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Karlsruhe

"Karlsruhe is very well-behaved, pleasant and friendly," the German composer Richard Wagner said in a letter to his wife Minna in 1861. Situated on the northern edge of the Black Forest, the baroque royal seat is located in one of the warmest and sunniest regions of Germany and thus radiates a comfortable, Mediterranean flair.
The urban planning was carried out by today's district of Durlach and goes back to the beginning of the 18th century. They are thus clearly influenced by the baroque style epoch. When it was completed in 1718, the Karlsruhe Castle became the first and central building of the newly founded city of Karlsruhe and has been considered a landmark of the city ever since. Due to its fan-shaped ground plan and the 32 streets running radially from the castle, the city is also considered a fan-shaped city. The unique symmetry is especially vivid from the viewing platform of the castle tower, which is located in the center of the complex. Classicist buildings from the early 19th century characterize the image of the city expansion.
But Karlsruhe has more to offer than just contemplative architecture - the city has a rich cultural life and is considered a center for art and media. The ZKM institution of the same name combines science, art, politics and business in changing exhibitions and portrays the digital world of tomorrow.
The fan-shaped city offers various possibilities for activity, adventure and relaxation. And best of all: most of the highlights can be explored on foot!

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Highlights in Karlsruhe

Profile

Federal State: Baden-Württemberg
Population: 313.092 (Stand 2019)
Area: 173,5 km²
Height: 115 m

Karlsruhe Castle with Baden State Museum and castle garden

The Karlsruhe Castle was built in baroque style and has formed the city center since 1718. After devastating destruction by bombing raids during the Second World War, the castle was reconstructed from the outside according to the historical model. The interior was adapted to the requirements of a modern museum and is home to the Baden State Museum, one of the most active cultural-historical museums in Germany. The museum's holdings range from art from prehistory and early history to ancient cultures, the Middle Ages, the Baroque and the present.
From the castle tower, visitors to the museum have a wonderful view of the unique symmetry of the city's layout.
The extensive palace garden behind the castle is laid out in the style of an English landscape park and offers the people of Karlsruhe numerous opportunities for recreation - whether it is doing sports or having a picnic with friends. Highlights are the water-lily and pheasant gardens, as well as the Schlossgartenbähnle, which allows tired feet a 20-minute round trip through the park.

City walk through the medieval old town of Durlach and visit to the weekly market

The old town of Durlach is regarded as Karlsruhe's place of foundation and therefore bears the epithet "Mother of Karlsruhe". It was from here that Marktgraf von Baden-Durlach, Karl Wilhelm, moved his court to Karlsruhe, and the Karlsruhe Palace, built in 1718, became the residence in the newly founded city. Durlach, on the other hand, remained independent as a town and was only incorporated in 1938. The former residence, the Karlsburg, is still located in Durlach with the adjacent palace garden.
The centuries of history are still very visible in the old city center of Karlsruhe and a medieval flair dominates the picture in the traffic-calmed, narrow streets. On the contemplative market place the traditional Durlacher weekly market takes place regularly (Monday-Saturday from 7:30 am).
A city walk through the picturesque alleys and along the historical highlights is highly recommended! It is best to start at the protestant town church. From here you walk straight to the Basler Tor, the only remaining city gate of the medieval city fortifications from the 14th century. Through narrow alleys and through the old palace garden you will reach Karlsburg Castle, which today houses the Pfinzgau Museum, and the slaughterhouse on the city wall, before you end the tour with a magnificent view of the medieval city center on the Turmberg mountain.

Shopping in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe's city center is perfect for an extended shopping spree. The Kronenplatz at the eastern end of the Kaiserstraße is an ideal starting point, as it is one of the longest shopping miles in the city. It offers a colorful repertoire of well-known labels and owner-operated stores and boutiques and guides visitors into the heart of the fan-shaped city.

Feast and enjoy in Karlsruhe

The charming Ludwigsplatz invites the people of Karlsruhe and their visitors to end an eventful day in the fan-shaped city with a cosy dinner or a delicious cocktail in a convivial atmosphere. Numerous bars and restaurants offer a wide range of gastronomic delights. Enjoy the last rays of sunshine on a mild summer evening, watch the colorful hustle and bustle on the former market square and enjoy the "Dolce Vita".

Distance

to Freiburg: 135 km
to Airport Basel: 200 km


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