Baden-Baden - Golf with healing powers

For stunning architecture, fascinating history, great golf and indulgent spa time, Baden Baden in Germany ticks all the boxes, as Camilla Kaas Stock discovers…

Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans discovered the healing powers of 12 springs, located at the foothills of the Black Forest in the southwestern part of Germany. Here they built the first thermal baths. Today Baden-Baden is an elegant and exclusive thermal spa resort, with luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants and exclusive boutiques, attracting scores of tourists from all over the world. But, perhaps less known, is the fact that the region also has some superb golf courses.

WELLNESS. Baden-Baden has, as you would expect, a wide selection of spas where you can be pampered to your heart’s delight, but when in Rome, as the saying goes, you should really experience the healing powers of the town’s famous thermal springs.     For the last 140 years, in the historic Friedrichsbad bathhouse, Roman traditional bathing culture has been combined with Irish hot-air bathing. Here, you can enjoy floating in the thermal water, while gazing up at the artful frescoes, which decorate the awe-inspiring central dome. There is a circuit of 17 stations, with changing temperatures from hot to cold, which will revive and soothe both body and soul.     There is also the modern Caracalla Spa, which offers 4,000 sqm of relaxation in curative thermal waters with a huge Roman sauna landscape. There is a rock grotto with hot and cold-water pools, marble whirlpools, an aroma steam bath, as well as a stylish wellness lounge.

CULTURE.  Baden-Baden has a rich cultural heritage, which can be explored at the Museum Frieder Burda and the Fabergé Museum Rebland. There is also the renowned Kurhaus, a popular venue for glamourous balls and international festivals, as well as Germany’s oldest casino. If you love opera or ballet then head to the Festspielhaus, Europe’s second largest concert hall.   Whilst here, stroll down Lichtentaler Allee, once a narrow track, bordering fields and pastures, but now a world-famous boulevard with magnificent mature trees, ornate bridges crossing the River Oos, majestic hotels and elegant mansions.     Baden-Baden also offers a multitude of shopping delights, whether you are looking for international designer labels, precious jewels, or exquisite antiques. Soak up the ambiance in the picturesque streets of the neo-baroque old town, which apparently is the place to go for connoisseurs of good wines and gourmet 

GOLF. The golf region of Baden-Alsace is claimed to be one of the most beautiful golfing regions in Germany. Located between the mountains of the Black Forest and the Vosges, the eight championship courses provide golfers with charming scenery, variable terrain and plenty of challenges.

Golf Club Baden-Baden e.V. Situated on the lower slopes of the Fremersberg, where the Black Forest begins, this course is claimed to be one of Germany’s finest natural golf courses, though its length lies short of other championship courses.

Baden Hills Golf & Curling Club e.V. Founded by the golfers of the Royal Canadian Air Force in the 1950s, this course offers a strong blend of unspoilt nature and accomplished design. The passing river barges and the black forest panorama give the course a special flair.

Golfclub Bad Herrenalb–Bernbach e.V. Nestled in the pretty Bernbach Valley, this course is a natural paradise with stunning views and tranquil surroundings, but still offers golfers plenty of challenges.

Golfclub Bruchsal e.V. This 18-hole championship course, with its panoramic views over the rolling Kraichgau Hills, has been designed to continually offer new challenges to beginners and proficient golfers alike.

Golfclub Johannesthal e.V. The 18 holes of this golf course nestles into the lower picturesque slopes of the rolling Kraichgau landscape. The wide fairways and flat, playable bunkers reflect the club’s focus on the sporting aspects of golf.

Golfclub Hofgut Scheibenhardt e.V. Transformed into a unique 18-hole golf course, this estate is now viewed as one of the area’s best. With its countryside surroundings and picturesque lakes, the course offers plenty of scenic charm.

Golf International Soufflenheim – Baden-Baden S.A. The golf course, which was designed by the world-class golfer Bernhard Langer, opened in 1996 and is set in enchanting natural surroundings. Located in Soufflenheim, this golf complex has 33 greens and 18 lakes.

Golf De La Wantzenau. Designed by the renowned English architect Jeremy Pern and Jean Garaïalde, one of France’s best professional golfers, this course has long fairways and tree-lined holes, with plenty of water hazards.

HOTELS. There is a wide selection of accommodation to choose from in Baden-Baden, with anything from budget, to luxury and boutique hotels. For those who want to experience all the best the town can offer, as well as play some of the area’s superb golf courses, then there are several outstanding hotels that offer golf packages.

Brenners Park-Hotel & Spa. This luxury hotel, superbly located in a legendary park, is one of the grand hotels of world. Boasting 140-year-old traditions, Brenners Park’s philosophy unites the themes of beauty, fitness, health and culinary experiences.

Dorint Maison Messmer Baden-Baden. Located in the heart of Baden-Baden, the five-star Maison Messmer offers an exclusive ambience. With a successful blend of historic and modern elements, this is the perfect location for a first-class wellness holiday.

Der Kleine Prinz. The Rademacher family have created a fairy-tale luxury hotel, located only a short walk from all the town’s major sights. The hotel offers packages that include green fees and will gladly book tee times for you.

Hotel Belle Epoque. This wonderfully restored mansion, celebrates the renaissance of the Belle Époque era. Surrounded by the hotel’s own park, guests can relax in elegant and refined surroundings in the heart of Baden-Baden.

Radisson Blu Badischer Hof Hotel. With a history that spans almost 200 years, this former Capuchin monastery combines history with all the modern comforts. Being one of the first grand hotels in Europe, the hotel delights guests with its classical architecture, stylish spa, thermal pools and regionally inspired cuisine. There are no golf packages offered here but they will sort out tee time for guests.

Atlantic Park Hotel. The hotel is situated in a quiet, exclusive location on the world-famous Lichtentaler Allee, overlooking the idyllic river Oos. With the historic old town and all the local attraction only minutes away on foot, it offers all the comforts of an elegant 4-star hotel.

Hotel Magnetberg. Located in a wonderful park overlooking Baden-Baden, the 3-star hotel offers guest all the modern comforts, with the picturesque course at Baden-Baden Golf Club only a short distance away.