A Sustainable Guide to Activities in Karlsruhe and Its Surroundings

Baden-Württemberg, situated in Southwest Germany and bordering France and Switzerland, is the country’s third-largest federal state, with Stuttgart as its capital.

The region has set an ambitious climate goal to reduce CO2 emissions from transportation by 40% by 2030. True to its German efficiency, Baden-Württemberg is confronting this challenge with determination. Over the past decade, the state has embraced numerous changes that also support eco-friendly travel initiatives.

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Eco-friendly tourism in Baden-Württemberg

First, the enhancement of the public transport system has been a key focus (bikes can be taken on trams for free). The introduction of the BW public transport ticket simplifies travel across the region with just one ticket. Reaching other areas is also convenient thanks to the well-connected Deutsche Bahn, though purchasing tickets might require a bit of patience.

Next up, substantial investments in bicycle infrastructure have culminated in an impressive network of 7000 kilometers of bike paths linking cities and towns throughout the state.

And finally, there is a concerted effort in the region to promote local, organic ingredients while steering clear of any GMOs. A few sustainable restaurants from the area will be highlighted later in this article.

Baden-Württemberg boasts a wealth of attractions, including stunning castles, the enchanting Black Forest, medieval villages, and crystal-clear lakes like Lake Constance. Make Karlsruhe your base for exploring this lesser-known tourist destination, which has yet to be overrun by mass tourism like some of its counterparts around Germany.

What is there to do in Karlsruhe?

The city of Karlsruhe offers a Karlsruhe Card, providing free access to trams and buses, along with selected museums. This card can be conveniently purchased online. Be sure to check out additional helpful apps for traveling in Germany to streamline your trip!

Put on your most comfortable walking shoes, grab a sustainable daypack and a reusable water bottle (which you can refill at one of the many public drinking fountains), and let’s start exploring!

Walk around the 18th-century Karlsruhe Palace and Gardens

The original palace, dating back to the 18th century, was once home to the princes and dukes of Baden. In 1921, it became the Baden State Museum and ceased to house nobility.

Sadly, World War II inflicted heavy damage on the building, leaving it almost entirely destroyed. Significant renovations have restored the exterior facade to its original style, although the interior has been redesigned with the museum’s functionality in mind.

Entrance Fee: €4/ $4 (included in the Karlsruhe Card) for the Palace; entry to the gardens is free.
Good to know: Looking for a good coffee? The café located in the Palace Gardens serves delicious espresso!

Explore Karlsruhe by biking in and around the Rhine River

Karlsruhe is committed to making bicycling accessible and enjoyable, even for visitors. A bike tour in Karlsruhe is one of the best ways to get to know the city (weather permitting, of course). The tourism office offers a scenic 48km round-trip route that starts from the Karlsruhe Palace, showcasing the most picturesque spots in the city.

You can obtain a map of the route at the tourist office or check online. Rent a bike through the city’s bike-sharing system to get started!

Cost Price: €1 ($1) for 30 minutes on a standard bike; €2 ($2) for an e-bike.
Pick up and drop off the bike: Official drop-off points are indicated on the online map. Pickup locations may differ from drop-off locations.

Ride the tram (or bike) to Durlach, an untouched borough of Karlsruhe

Durlach is situated in the eastern part of Karlsruhe, about 8km from the Karlsruhe Palace. Durlach predates Karlsruhe and was an independent city until 1938.

While there is much to see and do in Karlsruhe, visiting Durlach is an experience you shouldn’t miss! With its medieval alleys, charming timber-framed houses, and Renaissance churches, Durlach exudes a quaint, small-town atmosphere distinct from the bustle of central Karlsruhe.

When viewed from above, the remnants of the old city walls are clearly visible, now replaced by a highway connecting Durlach to the rest of Karlsruhe.

Where to buy a ticket: Purchase your ticket at the ticket machine near the stop. Machines accept coins, and ticket prices are around €2.80 ($3).

Karlsruhe Card: This card means no need to buy a separate tram ticket, as it’s already included.

Stroll around the Botanical Gardens, one of the most peaceful things to do in Karlsruhe!

The Botanical Gardens, a top attraction in Karlsruhe, are free to enter. Dating back to the early 19th century, these gardens were designed as a pleasure garden for Margrave Karl Friedrich of Baden. True to the name, no expense was spared with their exquisite orangeries and greenhouses filled with exotic flora and fauna, some of which still thrive today!

The impressive and colorful structures surrounding the gardens house the State Art Gallery, the entrance for which is included in the Karlsruhe Card.

Entrance Fee: €3 ($3) for the greenhouses; entry to the park is free.
Opening Hours Park: Daily 06:00 AM – 10:00 PM (5:00 PM in winter).
Opening Hours Greenhouses: Daily 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM.

Spot the Jugendstil architecture

Karlsruhe is a prime destination for those interested in Jugendstil architecture—Germany’s version of Art Nouveau. This style is known for its intricate designs, often incorporating elements from nature. You’ll find many beautiful examples of Jugendstil throughout the city, especially while biking or walking around. One particularly stunning site is the Lutherkirche and Melanchthonstraße, which is completely lined with Jugendstil buildings.

Day trips from Karlsruhe

There are numerous beautiful landmarks in Germany, many of which are within easy reach of Karlsruhe. With limited time, I chose to focus our day trip on some of the most stunning castles in Baden-Württemberg.

It’s worth noting that public transport can be somewhat challenging to reach these castles, so renting a car may be a good option to visit both of the castles mentioned below, as they are quite close to one another (about a 30-minute drive) and can be explored in a single day.

Liechtenstein Castle

Getting there: 122 km from Karlsruhe (2h drive)
Address: Schloss Liechtenstein 1, 72805 Liechtenstein, Germany
Parking Fee: €2 ($2)—payable by card at the restaurant/bar opposite the parking or in cash to the attendant.

This castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Baden-Württemberg, though many mistakenly believe it’s located in Liechtenstein or Austria (which is understandable). A quick Google search might leave you a bit confused—I know I was!

The fairytale-like castle perched on a hill, frequently showcased on social media, is indeed in Germany, just a 2-hour drive from Karlsruhe. Constructed in the 19th century, it boasts an eclectic Gothic Revival style, complete with turrets in various shapes and colors, a drawbridge, a moat, and a spacious inner courtyard. Notably, the castle is still privately owned by the Dukes of Urach.

A 30-minute guided tour of the castle is available in English and German at designated times throughout the day. This is the only way to view the interior; however, the castle’s inner courtyard can be accessed freely.

Ticket information and tour schedules can be found at the castle’s entrance.

Entrance Fee: Castle grounds and guided tour: €8 ($8.5); grounds without tour: €2 ($2). Payment is in cash only (there are no ATMs on-site).
Opening Hours: April to October: Daily 09:00 AM – 5:30 PM; February, March, November: Saturday and Sunday only 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM; December and January: Closed

Hohenzollern Castle

Getting there: 132 km from Karlsruhe (1h 30m drive) or 40 km from Liechtenstein Castle
Address: D-72379 Burg Hohenzollern
Parking: There are two parking lots for the castle (P1 is closest). The parking fee is included in the entrance ticket.

This is a fantastic site to visit in Baden-Württemberg if you want to truly experience what it was like to live as royalty. The castle, massive and situated atop Hohenzollern Hill, can be seen from miles away. It brings to mind the enchanting Hoeilaart Castle near Brussels, Belgium.

The current version of Hohenzollern Castle was established in the 19th century, commissioned by Crown Prince Frederick William IV of Prussia. Its architecture exhibits Gothic Revival style, combining delicate turrets with robust medieval fortifications. Hohenzollern is among the most popular castles in Germany and is arguably a main highlight for visitors.

Please note that it is advisable to book tickets to visit the castle well in advance online.

Entrance Fee: €22 ($23.6) per person.
Good to know: You can hike up to the castle from the parking area, a steep 25-minute walk through the woods (a few steps are involved). Alternatively, a shuttle bus runs daily from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM.

Where to eat vegetarian in and around Karlsruhe

When you think of German cuisine, “vegetarian” might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Instead, images of hearty feasts filled with sausages, pig trotters, pickled vegetables, and mashed potatoes might spring to mind. However, rest assured, vegetarians won’t go hungry in Germany; approximately 6 million Germans identify as vegetarians.

Baden-Württemberg is emphasizing regional ingredients and promoting plant-based lifestyles as part of its sustainability initiatives. I had the pleasure of sampling some remarkable restaurants that are creatively reinventing German (vegetarian) fare without harming the planet. From cultivating their own produce to collaborating with local suppliers and finding innovative ways to minimize waste, there are plenty of sustainable dining options to explore.

My Heart Beats Vegan

This delightful eatery, located just off the main shopping street, offers a vast selection of pasta, salads, burgers, and cakes, all 100% plant-based. Their menu features traditional German dishes artistically recreated with vegan ingredients. The hefty portions and lovely terrace in the back make it a perfect summer spot.

Address: Kriegsstraße 94 – 76133 Karlsruhe
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Tante M (for a snack)

If you’re in need of a quick snack or some small supplies, Tante M is the place to go. This low-waste shop offers snacks, household products, legumes, granola, and local apple juice.

A large fridge towards the back of the store features attractive fresh lunch options for takeout, while another fridge holds delectable-looking cupcakes. If you’re craving a snack, simply fill a reusable glass jar with your choice of sweet or savory treats on display. You’re bound to find something that appeals to you.

Tip: There are two locations, both in trendy neighborhoods with beautiful Jugendstil architecture to admire.

Address: Körnerstraße 26, 76135 Karlsruhe, Germany; Rintheimer Straße 1 76131 Karlsruhe
Opening Hours: Both locations are open Monday to Friday 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM and Saturday 08:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Erasmus Bio Fine Dining Restaurant

Erasmus holds the title of the first Bio Fine Dining restaurant in Germany. The ingredients used are bio-certified and reflect the commitment of owners Andrea and Marcello to work closely with local suppliers.

Their cuisine beautifully marries German and Italian traditions, featuring dishes like lasagna and schnitzel, each presented with meticulous attention to detail, resulting in plates that could easily grace a Michelin restaurant.

After dining, Chef Marcello often shares his passion for cooking and his dedication to celebrating traditional Italian recipes made with locally sourced ingredients over a glass of wine. While the flavors remain authentic (you would never alter the essence of a Parmigiana), the presentation and texture might be playfully interpreted. While some ingredients are imported from Italy (like traditional Parmigiana), the majority are sourced from the local area.

Address: Nürnberger Str. 1, 76199 Karlsruhe, Germany
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Bio Restaurant Rose and Bio Fine Dining Restaurant 1950

On your way to Liechtenstein or Hohenzollern Castle, consider stopping for lunch or dinner at these Bio restaurants. Their simple concept revolves around sourcing everything on your plate, aside from salt, from within a 25 km radius.

Most vegetables are cultivated on a 3-hectare plot, and Chef Simon creatively employs homegrown spices, transforming what might seem like a limited variety of vegetables into an impressive array of delightful dishes.

The newest establishment on the premises, the Bio Fine Dining Restaurant 1950, aims to elevate the farm-to-table experience further, serving as an incubator for Chef Simon’s innovative culinary ideas. “I want to cook as sustainably and CO2-neutrally as possible,” he shares. It’s good to note, they also offer electric vehicle charging stations.

Address: Aichelauer Str. 6, 72534 Hayingen-Ehestetten
Opening Hours: Check the various opening hours on their website

Where to stay in Karlsruhe

Bio Hotel and Restaurant Rose – Close to the Liechtenstein and Hohenzollern Castle.

If you’re like me and looking for eco-friendly travel options, choosing a Bio hotel may be the ideal solution.

These BIO HOTELS have been around for 20 years and are recognized as among the most sustainable hotel groups. They are certified organic, undergoing biannual inspections by official bodies. All BIO HOTELS are striving to be climate-positive by 2023 while utilizing 100% certified green electricity.

Schlosshotel Karlsruhe – In the heart of Karlsruhe

While there isn’t a BIO HOTEL in Karlsruhe itself, the next best option is the Schlosshotel. Located at the edge of the Palace gardens, this hotel offers a 24-hour reception and is conveniently positioned within walking distance to the main train station. For those arriving by car, there is a private parking lot in front of the hotel.

MORE TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR VISITING EUROPE

Belgium: 25 Places in Belgium that will knock your socks off
Belgium: 16 Castles in Belgium you can spend the night in
Germany: 7-day road trip through northern Germany in an electric car
Netherlands: 15 Day trips from Amsterdam you can take by train
Poland: Undiscovered Poland, a guide to the city of Lodz
France: Hidden gems in Eastern France, how to explore the Jura region
Luxembourg: 10 Reasons why Luxembourg should be on your bucket list

A sustainable guide for things to do in and around Karlsruhe: Pin It