Actually, we were going to the terms. It is clear that Baden-Baden is not Sochi, but who could expect such a muster frill from European weather? Not zero, not minus five, but all fifteen frost, and even with the breeze in addition. I can not say that the Germans were especially rejoiced by an elastic frost. The city is slightly extorted and extinct, and found on the streets Frau fucked in long fur coats, it seems that they are eagerly from the deep subsoils of their neat storage rooms. At least, my mom was so wearing so twenty-five years ago. In a word, the city was in some anabyosis.
The owner of the hotel, Russian-speaking Czech, sullenly shared the news, which was even a waterfall near the casino. But this message was not impressed by this, as we could not realize the whole horror of this precedent. So, advise you to go to Baden-Baden in February on my part, it will be very rampant, although the Russian person is unlikely to stop. But I honestly warned you.
In December, as we were told, the weather was very soft and sunny, and besides, Christmas in itself, decorating the city in incredible. And the German meticulousness and pedantry makes Baden-Baden look like an ideal elegant Christmas tree with a thousand candles, lights and bright toys. I must say that at the end of February, traces of the beautiful New Year's spirit still felt on the streets. In an open cafe, completely deserted, there was a fantastic atmosphere: chairs are covered with hides, street "heels" are burning, in which orange flames are dancing, and the fences are banging with christmas paws. I imagine how fabulously was in December!
Baden - resort with traditions. It is unlikely that the noise and music of the nearest disco will wake you up among the night. But for family holidays - grace. Here you can make long walks in the park and along the river, go to the tasting of the liqueurs and the Snaps in a cute shop on Lange Strasse, try handmade chocolate, and, of course, go to the Terms of Friedrichsbad and Karakalla. The second place is most acceptable for all ages and seasons, for companies, families and elderly people. Everything goes there.
Baden-Baden is not only a thermal resort, but also the heal here. After all, this is the Black Forest - country of forests and mountains. But, in Baden, there is no mountains, and walking on it - one pleasure. Terms and Caracallas are a favorite meeting of visits, but in addition, you can go to the ancient bureauca with mineral water. Of course, it is first necessary to check how the composition of local waters affect your health.
In winter, warm clothes, boots, gloves will not hurt. I took everything. Warm socks were not superfluous, at the last moment lined into a suitcase. And better, several steam. To visit, you take rubber slippers, swimsuit, find out in advance whether your hotel gowns and towels provide. If not, then I advise the towel to take with you. The rental of them is quite expensive. Bathrobe, convenient, of course, but carry it with you, is a bit hard. So we were without him.
And one more observation. In many hotels, even quite decent, no in the kettle room. For example, in our, I literally strained boiling water every night, to the great displeasure of the restaurant workers, located right there. "Could you drink tea here?" - I demanded an employee of the bar. I strongly rejected this proposal, because it is absolutely not convenient to sit in the hall after sauna-bath-term, when I want to take a horizontal position and simply relax. In addition, I stand very early in travel, and at this time the restaurant is closed. So, (yes yes), take the boiler! I never thought I would give such a advice!
The location of the dislocation is reasonably searching on the basis of what you plan to do in Baden. It comes to me a reasonable thought, which is mostly ride to visit Cupped. So, as close as possible to both complexes. We settled at the hotel wearing the laconic name Hotel Am Friedrichsbad. The place is perfect for visiting the pools, as well as for walking and inspection of the city. As for traveling around the neighborhood, the hotel is in a pleasant proximity to the bus stops, from where you can reach the train station to some surrounding villages, where we were often sent in search of attractions, local flavor and peaceful soul, shopping.
What can be seen in Baden? Of course, first of all, it is necessary to remember that the resort was specially popular in the "La Belle Epoque" era, and, consequently, architecture, buildings and parks can please you with exquisite views and forms. There is a casino or Kurhaus (Kurhaus Baden-Baden), a beautiful gallery of the Trunkhalla drinking room pavilion (Trinkhalle) with a windows, the Faberge Museum, Ruins of Roman Term, with curious frescoes depicting people in sports.
From Baden-Baden in winter, (in the summer you can explore and natural beauty) can be traveled by train to the medieval and beautifully preserved town of Gengenbach. Color half-timbers, charming area and, in fact, all the flavor of the Middle Ages with the towers and gates, for sure to please any traveler. We went from the train station by train. The cost of the ticket there is 18 euros per person.
You can visit the French Strasbourg. The city is very beautiful, and if you will be in December, then in the festive alongside, Strasbourg is there no equal! This is, of course, personal opinion. The cost of travel on trains (there is a transplant in Appenvenue) 14 euros one way.
Another pleasant place is the city of Guernbach. (I ask not to be confused with the first item). It turned out to be a pleasant atmosphere of the Middle Ages, the magnificent building of the City Town Hall, now turned into a tasting room. This place is especially recommended, so unexpected openings of some German wines were held here.
Now I will tell you more about Caracalla. This is a huge complex that was literally under our balcony. We walked there in the evening, after all trips walking. In the evening they walked there from 19-00 and until closed. It is a session of Customen - 16 euros in 2 hours. But our hotel gave a discount of 2 euros, and also gave one hour from above. So we received 3 hours for 14 euros. There is very nice, saunas, hammam, many pools with different temperatures, waterfalls massaging underwater jets, outer pools with jacuzzi. So, there you can have a pleasant time, regardless of what weather is on the street.
I do not know if I venture again to go to Baden-Baden in February! But the fact that I will definitely return there - I'm sure. But definitely not in the frost!