The ride up
A steep climb through the trees in a glass car — the journey itself is part of the pleasure.
Sitacuisses — CC BY-SA 3.0 · A.Savin — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Willy Pragher — CC BY 4.0 · Willy Pragher — CC BY 4.0
The Merkur funicular climbs the Merkur mountain above Baden-Baden. First opened in 1913, it covers about 1,200 metres on a steep gradient in roughly twelve minutes, and is among the longest funiculars in Germany. At the top, near seven hundred metres, is a lookout tower reached by lift, giving a wide view over the Rhine valley and the Black Forest. The summit area has walking trails, a restaurant, and a launch ramp used by paragliders — watching them is part of the fun.
A steep climb through the trees in a glass car — the journey itself is part of the pleasure.
A tower at the summit with a lift, opening onto the Rhine valley and the Black Forest.
A launch ramp at the top — watching take-offs is enjoyable even if you never leave the ground.
Merkuriusberg, 76530 Baden-Baden
The Wildlife EnclosureBaden-Baden's Wildgehege is not a zoo in the usual sense but a fenced area of fo8 minutes walk4.4
Paradies Water GardensThe Paradies water gardens climb a hillside above Baden-Baden, designed by the a12 minutes walk4.4
Baden-Baden ArboretumThe Baden-Baden Arboretum is a collection of rare and native trees planted along14 minutes walk4.5
Merkur Mountain & FunicularThe Merkur is Baden-Baden's balcony: a 668-metre summit east of town, climbed si15 minutes walk4.9
Caracalla ThermeThe Caracalla Therme is a modern mineral bath in central Baden-Baden, using the 18 minutes walk4.2Very much so: the ride is short and fun, and the summit has open space, a playground and easy trails. The tower has a lift, so no stairs are needed.
A local bus from central Baden-Baden takes about fifteen minutes to the lower station. By car there is parking nearby. Do not attempt to walk up unless you are planning a long forest hike.
A clear day, since the whole point is the view — on a cloudy day you will see nothing from the top. Spring, summer and autumn are best, and autumn is particularly fine for the forest colours.