Table of Contents:
How to get to Karlsruhe from Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe Airport
How to get to Karlsruhe from Frankfurt
How to get to Karlsruhe from Stuttgart
Center for Art and Media Technology
Turmberg mountain (with funicular) and Hohenberg castle ruins
I have been to Karlsruhe and, in my opinion, the town looks pretty gorgeous and has a lot of things to do, including observing lush architecture, visiting various museums and palaces, climbing up the mountains by cable car, getting around the local zoo and much more. Based on my experience, plus some research, I gathered a lot of information and created a travel guide to Karlsruhe. Let’s dive into it!
When to travel to Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe is the third largest city in Baden-Wurttemberg region and a famous tourist destination. The city attracts, first of all, its stunning architecture, unusual for Germany. Instead of the prevailing Gothic and half-timbered architecture, the city is completely built in the Baroque style and has a radial building plan.
There is a palace in the center of Karlsruhe, from where all the streets of the city radially stretch. Karlsruhe has its own local airport, railway station and a bus station; the city is considered to be a major transport hub and change point for travelers whose aim is the cities south of Karlsruhe. You can travel to Karlsruhe all year round.
Annual weather is quite comfortable here with mild winters, blooming springs, warm summers and colorful autumns. There are no extreme temperatures, so travellers can explore the region all year round. Karlsruhe is a suitable place for longer staying to move around the Baden-Wurttemberg region and make radial trips.
How to get to Karlsruhe
Where do you fly to get to Karlsruhe? You can get to Karlsruhe by direct flights (there is an airport of Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe), as well as by flights to neighboring Stuttgart or Frankfurt. Check the current timetable from your city at Aviasales booking service.
How to get to Karlsruhe from Baden-Baden/Karlsruhe Airport
Upon your arrival at the airport, the city center of Karlsruhe can be reached by public transport (by bus + train) or by car (taxi or rented car). Public transport runs throughout the day, except at nights.
By public transport: to leave the airport by bus, just exit the arrival terminal and walk to the bus stop, located against entry/exit doors. Here you can catch a bus to Baden-Baden (you need a bus No. 285). A ticket machine is situated in front of the terminal. I did some research and found out the bus timetable. Buses run daily at:
✓6.40, ✓7.40, ✓8.43, ✓9.43, ✓10.43, ✓11.43, ✓12.43, ✓13.43, ✓14.43, ✓15.48, ✓16.48, ✓17.43, ✓18.43, ✓19.43, ✓20.39
Buses run from the airport to Baden-Baden train station. Approximate duration of a bus ride is 25-30 minutes. The changes in the bus timetable can be checked at the Airport Official Website.
⇒Then you need to catch a train from Baden-Baden train station to Karlsruhe. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. I use Raileurope regularly to check out the current train timetable throughout the whole of Europe. In my opinion, it is a very convenient service, because I can compare different routes, duration of the train journey and many other useful options. Tickets from Baden-Baden to Karlsruhe can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the Baden-Baden railway station. Trains run daily; travel time is approx.20 minutes.
By taxi: you can find a taxi car upon arrival, or book a car transfer in advance via the different booking services, for instance, at worldwide-known Kiwitaxi service or other similar ones. I read the reviews of the service and most of them are positive. The important thing is that a taxi car will have already been waiting for you for the time of your arrival when booking in advance.
◊ A useful tip! Additionally, you can book a child car seat or booster if you travel with kids. Maximum waiting time at the point of arrival varies from 60 to 90 minutes after the landing. Approximate duration of a taxi ride is 45 minutes.
How to get to Karlsruhe from Frankfurt
Frankfurt airport is one of the largest airports not only in Germany, but in all of Europe. There are plenty of flights every day from different parts of the world. The distance between Frankfurt and Karlsruhe is only 140 km, which is easy to overcome both by train or by car.
By public transport: You can get directly from Frankfurt Airport to Karlsruhe from the Fernbahnhof railway station, which is located directly at the airport building (ground floor). The train journey takes only an hour. Such high-speed trains like ICE run every two hours, starting at 8 am and ending at midnight.
⇒You can also get to Karlsruhe from Frankfurt Central Station (center of the city). Trains depart from Central Station with greater frequency, approximately every half an hour. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. Tickets for Karlsruhe can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the Frankfurt railway station.
⇒You can get to Karlsruhe from Frankfurt by bus; it takes about 2 hours. The route is operated by Flixbus and Eurolines. Buses depart from the airport and Frankfurt Central Station. Frequency – once every half an hour during the daytime and once an hour in the mornings and evenings. The bus timetable can be checked,for example, at the Flixbus online service. As I know Flixbus is a pretty popular bus company in Europe and designed for cheaper trips with affordable prices, so why not try it once?
By taxi: Another convenient and fast way to get from Frankfurt to Karlsruhe is to take a taxi. Travel time by taxi is approximately 1 hour 20 minutes. You can order a taxi at the information desk at the airport terminal or railway station, or in advance via the Internet on the Kiwitaxi service, Intui.Travel service and other similar transfer services.
By renting a car: Another popular way to travel between cities in Germany is to rent a car. You can rent a car right at the airport upon arrival, or at any other rental offices in Frankfurt. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price. Roads in Germany are high-speed (the so-called autobahns), so you can move along quickly and comfortably. Frankfurt and Karlsruhe are connected by highway № A5 (see on the map). I travelled a lot via autobahns in Germany so I can confirm they are pretty much comfortable and it is often the fastest way to get to the desired destination.
How to get to Karlsruhe from Stuttgart
Another fast and convenient way to get to Karlsruhe is to fly to Stuttgart and then go by train, bus or car directly to Karlsruhe. The distance between Stuttgart and Karlsruhe is approximately 80 km. Stuttgart Airport is located 12 km from the city centre. To catch a public transport to Karlsruhe, you first need to get to Stuttgart Central Station. You can do this by commuter train, which runs at intervals of 20 minutes from terminal No. 1 (lines S2 and S3).
By public transport: The Stuttgart-Karlsruhe trains run every half an hour. Depending on the class of the train, travel time can range from 50 minutes to 1 hour 15 minutes. The cheapest train tickets are considered to be RE (regional) trains, but the travel time in this case is the maximum due to the number of stops the train makes.
⇒The fastest trains are IC or ICE, but they are also the most expensive. At night, trains run less often, and from 2.30 to 5 in the morning there is a pause. Train timetables can be checked at the Raileurope booking service. Tickets for Karlsruhe can be purchased online or at the ticket office of the railway station in Stuttgart. I tried both variants and as a rule when booking online I have more options available.
⇒Buses to Karlsruhe run from the airport, railway station and Stuttgart central bus station. The route is operated by the bus company Flixbus. Buses run throughout the day with a frequency of once every half an hour or once an hour, except for night hours (from 00.00 to 05.00). The bus timetable can be checked at the Flixbus online service.
By taxi: By taxi, you can get to Karlsruhe from Stuttgart Airport in 1 hour in case there are no traffic jams. You can order a taxi at the information desk at the airport terminal or railway station, or in advance via the Internet on the different travel transfer services such as Kiwitaxi service, Intui.Travel service and others. Based on my research, both online services have a lot of positive reviews that is why I can recommend them. For sure, there are a lot of other taxi services available at the airport.
By renting a car: Another popular way to travel between cities in Germany is to rent a car. You can rent a car right at the airport upon arrival, or at any other rental offices in Stuttgart. You can also book a car in advance on the different booking services such as Discover Cars, Economybookings, etc.
◊A useful tip: Compare a few of booking services to choose the best price. Roads in Germany are high-speed (the so-called autobahns), so you can move along quickly and comfortably. Stuttgart is connected with Karlsruhe by highway № A8 (see on the map).
Where to stay in Karlsruhe
I did some research and found out that the most common types of hotels in Karlsruhe are 3 and 4 stars. Private apartments are also in demand. In addition, some of the hotels in the city do not have stars, which means that guests are offered accommodation in guest houses or small family hotels.
Kaiserhof 4* – The hotel is conveniently located in the city center, a 5-minute walk from the central palace. It is also close to the railway station and the A3 motorway. The hotel service includes such additional services as a breakfast buffet, sauna, steam room, gym, bicycle rental and free Wi-Fi access throughout the hotel. The rooms also have everything you need including a safe, mini-bar, TV, air conditioning, desk, wardrobe, etc. The hotel has both single and double rooms. By category, they are divided into standard, superior and suites. The Kaiserhof has its own on-site parking and a grill restaurant. The hotel received the highest ratings from guests for the professionalism of the staff, high-speed Internet, cleanliness and location.
Hotel Santo 4* – Hotel Santo is located in the city centre, within walking distance of the city’s main square and the train station. For those with a car, the A5 and A8 motorways pass nearby. The hotel offers its guests free parking, cocktail bar, fitness center and free internet access. Check-in at the hotel is at 14:00, check-out is before 11:00. The Santo Hotel has rooms of different categories, including standard, superior, suites and apartments. Standard rooms have king-size beds, shower, air conditioning, LCD TV, telephone, Wi-Fi, mini-bar, coffee machine, safe. Breakfasts are included in the room rate, or are served for a fee, depending on the type of room chosen. The hotel received the highest ratings for the professionalism of the staff.
Hotel Avisa 3* – This hotel is located in the city center on Stadtgarte, within walking distance of the train station. The hotel is small with only 27 rooms, providing a peaceful environment and is recommended for couples. All rooms are divided into single and double rooms. The rooms have a shower, TV, minibar, telephone, hair dryer, safe, Wi-Fi is available free of charge. The room rate also includes a continental breakfast. The hotel reception is open around the clock, check-in is from 14.00, check-out is until 11.00. Avisa Hotel receives the best reviews for its location, professionalism of the staff and the quality of the Wi-Fi provided.
Hotel Blankenburg is another small hotel in the center of Karlsruhe with 36 classic rooms. The train station and tram stop are within walking distance. The hotel can book a single or double standard room for you. All rooms are equipped with a shower, TV, wireless internet, mini fridge and hair dryer. Most rooms face the courtyard rather than the busy street. The hotel also has its own fitness center and free parking. Buffet breakfasts are included in the room rate. Bicycle rental is free. The guests of the hotel left the highest ratings for the professionalism of the staff.
What to see & do in Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe is the third largest city in Baden-Wurttemberg. The city boasts numerous tourist sites, including palaces, castles, museums, art galleries and historical and cultural monuments. Navigating the city is quite easy. All streets stretch perpendicularly from the main square, representing the “rays”.
One of the main attractions of Karlsruhe is the palace, located in the geographical center of the city, from which, like the rays of the sun, 32 streets stretch. The palace is of the 18th century of construction, originally served as a residence for the Baden dukes. During the Second World War, the palace was badly damaged during the bombing and was actually rebuilt in the second half of the 20th century. I saw the palace outside only and I can say that it has pretty charming architecture and definitely worth visiting.
The Karlsruhe Palace was built in the Baroque style; next to it you can find a French-style park area with a monument to the Duke of Baden Karl Friedrich. If you wish, you can lift to the rooftop of the palace, from where you will have a view of the city streets. Today, the building of the palace is used as a museum of the Baden Wurttemberg region with preserved archaeological and historical finds, as well as an art gallery and an armory. I didn’t visit the museum, but after some research, I discovered the following practical information:
- The doors of the palace and the museum are open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, except Mondays
- The cost of an entrance ticket to all the halls of permanent exhibitions and to the tower of the palace is from 5 euros.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the palace of Grand Duke Frederick II of Baden has laconic forms, but richly decorated baroque facades. For a long time, the palace served as the residence of the Duke of Baden, today the premises of the palace are occupied by the Supreme Court of Germany. Excursions inside the building are not conducted, but it is possible to view the palace and surrounding areas from the outside. From the entrance side of the palace there is a park area with a Galatea fountain.
The Gottesaue Palace is a vivid example of Renaissance architecture. The initial construction of the palace dates back to the 16th century, but subsequently the palace often suffered from various historical events (fires, bombings and looting); the last restoration of the building was carried out at the end of the 20th century. The Karlsruhe Higher School of Music was located in the palace building now. The Gottesaue Palace is situated in the eastern part of the city, the doors of the palace are open to students of the music conservatory, while tourists can view the building from the outside, as well as stroll through the adjacent park area.
The Kunsthalle, or Art Museum, has a fairly extensive collection of works by German, French and Dutch artists from different eras. The museum presents various expositions: Gothic and Renaissance art, Flemish and Dutch collections, works by French artists, art of the 19th century, modernism, contemporary art. Among the names of artists and sculptors are Delacroix, Pissarro, Monet, Degas, Gauguin, Cezanne and Rodin. I did some research to collect practical information for visiting and here it is:
- The museum is open daily, except Monday, from 10 am to 6 pm
- Entrance fee is from 12 euros
- The location of the museum is Hans-Thoma Street (it is the city center, between the central palace and the Federal Constitutional Court).
Center for Art and Media Technology
The Center for Art and Media Technology in Karlsruhe is the only cultural center of its kind in the country, presenting achievements in the field of technology and art through media technology. The Center for Art and Media Technology is one of the few museums in the world where exhibitions are not only allowed, but also required to be touched, turned on, studied, etc. You can do a lot of interesting experiments with your own hands. Like me, you may also be interested in visiting the center, so I collected some useful information for you:
- The museum is open to visitors every day, except Monday and Tuesday, from 10 am to 6 pm
- The cost of an entrance ticket per person is from 6 euros
- You can get from the city center to the museum by tram, and the name of the stop is the same as the name of the museum (The Center for Art and Media Technology).
Zoo Karlsruhe is considered to be one of the oldest zoos in Germany, along with Heidelberg and Munich ones. Conventionally, the territory of the park is divided into zoological areas, where animals are represented, and a park area, where various types of plants and flowers are represented.
The peculiarity of the zoo is that the animals do not live in cages, but in specialized enclosures, which are stylized as the natural environment of animals. Here you can see both the arctic and the savanna animals at the same time. In the park area, you can walk among thousands of roses, as well as the Japanese Garden, where Asian plants grow. Another “pearl” of the place is a pond, which was inhabited by pink flamingos.
- The zoo is located near the central station
- Its doors are open to visitors from 9.00 to 16.00 in winter and from 9.00 to 18.00 in summer.
- The entrance fee is from 11 euros for adults and 5 euros for kids.
Karlsruhe is famous not only for its attractions within the city, but also for its picturesque surroundings, and this is not surprising, because the city is located in the southwest of Baden-Wurttemberg, where the Black Forest National Park begins. The Black Forest is a relatively low mountain range in the southwest of Germany, covered with coniferous and beech forests. The area is full of mountains, lakes, rivers, valleys, as well as the mineral springs. All these natural attractions make the place an ideal climatic and balneological resort.
Turmberg mountain (with funicular) and Hohenberg castle ruins
You can get to the very top of the beautiful Turmberg mountain with a funicular that has a station on the outskirts of the city, in the Durlakh district. On the top of the mountain, you can see the ruins of Hohenberg Castle and the tower, which is the only one left relatively intact and has a holistic view. It also offers a beautiful view of Karlsruhe on the one hand, and the forests of the Black Forest National Park on the other. They say that in clear weather you can even see the French province of Alsace here. The place is a popular tourist route; on the top of the mountain, you can relax and eat in a local restaurant. I think the Turmberg mountain is one of the best observation deck in the town.
Take a note! When going on a trip to Germany, do not forget to take out a travel insurance, which is useful for receiving a tourist visa and for solving emerged medical problems when travelling in another country. You can purchase an insurance via online services, for example, via EKTA and others. You can choose from different modes, including quiet, active or extreme rest.
The first photo above the article: Jorge Franganillo
The author is Julia Mam
Julia is an experienced traveller, BA in International Relations and Languages and true lover of planning trips in advance. Learn more…
