World Heritage Weekend

On July 24, 2021, UNESCO made the decision to inscribe "The Great Spa Towns of Europe" onto the World Heritage List as a serial, transnational site. Eleven famous spa towns across seven countries are recognized as outstanding examples of the European spa phenomenon. To this day, impressive architecture, magnificent nature, and a diverse cultural landscape continue to draw visitors from around the globe to these Great Spa Towns of Europe.

Supported by the World Heritage Fund BW - with funding approved by the State Parliament of Baden-Württemberg - Baden-Baden is marking the 5th anniversary of its inscription with a celebratory weekend. The main day of festivities on Sunday coincides with Germany’s national UNESCO World Heritage Day, celebrated annually on the first Sunday in June across all 55 German World Heritage sites.

This year’s celebrations focus on the illustrious musical history of Baden-Baden. Highlights include the popular "Tango im Wandelgang" evenings on Friday and Saturday - honoring a dance that has been part of UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2009.

On Sunday’s main festival day, the Kurgarten will be transformed into a vibrant stage, recreating Baden-Baden’s golden era as the "Summer Capital of Europe." Historical reenactment groups, period characters, and traditional brass bands will bring history to life in spectacular fashion.

A truly unique highlight awaits in the Weinbrennersaal: a screening of the 1929 silent film classic "The Scandal in Baden-Baden." The film will be accompanied by the world premiere of a newly composed score, performed live by the Baden-Baden Philharmonic.

For everyone who wants to experience Baden-Baden in a whole new way.

• Culture Enthusiasts: Discover the rich history and global significance of our World Heritage status.
• Families: Enjoy a wide range of hands-on activities and creative workshops for all ages.
• Locals & Visitors: Explore the city from fresh perspectives and uncover hidden stories.

A true World Heritage experience includes the taste of history. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the Hotel Atlantic and Maison Messmer offer special "World Heritage" arrangements. On Sunday’s festival day, enjoy food and drinks from vintage food trucks in the Kurgarten.

Vintage Food Trucks in the Kurgarten

Tarte flambée, Levantine cuisine, and refreshing drinks - right in the heart of the city on Sunday.

Atlantic Parkhotel

"Belle Époque" Coffee Service – 1 slice of cake, 1 hot beverage & 1 glass of Crémant. Saturday & Sunday, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Price: €15.00

Hotel Maison Messmer

Coffee and cake with historic flair, plus a signature World Heritage Cocktail at the bar. Saturday & Sunday afternoons.

Cafés in the Kurhaus Colonnades

Special anniversary selections at Confiserie Rumpelmayer, Café Rubin, and the Eismanufaktur (ice cream parlor).

Café Trinkhalle

Coffee and cake specials served during the Historic Tea Dance.

While many events are free and open to the public, some specific activities require advance registration or a ticket.

Given the wide variety of events, we recommend planning your visit in advance. The Tourist Information office is available to assist you with any questions or bookings.

The weekend kicks off with an atmospheric opening: The City Museum (Stadtmuseum) debuts its special exhibition, "Baden in Music", featuring an interactive SoundLab - a true experience for all the senses. In the evening, the Trinkhalle hosts "Tango im Wandelgang," bringing South American flair to the historic surroundings.

5:00 PM: Opening of the Special Exhibition "Baden in Music"

Culture enthusiasts have a packed schedule to look forward to: various guided tours of the Casino Baden-Baden offer fascinating insights into one of the city's most famous landmarks. Themed city tours will delve into our World Heritage status, celebrate famous musicians, and showcase the most beautiful corners of Baden-Baden.

A special highlight is the "behind-the-scenes" look at the Theater Baden-Baden - including international tours offered in English and French. The program also features a Jazz Afternoon at the Porsche Studio (4:00 PM – 6:00 PM) and a lecture titled "Klangkur statt Trinkkur" (Klangkur statt Trinkkur), exploring Baden-Baden’s musical history with Dr. Eva Zimmermann (6:00 PM).

Theater Baden-Baden Open House: The auditorium and foyer will be open to the public from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.

Evening Event: Once again, it’s time for "Tango im Wandelgang" - the perfect atmospheric finale to an action-packed day.

Numerous members of the Plaisir d’Histoire association from Switzerland, the Bensheim Historical Dance Circle, the Offenburg Biedermeier Group, and the Lustwandler from Hanover will stroll through the Kurgarten in historical costumes.

• Plaisir d’Histoire (Switzerland)
• Bensheim Historical Dance Circle
• Offenburg Biedermeier Group
• Hanover Lustwandler
• Alt Baden-Badener Bürger Traditional Costume Group

High-wheel bicycle world champion Hans Rügner | Velocium Weinböhla Historical Cycling Association | Opel 1888 Rüsselsheim Cycling Club | Draisine presentation | Uwe Mayer's Little Bicycle Theater

Promenade concerts in the bandstand | Barrel organ performances | Salon orchestra at the tea dance

Historical tea dance in the Trinkhalle | Belle Époque stilt walkers | Soap bubble art | Historical Royal Photo Service | Antique jewelry stand | Games and creative salon for the whole family | World Heritage Velo | Mayer’s Little Bicycle Theater

Historical gourmet food trucks in the Kurgarten | Belle Epoque coffee service at the Atlantic Parkhotel | Afternoon coffee at Maison Messmer | Confectionery at Rumpelmeyer | Café Rubin | Artisan ice cream parlor

The Seven World Heritage Wonders of Baden-Württemberg (Fieser Bridge) | Bathed in Music: The World Heritage City as Europe’s Musical Meeting Point (City Museum) | 2000 Years in 50 Objects (City Museum)

Games and creative salon in the World Heritage Pavilion (Fieser Bridge) | Soap bubble artist in the Kurgarten | Mayer’s Little Bicycle Theater (12 PM & 3 PM) | Family tour of the Baden in Music exhibition featuring the SoundLab