baden baden
You won't have a bad bad here!
Our one-night stop in Baden Baden was one of our favorite parts of the tour. You're here to relax! The government used to subsidize Germans' visits here, and the main road even runs underground the city so Baden Baden won't lose it's spa-town status. The city is compact and easy to get around on foot. It is tree-lined and offers inviting lanes for strolling past shops or along the Oosbach River. In the 1800s, royalty and aristocracy came from all around Europe to enjoy the casino and soak in the baths' curing mineral waters. Today, in addition to the baths, there are plenty of restaurants to eat and shops to browse. You can dress up and gamble amongst the elite. If you enjoy nature, there are also hiking opportunities just outside of town, plus a funicular to the 2000-ft. high summit of Merkur. The Heliopark Bad Hotel zum Hirsch was simply amazing! Upon arrival, you'll find an elegant, grand staircase taking you up to your room. The red-carpeted hallways are lined with period-piece lamps and evoke a palatial feel. The rooms are huge, almost mini suites! Amenities include a bar and sauna. Its location is also central: just steps away from shops, coffee, chocolate, and a five-minute stroll to the baths. |
LOCAL CULTURE
~ Europeans are proud of their respective languages ~ "It's danke, not donkey." ~ Overheard at a restaurant by a German cashier to a tourist. ~ While the times are changing, many Europeans still do not like food or coffee to go. ~ "It's a 3.5-hour drive to Baden Baden today. Our original rest stop was closed. The next one open was a cute restaurant where Rolinka ordered a bunch of coffees for us while we used the restroom. The owner insisted - twice - that we sit down before being served, despite Rolinka mentioning that we had to go. This is just how it's done here. No coffee to go or in the car; Europeans like to relax, and enjoy their food with conversation. Slow service is good service." ~ Justin's Travel Journal entry, 7/11/16 |
After checking in (early!), Rolinka led us in a short orientation stroll, where we admired the Oosbach River, sampled hot (105-degree) spring water at the Trinkhalle, and toured the famous Casino with local guide, Nathalie. Justin would love to play blackjack here! Afterward, the rest of the day was free.
We joined some tour-mates and had lunch at a local burger place, where we discovered that one of the cashiers (who spoke perfect English) was from San Francisco (Justin's hometown). When asked why he came to Germany, he said it was to be with a girl he met and fell in love with a few years ago!
Afterward we picked up some yummy German chocolates and gummy bears to snack on later. We also checked out Tchibo, which is a clothing store that doubles as a coffee shop, in case you need a mocha and new underwear.
Then it was time to visit the baths! Rolinka later told us that she's never seen so many people on a tour do the nude baths: 10 out of 27! A brave bunch we are. Justin's advice: try it out! (April opted for the clothed Baths of Caracalla). Europeans are more open about nudity than Americans. No one will be staring, and you'll find bodies of all shapes and sizes inside.
The Friedrichsbad baths involve a 17-step ritual that involve a series of showers, saunas of varying temperatures, hot and cold plunges, and pools. Signs direct you to the next step and recommend time limits, but the length and order is up to you. The price you pay depends on how long you want to stay (Justin opted for three hours) and whether you want an optional soap & brush massage or lotion massage (he recommends the brush -- ask for "soft.")
On certain days, including today, men and women are separated except for the main pool. The other days, both share, so if you're shy, go on a separated day. The baths are so relaxing, you'll sleep like a baby when you're done. They even wrap you in a cocoon in a quiet room at the end and ask when you'd like to be woken up. You'll lose some weight just in sweat; bring fresh clothes when you're done.
Afterward we picked up some yummy German chocolates and gummy bears to snack on later. We also checked out Tchibo, which is a clothing store that doubles as a coffee shop, in case you need a mocha and new underwear.
Then it was time to visit the baths! Rolinka later told us that she's never seen so many people on a tour do the nude baths: 10 out of 27! A brave bunch we are. Justin's advice: try it out! (April opted for the clothed Baths of Caracalla). Europeans are more open about nudity than Americans. No one will be staring, and you'll find bodies of all shapes and sizes inside.
The Friedrichsbad baths involve a 17-step ritual that involve a series of showers, saunas of varying temperatures, hot and cold plunges, and pools. Signs direct you to the next step and recommend time limits, but the length and order is up to you. The price you pay depends on how long you want to stay (Justin opted for three hours) and whether you want an optional soap & brush massage or lotion massage (he recommends the brush -- ask for "soft.")
On certain days, including today, men and women are separated except for the main pool. The other days, both share, so if you're shy, go on a separated day. The baths are so relaxing, you'll sleep like a baby when you're done. They even wrap you in a cocoon in a quiet room at the end and ask when you'd like to be woken up. You'll lose some weight just in sweat; bring fresh clothes when you're done.
black forest open air museum
The next morning we say goodbye to Baden Baden, but thankfully we're on the way to the Swiss Alps! First we make a stop at the Black Forest Open Air Museum. Our guide Frau Schmidt takes us through several farmhouses, mills, and gardens as she explains farm life in the Black Forest 400 years ago. Each farmhouse "represents the architecture and economic situation of its area of origin," and each room within is equipped and furnished with the furniture, tools, and clothing of its time.
We have time afterward to explore the grounds and the museum, do some shopping, and grab lunch. Your options range from brats to several types of sausages to authentic Black Forest Ham sandwiches. This is different than what you're used to at home (who knew?), but it's pretty similar to prosciutto.
An authentic cuckoo clock has always been on our wishlist, so we bought one here and had it shipped home. While eating, Rolinka surprises us with a Black Forest Cake and shot of cherry schnapps, which is an ingredient inside this chocolaty slice of heaven.
DID YOU KNOW?
On the way to the Open Air Museum, we drove through a tiny village called Baiersbronn. This little town that most people have never heard of, has three restaurants with a combined EIGHT Michelin stars (two 3-stars and one 2-star)! To put that into perspective: France has 27 3-star restaurants, the United States has 14, and Germany has 11. |