Baden-Baden

Black Forest spa town in Baden-Württemberg, southwestern Germany, in the Oos valley, 68 km/42 mi west of Stuttgart; population (2005 est) 54,600. Its mineral springs have been known since Roman times, and it became a fashionable spa in the 19th century. The town has a conference centre, the Kongresshaus (1968).

The mineral springs, containing iron, magnesia, lime, and sulphur, reach a temperature of 69°C/156°F. Known to the Romans as Aquae Aureliae, the town became one of the most fashionable spas in Europe in the 19th century. The spa buildings (Kurhaus) were rebuilt after World War II. The city has beautiful walks and gardens (Kurpark). The ruined ‘Old Castle’ on the Schlossberg was destroyed by the French in 1689, as was the 16th-century ‘New Castle’; the latter has been restored and is now a museum. A Brahms Festival is held annually in April.