Ride the century-old Merkur Funicular up to 668 metres above Baden-Baden for sweeping Black Forest panoramas stretching to the Rhine plain and the Vosges mountains of France — then walk the forest crown in crystalline alpine air. A thrilling contrast to the spa town below.
What to expect
The vintage red funicular car climbs steeply through dense mixed woodland, delivering you to the Merkur summit plateau where the view opens dramatically across the Rhine Valley to the French Vosges on clear days. A network of well-marked forest trails invites you to walk the ridge at your own pace — the air is pine-scented and cool even in summer. The summit restaurant serves regional Black Forest fare and Badische wines at tables with a view that stretches for 80 kilometres. In paragliding season, colourful wings launch from the grassy slope just below the terrace.
Good to know
The funicular base station is a 10-minute taxi ride from Baden-Baden centre. Funicular runs daily from approximately 10 AM; last descent is early evening — check the timetable on the official website and plan your descent well before all-aboard. Sturdy flat shoes recommended for the summit trails. The summit restaurant requires no reservation for lunch but can be busy on fair-weather days.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Baden-Baden — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.