821)” caption_location=”outside-image” align=”center”][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1653937785231{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}”]Before the city disappeared completely into insignificance at the end of the 18th century, it was rediscovered by the state of Baden when Elector Karl Friedrich chose it as his summer residence in 1805. As a result, visitors flowed in once more – a good reason to develop it as a sophisticated spa town! The first step that was taken to make the town more attractive again for paying and especially well-heeled guests was the construction of the \u2018Promenadehaus\u2019.<\/p>\n

          Furthermore, the bathing cures, which were out of fashion, were increasingly replaced by drinking cures – not only thermal and mineral water cures were offered, but also \u2018whey cures\u2019.<\/p>\n

          Thus, the well-heeled aristocratic and bourgeois public now could come on the basis of their \u2018health\u2019, but simultaneously enjoy themselves AND gamble.<\/p>\n

          You can learn about how Baden continued to develop in the 19th century in this article: \u2018The 19th century: From a gambler’s to a wellness paradise<\/a><\/strong>\u2019.<\/p>\n

          I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the contributors who supported me in the creation of this article![\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]\n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

          How the spa town flourished during the Belle \u00c9poque, what a spa day was like back then, about famous guests and destinations of that time that still exist today – this and more is told in the article.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":18079,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[234],"tags":[934,316,931,933,935],"class_list":["post-18043","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-baden-baden-great-spa-of-europe","tag-germany","tag-great-spa-of-europe","tag-spa-city-baden-baden","tag-unesco-world-heritage-baden-baden"],"yoast_head":"\nBaden-Baden: Summer Capital of the Belle \u00c9poque - B\u00fcrgerleben<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Baden-Baden: Summer Capital of the Belle \u00c9poque - B\u00fcrgerleben\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"How the spa town flourished during the Belle \u00c9poque, what a spa day was like back then, about famous guests and destinations of that time that still exist today - this and more is told in the article.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"B\u00fcrgerleben\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/buergerleben?locale=de_DE\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2022-05-30T19:31:34+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-27T09:12:05+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/panorama-fb_.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1201\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"627\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Grete Otto\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Grete Otto\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"46 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/\",\"name\":\"Baden-Baden: Summer Capital of the Belle \u00c9poque - B\u00fcrgerleben\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/panorama-fb_.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2022-05-30T19:31:34+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-27T09:12:05+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/#\/schema\/person\/195c0cfd05da01a29e466ae8c490c1ab\"},\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/panorama-fb_.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/panorama-fb_.png\",\"width\":1201,\"height\":627},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/baden-baden-summer-capital-of-the-belle-epoque\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/en\/home\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Baden-Baden: Summer Capital of the Belle \u00c9poque\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/beta.buergerleben.com\/\",\"name\":\"B\u00fcrgerleben\",\"description\":\"Geschichte als Geschichten erz\u00e4hlt \u2013 Alltagsleben des B\u00fcrgertums Anfang des 20. 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