Once the capital of Baden in southwest Germany, the city of Karlsruhe sits near the Rhine River close to the French border. Its radial street plan, fanning out from a central point, inspired city designers abroad; the same sense of ordered symmetry influenced planners such as Pierre L’Enfant when he laid out streets, parks and boulevards in Washington, D.C. During his travels through France, northern Italy and Germany, American diplomat Thomas Jefferson admired Karlsruhe’s design, noting the 32 grand avenues radiating from the Baroque Karlsruhe Palace.
Today visitors can follow Jefferson’s footsteps by touring the palace and its landscaped botanical gardens or by taking in city views from the palace tower. Karlsruhe is an easy trip from Frankfurt via high-speed train, and it offers a rich mix of arts and culture. The Center for Art and Media presents exhibitions and events that highlight the latest developments in digital media, technology and creative research. The Staatliche Kunsthalle hosts international exhibitions; for example, past shows have featured major artists such as Paul Cézanne.
Stroll through Marktplatz, the market square dominated by its historic pyramid erected in 1823, and explore the many galleries, museums and monuments clustered around the city center. When you need a pause, settle into a cozy café for a slice of Black Forest cake, then unwind in one of Karlsruhe’s many green spaces. The city is notable for its extensive parkland—more than 2,500 acres of parks and gardens—making it easy to combine cultural outings with time outdoors.