Karlsruhe Things to Do Tips by Tripack

Turmbergbahn : Ride to the Karlsruhe's Top

If you are strolling around the pleasant Durlach area, do not miss a ride on this "mountain" railway Turmbergbahn. A good alternative to climb the 529 steps up to the Durlach Tower Hill, even if I just see a runner going faster than the funicular downhill!

Nowadays Turmbergbahn is the oldest funicular Germany since its opening in 1888. But no worries, it was modernise in 1965 even if the ancient carriage were well design. After ringing the bell three times the conductor will arrive shortly. A cable will track you and other passengers (21 seats) for a 3 minutes trip to ride the distance 315 meters up to mountain station at an altitude of 241 m absl!

Once on the top admire the view and climb the Durlach Tower - see my next tip for more.

Directions: Tram terminus Durlach Turmberg (tram lines 1 and 8),

Visit Karlsruhe with the VT insiders...

I did a city tour with a brilliant guide named Katherin, who give use so much intersting info of her city.
I just write a quick summary on Karlsruhe:

The city was founded in 1715 with the building of Karlsruhe Palace decided by Karl Wihlem von Bade-Durlach. So the city is quite young in Eurpean histroy prospect... this feeling is reinforced by the rebuilding of the city after massive destruction of WWII. The main point is the Palace in Neoclassicism style with its large meadow and Bontanic Garden, from an air view the whole area appear as a perfect circle shining with streets all around the city, quite impressive.

Nowadays the 285'000 inhabitants are living here and will become soon one of the most visited city in Germany (virtually speaking) thanks to VTer's contribution ;-)
Karlsruhe means rest of Karl though as said in my title page Karlsruhe was not so quiet during our meeting ;-)

Aside to be the VT birthplace, the city hosts main justice administration as the Federal and Constitutionnal Court. On Maket Place you could admire the Town Hall, a modern protestant church and a surpising pyramid which is the tomb of Margrave Karl Wilhelm.

If you want more detail on specific point of interest, please surf on VT local guide Katherin Thanks again for the tour comments ;-)

Website: http://www.karlsruhe.de/

Relax around Durlach area

If you are looking for an laid-back historical area, head to the East! You will find Durlach the larger Karlsruhe area.

After WWII an extensive renovation of the town has been undertaken to get it back its past heritage. Nowadays Durlach becomes a great and popular location to live.

Stroll around the pedestrian streets to enjoy and feel the local athmosphere. Of course at the end just relax on a sunny terracce close to the Town Hall.

Directions: Tram 1 or 8.

Website: http://www1.karlsruhe.de/Stadtteile/Durlach/index.htm

Climb to the Top!

Most historical buildings were heavily damaged during WWII. Hopefully the Turmberg Tower is still standing just to let admire some panoramic views on Karlsruhe suburbs, the Rhine river, the Palatinate Forest and the Alsace. A castle was built during the 11th Century on this 240 meters high hill by the Comte von Hohenberg. The tower itself was built between 1230 and 1250.

For the gourmets, you will find a restaurant Klenert's, unfortunately close the day of my visit, just next to the tower.

To reach the top use the funicular railway as describe in my previous tip. Once on the top, you could alternatively walk down through the vineyard back into the old city Margrave.

Directions: Durlach area

Website: http://www.klenerts.de/