3 Days in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe Palace and the Baden State Museum

The baroque palace is the geometric centre of the city. Climb the palace tower, explore the Baden State Museum with its archaeological collections, then take a stroll through the palace gardens.

Tip: The palace tower is included in the museum ticket.

Baden fare at Vogelbraeu

A classic Karlsruhe brewpub serving Spaetzle, Maultaschen and house-brewed beer. A solid lunch menu at fair prices.

Market Square, the Pyramid and the town churches

The red sandstone pyramid marking the tomb of the city's founder is Karlsruhe's most unusual landmark. A walk around the market square takes in the town church, St Stephen's Church and the city hall.

State Art Gallery

One of the most important painting galleries in Germany. Cranach, Gruenewald, Caspar David Friedrich. Comfortably manageable in two hours.

Refined Baden cuisine at the Oberlaender Weinstube

A Karlsruhe institution since 1824. Classic Baden cuisine at a high level with a fine Baden wine list. Reservations weeks in advance are recommended.

Tip: If you prefer something more relaxed, head to the Badisch Brauhaus instead.

Hotel Santo Karlsruhe

A design hotel with minimalist architecture, right by the convention centre. A good base for everything in the city centre.

ZKM Center for Art and Media

The ZKM is the only museum in the world that systematically devotes itself to electronic and digital art. The Media Museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, interactive installations — allow three hours minimum.

Tip: Admission is free on Wednesdays. Otherwise buy the combined ticket for all ZKM areas.

Lunch at Cafe Kreuzberg (Suedstadt)

A Suedstadt cafe with a good daily menu and vegan options. A relaxed atmosphere and a good spot for a lunch break.

KIT Campus South and Gottesaue Palace

A walk across the KIT campus with its historic buildings and Gottesaue Palace (the University of Music). Academic Karlsruhe in two hours.

Natural History Museum

One of the largest natural history museums in Germany, with live animals in its vivarium. Well worth seeing for adults too.

Michelin-starred cuisine at Sein

Karlsruhe's first Michelin-starred restaurant. Modern, creative tasting menus. Book very far in advance.

A concert at the Tollhaus or Substage

If there is a concert at the Tollhaus (world music) or the Substage (rock/indie), it is well worth rounding off the evening in the Suedstadt.

Durlach old town and the Karlsburg

Durlach is Karlsruhe's oldest town — the residence of the margraves until 1715. The Karlsburg, the Mehlwaage and the Pfinzgau Museum. Just 20 minutes from the centre by suburban train.

The Turmberg with its funicular railway

Karlsruhe's local mountain, home to the oldest observation tower in Germany. Ride up on the historic Turmberg railway (Germany's oldest funicular, dating from 1888).

Tip: On a clear day the view reaches as far as the Palatinate Forest.

Lunch at Klauprecht 1 (Durlach)

A modern restaurant in the Hotel Der Blaue Reiter. Seasonal cuisine and an excellent wine list. A refined lunch.

A walk in the Hardtwald

Karlsruhe's most important local recreation area. A pine forest north of the city, with hiking trails and game enclosures. Reachable in 20 minutes by tram.

Brauhaus Kuehler Krug in the Stadtgarten

A classic Karlsruhe brewpub with a beer garden under old chestnut trees in the Stadtgarten. All-weather and lively.