Find your perfect hire car in Baden Baden
Nestled in Germany’s Black Forest, the city of Baden Baden has a long history of welcoming visitors seeking the health-giving properties of its thermal springs. Once regarded as the summer capital of Europe it is now internationally renowned as one of the world’s great spa towns, recognised by UNESCO with wellness as its focus.
Located in the state of Baden-Württemberg, in southwest Germany close to neighbouring France along the border with the River Rhine, Baden Baden is the ideal base to explore the region and beyond with your hire car.
Whether you are visiting to enjoy a soothing spa treatment or tacking on some free time on a business trip to one of the major cities in Baden-Württemberg like Stuttgart or Mannheim, with an Avis hire car you can take to the open road. With a hire car you can embrace the great outdoors around this ‘gateway to the Black Forest’ with its national parks, lakes and pretty towns and villages or even plan a road trip along one of Germany’s most scenic routes, the B500.
Book direct with Avis and you’ll benefit from flexible booking with free cancellation, a fleet of quality rental vehicles and speedy collection to get you on the road quickly plus we’ve a free loyalty programme with a host of travel benefits you’ll love.
Where to find us
You'll find our Avis rental station in Baden Baden on the south east of the city conveniently located on the B500, Schwarzwaldhochstrasse or Black Forest High Road, a legendary road the runs from the Black Forest all the way to the Swiss border.
Tips for driving in Baden Baden
If you are driving in Germany for the first time or have just arrived in Europe, make sure you familiarise yourself with the driving rules for Germany before picking up your car. Some key road rules in and around Berlin include driving on the right and overtaking on the left.
Be aware that aware that in cities with a tram network, trams have priority. Trams on the move can usually be overtaken on the right, but you can overtake on the left if it is necessary and safe.
Mobile phones can only be used as a built-in audio device.
If you are travelling in Winter you may need winter tyres to be fitted to your car and our team at Avis in Baden Baden will be able to advise you on the winter car equipment you need plus local conditions at your destination.
Baden Baden car rental FAQs
What are the age requirements for renting a car in Baden Baden?
The minimum age to rent a car with Avis in Berlin and the rest of Germany is 19. Age restrictions also vary by vehicle and some selected car groups are not available to drivers under the age of 25.
There is currently no maximum age for hiring a rental car, so long as you have had a full, valid, licence for at least 1 year. Some additional steps may be required for those who are over the age of 75 on the date of the scheduled return. When you book, you’ll be told if there are any maximum age restrictions for the vehicle you request. If you’re not sure, please check your booking confirmation email – or call the reservations team.
What documents do I need to hire a car in Germany?
To hire a car in Baden Baden, Germany, you just need to bring your:
- Driving licence
- The credit card used to make your booking (if it's a high value vehicle two payment cards must be provided, one of which needs to be a credit card),
- Proof of any discount (such as a frequent flyer or Avis Preferred card),
- Photo ID for international rentals (such as a passport or driving licence) taken in the last 10 years.
Can I pick up my rental car in Baden Baden and return it to another location?
One-way car rental with Avis makes it easy to go from A to B without driving full circle. That means you can collect your Avis hire car from our location in Baden Baden and then return it to another Avis office whether that’s in Germany or even another country in Europe. Many of our Avis locations offer a 24-hour drop-off facility, which makes a one-way car hire hassle-free and very user-friendly. Simply check out our many available one-way journeys and start planning your route. When you are ready to book, just specify your destination in the booking panel and we will arrange it for you.
Is it worth hiring a car in Baden?
While Baden Baden is easy to walk around on foot and the city has a good public transport network, you’ll want to hire a car to travel further afield. Renting a car at Avis in Baden Baden gives you the freedom of independent travel as well as the opportunity to plan a German road trip.
The Avis team in Baden Baden are experts on Baden Baden and the surrounding Black Forest area and can offer advice on the best routes to take and make your trip a smooth one from the moment you touch down.
What is parking like in Baden Baden?
Parking in Baden Baden is plentiful with a range of options both on the outskirts around the city in the park and ride options next to many S-Bahn and U-Bahn stations although there are plenty of central car parks and zoned on-street parking which is chargeable.
You can find out more about the zones and parking options from the city council.
Things to do in Baden Baden
As the self-proclaimed European capital of the ‘art of good living’, the world-famous spa town of Baden Baden is embracing its heritage as a centre for healing going back 2000 years. That means you come here to relax, soak up some history, indulge in a culinary experience sampling the food of the Black Forest region and get closer to nature, but above all focus on wellbeing and rejuvenation. Whether that involves a stay at one of the town’s renowned spa hotels or setting aside time for a day spa treatment on a visit to the Black Forest region, the aim is to step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and recharge.
If you are taking a break from some serious relaxation, Baden Baden is a beautiful town with year-round appeal compact enough to explore on foot and with some must-see sights. First stop while you are here is a trip to the northern edge of the city and a leisurely drive up to the 12th century Old Hohenbaden castle and to enjoy the finest views over the Baden Baden rooves towards the woods and mountains of the Black Forest. Head back into the city to discover its history as a curative centre. Stroll through to the Trinkhalle, the 19th century neoclassical pump room in the Kurhaus spa complex. Next, wander on through the spa gardens to the Kurhaus, a stunning building which plays host to international events and concerts. Spend time explore the magnificent Lichtentaler Allee gardens and step back into this century with a visit to the Frieder Burda modern art gallery designed by renowned New York celebrity architect Richard Meier which right at the heart of the park.
Recommended day trips from Baden Baden
It may be difficult to leave tear yourself away from the restorative appeal of Baden Baden, but with the Black Forest and Rhine Valley close by, southwest Germany has so much to offer.
Drive the B500 to Freudenstadt
A south trip along the B500 route through the Black Forest must be one of Europe’s ultimate driving routes. The 60km stretch between Baden Baden and Freudenstadt is easily one of the most breathtaking road trips you’ll take in Germany. Head south east out of Baden Baden and get set to take in the rolling hills of the northern Black Forest with glimpse of the Rhine Valley below. Expect hairpin bends and steep climbs and make sure to stop for a break at Hornisgrinde, the highest point on the route where you’ll find a café and tower which you can climbe to take in 360-degree views of the route.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Take the A5 south of Baden Baden and within an hour you will be in the vibrant university city of Freiburg in Breisgau, the fourth largest city in Baden-Württemberg and famous for its Gothic cathedral.
Schwarzwälder Freilichtmuseum – Black Forest Museum
Experience the Black Forest right up close at this open air museum covering the history, folklore, agriculture and architecture of the region just an hour’s drive south of Baden Baden.
Triberg
A drive south and east of Baden Baden takes you deep into the Black Forest. Triberg, famous for its waterfall and cuckoo clocks is a popular destination for anyone wanting to get a taste of the region including the celebrated Black Forest Gateaux, chocolate and black cherry cake.