We’re always looking for a nice wellness sojourn away from our European base in Basel, Switzerland. We found that spot in Badenweiler, Germany!

Badenweiler is nestled on the western edge of the Black Forest in the southwestern part of the Germany, and is just 44 km or a 40 minutes’ drive from Basel. Embedded in between rolling hills it is overlooking the Rhine Valley, forests and vineyards. And visible from afar, Badenweiler Fortress rises above the historic spa town in the Southern Black Forest. In the 19th century, the castle ruins were incorporated into a magnificent English-style landscape park.

Highlights of Badenweiler include the Kurpark below the Fortress with its majestic trees, well-preserved Roman baths, picturesque surroundings and, most importantly, the warm mineral springs at Cassiopeia Therme.

There’s a big focus on wellness in Badenweiler! Walk through the Kurpark, where American Tulip and Bald Cypress Sequoia trees tower over you. Walk up the hill to visit the fortress, mosey through the many vineyards lining the scenic hillsides, and complete your day with a visit to the Cassiopeia Therme. They offer water aerobics, swimming, sauna, steam, and therapeutic whirlpools of varied temperatures of mineral springs.

Our favorite hotel is the Hotel Das Schlossberg. It is small, charming, and perfectly located for exploring Badenweiler. The rooms are very comfortable and include a lovely breakfast and afternoon coffee and cake. Cozy robes are provided for your visit to the thermal baths. We were not shy and just wore them as we walked through the Kurpark to the thermal baths.

It’s mushroom season, so we headed to the Post Hotel’s terrace restaurant and started our meal with a wonderful cream of mushroom soup. The wait staff is some of the most professional we have ever had! There are many other restaurants in Badenweiler offering something for every taste.

Our second night, we ventured out with the car to visit Müllheim, the next small town down on the plaine. We ate in the center of town where the locals eat! We had a yummy pizza and salad at the family-owned Cafe Pizza Milano.

The wine-growing area around Badenweiler and the neighbouring village of Britzingen is part of the beautiful Markgräflerland region.The region benefits from a relatively mild climate, abundant sunshine and fertile soils, creating excellent conditions for growing grapes.

The most distinctive grape variety is Gutedel, known internationally as Chasselas. It is the signature wine of the Markgräflerland and is particularly associated with the area around Badenweiler and Britzingen. Usually made as a dry white wine, Gutedel is light, delicate and refreshing, with subtle fruit, gentle acidity and sometimes hints of green apple and nuts. It is an excellent accompaniment to local food and is easy to enjoy on a warm summer afternoon.