Black forest stopover

Right Mr W.

First watch this....

http://www.baden-baden.de/static/film/index.php?lang=en

I have stayed in Baden Baden twice and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. I am not so hot on the surrounding area, but can find some tips at work when I return on Monday.

If you elect to stay in the spa town of Baden Baden itself there is a great amount to see and do. It is certainly not a cheap place but you have the choice of the following:

"Friedrichsbad" Roman Irish baths - 4 hours, with about 16 treatments (something for Mrs W) which is highly recommended and very good value.

"Caracalla" spa - more family orientated, with awesome selection of saunas and really good value

All details of the spas etc can be found here.....

http://www.carasana.de/home/en/index.html

The casino in Baden Baden is a one in a lifetime eperience even if you do not gamble, the place is stunning and regarded as one of the most beautiful casino's in the world.

http://www.casino-baden-baden.de/

If you are luck and its not too difficult really, you may get a weekend where there is a special classical even on in the park in front of the Kulturhaus, or if you are very lucky and your visit co-incides with on of the big horse racing events you get the races (brilliant for kids) as well as a free plethora of treats in the evening also. If you know the dates a quick peek on the Baden Baden website will give you some hints.

http://www.baden-baden.de/en/

As for hotels, well there are many, from budget (not spending any time there) to 5 star luxury. I took a girlfriend to stay at the "der Kliene Prinz" which is lovely. We had a champagne package with the a bottle of bubbly stuff in the room at arrival as well as with breakfast in bed the next morning. Included was a 7 course meal (excellent local, Allsace and international blend). The room was a little worn, but the quaintness of the place made up for it.

Baden Baden itself is in the heart of the Black Forest and is truely international, no need to speak German here, 10 km in any direction a basic knowledge is advisable.

On your PM you mentioned countryside and views etc, well even though you would be in the town itself you will not be disspointed. If you have a car and want to go a few kms the concierge at any hotel will tell you where to hire bikes and find trails through the imposing forest.

Lovely place to visit. I have pointed out some of the high-end attractions here, however a cheaper hotel, a picnic in the park and a walk around a truely historic town will be a wonderful experience also (weather permitting).

P.S. Personal restaurant recommendation: Medici http://www.medici.de/welcome.htm The Clintons, Bono, Nelson Mandela and King Juan Carlos of Spain have all dined at the top table here and it's well worth a few extra euro to eat here, if not have a wee tipple at the inexpensive bar.

Have you considered stopping somewhere near Bregenz, Ian, on Lake Konstanz? friedrichshafen would probably be cheaper, but you could then also indulge yourself on a drive through the Arlberg region on the way, and if you spend a day around Bregenz, you can have breakfast in Germany, lunch in Austria, tea in Lichenstein and dinner in Switzerland....or some alternative way of doing it!

Tony_H wrote:Have you considered stopping somewhere near Bregenz, Ian, on Lake Konstanz? friedrichshafen would probably be cheaper, but you could then also indulge yourself on a drive through the Arlberg region on the way, and if you spend a day around Bregenz, you can have breakfast in Germany, lunch in Austria, tea in Lichenstein and dinner in Switzerland....or some alternative way of doing it!

Thanks Tony, but that is not really far enough north as Sunday afternoon I aim to track down my mums uncles grave who was topped at the somme in 1916....

Your so lucky Ian,I would love to go there! one day.. I hope that money tree grows soon

LM wrote:Your so lucky Ian,I would love to go there! one day.. I hope that money tree grows soon

Don't forget you live in a very beautiful part of the world and there are lots of us envious of you, one day I'll get over to Canada for a visit

..and when you and your family come to BC,we will have to meet up for a beer!..or a ski!
My son would love to ski with your daughter..he is close in age with her.

Have a wonderful time on your trip when you go.

LM wrote:..and when you and your family come to BC,we will have to meet up for a beer!..or a ski!
My son would love to ski with your daughter..he is close in age with her.

Have a wonderful time on your trip when you go.

Were not off until the summer, and one day I might just keep you to that beer......

Ian Wickham wrote:

LM wrote:..and when you and your family come to BC,we will have to meet up for a beer!..or a ski!
My son would love to ski with your daughter..he is close in age with her.

Have a wonderful time on your trip when you go.

Were not off until the summer, and one day I might just keep you to that beer......

you bet Ian,I look forward to it