Night Owls in the Black Forest: Culture, Cuisine & Adventure

8:00 pm: Kurhaus Baden-BadenThe Gas Lanterns Are Lit

It is evening. Twilight has already set in. In front of the Kurhaus in Baden-Baden, a piece of tradition is being lived. Martina Schneider and her colleagues from the spa administration step out in front of the Kurhaus door with a long pole. They light the gas lanterns in the Spa Gardens. To do this, they use a hook on the pole to flip a switch at a lofty height. A total of 42 of them, spread across seven elegant lampposts, are "switched on" in this way. "It's quite a strain on the arms," reveals lantern lighter Martina. "But it's a magical moment every time. The spectators agree. The small historical spectacle in the Spa Gardens is popular and well attended. Would you like to join in?Martina Schneider's Tips

„When the gas lanterns are lit, you can stop by the Heritage Bar & Lounge at HECTORS Restaurant in the Kurhaus. The atmosphere is stylish and they serve innovative drink creations. Personally, I also love going to the Wallstreet Restaurant in the Hamilton Palais. The large terrace is a great place to sit in summer.“

Martina Schneider

Beautiful at Sunset:

From the observation tower on Mount Merkur, you have a fantastic view of the city of Baden-Baden. You can reach the 668 meter high mountain with the Merkur Cable Car.

View of the casino in Baden-Baden at night. In front of it are the gas lanterns that are lit at night.

Gas lanterns are lit with a long stick. The picture shows the event with the lantern lighter.

View of the gas lanterns from below. A woman lights them with a stick.

The glorious 7...

gas lanterns stand in front of the casino in Baden-Baden.

1 / 3

9:15 pm: Karlsruhe PalaceExperience the Light Festival

When the castle hurtles towards you at the speed of light. When a car crashes through the baroque facade. Or when giant eyes suddenly stare back at you from the palace facade. Then it's probably time for the Schlosslichtspiele Light Festival in Karlsruhe. From mid-August to mid-September, a small cultural festival of exciting light art takes place here every evening. "Karlsruhe Palace is Germany's biggest canvas for this kind of light show," says Martin Wacker. He and his team sift through the numerous applications from artists all over the world and then put together the current show. "Thanks to the festival, the castle has once again become the focal point of the city. People come here to spend a great, relaxed evening. "Martin Wacker's TipThe Schlosslichtspiele Festival is the highlight of two days in Karlsruhe: I like to take a stroll along Südliche Waldstraße, for example. I recommend a dinner at the traditional Oberländer Weinstube Restaurant, which serves excellent Baden dishes. The Weinstube Restaurant is only a few minutes' walk from the palace. During the international media art installations at the castle, you can also enjoy locally brewed beer and Baden wine. Then it's on to the nightlife.

„My tips: the Carlos CocktailBar on Lidellplatz Square or the Kofferraum Cocktail Bar in the Hirschstraße Street. All within easy walking distance. By the way, Karlsruhe is a city of short distances. And it has the best national and international train connections in Germany. So you don't need a car.“

Martin Wacker

Our Culture Tip:

Kamuna - the Karlsruhe Museum Night - always starts at the beginning of August in the fan-shaped city. Many cultural institutions open their doors until late, and museums offer special programs. Shuttle buses run between the museums.www.kamuna.de

Many people are sitting relaxed on a lawn. It is dusk. A castle stands in the background.

The façade of Karlsruhe Palace is illuminated with light shows. People walk towards it in the dark.

Atmospheric ambience

We relax and wait for the big moment.

1 / 2

10:00 pm: Forest Climbing Garden PforzheimClimbing with a Headlamp

The dark sky is only faintly visible through the canopy. There is no artificial lighting in the Pforzheim Forest Climbing Garden. Only the narrow cones of light from the headlamps are showing the way. Jochen Enke, the owner of the climbing garden, will accompany you on your night tour. He'll help you if the height makes you feel insecure or if a step doesn't feel right. The adventure educator is an experienced climber and enjoys the evening action. "The climbing garden is right next to the wildlife park. A lot of animals wake up at night. The wood cracks. It's a really exciting atmosphere," he reveals. One of the highlights of the forest climbing garden? Whizzing through the dark on the zip line. Do you dare?Jochen Enke's Tips:

„After climbing at night, we often go to Café Roland. It's incredibly comfortable to sit on different couches, like in a living room. The bar has delicious drinks. The concept is sustainable. From time to time, There are small concerts in the artist and culture café.“

Jochen Enke

Meet Nocturnal Animals:

You can visit the Pforzheim Wildlife Park every day between 7 am and 8 pm. Early morning and dusk are the best times to see animals such as lynx and otter. Admission is included in the parking ticket. You can also check the website for information on when the animals are fed on site.

A woman stands in front of a hut. A boy is sitting on the ground in front of her. They put on climbing equipment.

A man stands in front of a group with climbing equipment and a head torch. It is dark. The group listens to his instructions.

Five people are standing on a suspended climbing bridge at night with headlamps. Two of them are about to hang from a zipline.

Preparations are underway

The climbing gear is carefully put on before you start.

1 / 3

8:00 am: Freiburg Minster MarketTasting and Chatting in Baden-Württemberg's Most Southern City

When Andrés opens his market stall in the morning, a small queue has usually already formed in front of it. The El Purica Coffee Bar is one of the institutions at Freiburg's Minster Market. The mobile café is loved by guests and market colleagues alike. “With a coffee in hand, we stroll around and try the market specialties. For example, we get a ham roll from the Hämmerle family. Later, we eat fine cheese at Eva Hohlfeld's stall and, of course, try the Lange Rote. This bratwurst is very well known here in Freiburg,” says Ulrike Peissl. She gives culinary tours of the city. She is also happy to take you on a tour of the Minster Market - preferably in the morning. When it's still quiet, the merchants have time for a chat. Finish off with a slice of Stefan's cheesecake. And if you like, you can get yourself a cup of coffee right after. Worked up an appetite?Ulrike Peissl's Tip:

„I often shop at the Minster Market when I have guests. Then, of course, I want to cook something special. My recommendations: Fish from the Forellenhof Umkirch on the north side of the market. Or specialties from the Schlossberg mushroom stand, right in front of the main portal of the minster.“

Ulrike Peissl

Beautiful at Sunset

In the chestnut garden on the Schlossberg Hill you can watch the sun set behind the minster. Drinks and hearty snacks are also available.