Karlsruhe is an ideal central stop on a European vacation. Located in the southwestern corner of Germany, this city appeals to visitors for its blend of modern and traditional qualities.
An intellectual city by nature, Karlsruhe houses Germany’s oldest technological university. It also recently adopted the SmarterCity Initiative, marking the metropolis as a leader in environmental efficiency and self-sustainability for urban areas.
Its science-driven personality is tempered by a thriving arts scene. Be sure to explore the Center for Art and Media, which holds both the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Media Museum, the world’s first completely interactive museum. Your visit will not be complete without checking out the Karlsruhe Pyramid, an Egyptian-style crypt that is the tomb site of Margrave Charles III William, the city’s founder.
Karlsruhe itself has an artistic layout, and is rumored to have provided the inspiration for Washington DC. Relatively new by German standards, the city was founded in 1715 and features a central palace with streets fanning outward in a circular shape. Despite its young age, the city holds an important place in German history. The country’s first Parliament was erected here. A memorial park honors the city’s Jewish population that was devastated during World War II.
Treat your palate to a variety of traditional and ethnic dishes, courtesy of the diverse offering of restaurants throughout the city. Karlsruhe also abounds with beer gardens and pubs. During the summer, both the Medieval Festival and Das Fest, a music fair, fill the streets with activity. The Botanical Gardens and Palace Gardens provide a stunning setting to enjoy the outdoor charm of this German city. If you want to mix rural exploration with your urban experience, the Palatinate Forest, Black Forest, and Vosges Mountains are close enough for a day trip.
Less than half an hour from the French border, Karlsruhe is also equidistant between Luxembourg and Zurich. This makes it an ideal central point to make your home base while exploring Europe’s distinctive cities. The Baden Airpark is twenty-five miles outside the Karlsruhe and has flights to and from the continent’s major destinations. Regular buses, trains and well-maintained highways make Karlsruhe easily accessible by all modes of transportation.
