Rastatt Travel Guide

Make the most of your trip to Rastatt, a charming town in Baden-Württemberg. Explore cultural and natural attractions, find best places to eat, stay and shop with our detailed travel guide.


Introduction to Rastatt

Rastatt is a beautiful town located in the heart of Black Forest, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. This charming town is often overlooked in favour of larger cities, but it is a hidden gem worth exploring. Surrounded by lush greenery, Rastatt is a perfect destination for nature lovers, history buffs and adventure seekers. In this Rastatt travel guide, we will take you through the top attractions, local food scene, accommodation options, and provide useful tips for a memorable trip.

List of Places to Visit in Rastatt

Here is a list of our favourite things to do and see in Rastatt:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Rastatt Castle: This stunning Baroque-style castle spans across an area of 5000 square metres and is one of the best-preserved castles in Germany. History buffs will love exploring the museum inside the castle that showcases the town’s history.
  • Schloss Favorite: Built-in 1710, Schloss Favorite is a gorgeous hunting lodge with a beautiful garden that is now open to the public. The lodge houses an impressive collection of antlers, hunting arms, and paintings.
  • Historisches Kaufhaus: Built in 1705, the historic merchant’s house is now home to the city’s tourist office. The building’s exterior is adorned with beautiful murals that reflect the town’s history.

Natural Attractions of Rastatt: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Murg Valley: A fantastic destination for hiking enthusiasts, the Murg Valley offers scenic views while you trek through the Black forest’s lush greenery.
  • Gernsbacher Runde: A well-known 10 km circular hiking trail that takes you through the picturesque town of Gernsbach, a spot worth exploring.
  • Hornisgrinde: The highest peak in the Northern Black Forest, Hornisgrinde is the perfect place for trekking enthusiasts to scale its challenging trails. It is also a fantastic spot for panoramic views of the region.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rastatt

Rastatt as a whole is surrounded by picturesque trails with great views. Some recommended hiking/biking routes are:

  • Kuppenheim Loop (8 km)
  • Schloss Favorite Loop (11 km)
  • Forbach to Baden-Baden Loop (19 km)
  • Gaggenau to Malsch Loop (30 km)

Best Things to Do in Rastatt: Activities and Tours

Rastatt offers a wide variety of activities that will make your trip unforgettable. Some of the most popular activities are:

  • Visit the Rastatt Festival: A famous music and arts festival, the Rastatt Festival is held every summer from June to July.
  • Burgfestspiel: A summer festival that takes place in the Rastatt castle courtyard every year. Visitors can enjoy music, theatre, and dance performances.
  • Explore the Black Forest: Take a day tour to the neighbouring towns of Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt, or the Triberg waterfalls.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rastatt

Day 1: Arrive in Rastatt, explore the town’s charming attractions Day 2: Visit Rastatt Castle and Historical Kaufhaus Day 3: Hike the Murg Valley, followed by exploring unusual art at the Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden Day 4: Trek the Hornisgrinde mountain or Relax at Therme Wellness Center Day 5: Explore the Schloss Favorite, followed by a picnic lunch in the park Day 6: Cycle the Kuppenheim Loop, followed by a night of music and arts at the Rastatt Festival. Day 7: Day trip to Baden-Baden to explore the local market, followed by the Burgfestspiel.

Food and Drink Scene of Rastatt

Here are some of the best must-try dishes and local beverages in Rastatt:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Maultaschen: A traditional German dish similar to dumplings, Maultaschen is a must-try dish in Rastatt.
  • Sauerbraten: A famous German dish, Sauerbraten is made by slow-cooking beef marinated in vinegar, spices and red wine.
  • Spätzle: A soft egg noodle dish made with flour and egg batter that is commonly served as a side dish.

Local Beverages

  • Badisches Bier: A famous beer produced in the Baden-Württemberg region.
  • Schladerer: A popular local liqueur made with cherries.

Where to Stay in Rastatt: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Visitors have a wide range of options to choose from when it comes to accommodation in Rastatt. Here are some of our handpicked suggestions:

  • Schwitzer’s Hotel am Park: A four-star hotel located in the centre of Rastatt.
  • Hotel zum Schiff: A midrange hotel located near Rastatt’s famous Castle.
  • Pension Anna: A budget-friendly guesthouse located by the banks of the river Murg.

What to Buy in Rastatt: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bollenhut hat: A traditional hat that originated in the Black Forest region and is now considered a symbol of the region.
  • Black Forest Gateau: A famous dessert prepared with layers of chocolate cake, whipped cream and sour cherries.
  • Cuckoo Clock: A timepiece traditionally made in the Black Forest region that is known for its unique design and sound.

Local Culture and Customs of Rastatt

The people of Rastatt are warm and friendly, and the town has a rich cultural history that visitors can explore. Some notable customs include:

  • Fasching: A carnival celebrated in the town with colourful parades, music, and dance.
  • Kirchweih Festivals: Celebrations held in September or October, and includes food, dance, and music.
  • Cherries Festival: Famous Cherry Festival is celebrated in Kirschgartshausen, a suburb of Rastatt, during the first week of July.

Best Time to Visit Rastatt

The best time to visit Rastatt is from April to October when the weather is pleasant and conducive to outdoor activities. However, depending on the activities you have planned; you can visit Rastatt at any time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rastatt

Do:

  • Try local food and beverages.
  • Explore the Black forest Region.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Do not litter in public places.
  • Do not disrespect local customs.
  • Do not drink and drive.

Safety and Health

Safety in Rastatt

Rastatt is a safe place for tourists. However, visitors must take standard safety precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings while in crowded areas.

Health in Rastatt

Rastatt has good medical facilities and pharmacies. Visitors must carry a copy of their health insurance and their prescription medication if required.

Getting to Rastatt: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rastatt is easily accessible by various modes of transportation. Here are the best ways to get to Rastatt:

Airports Near Rastatt

The nearest airports to Rastatt are Karlsruhe/Baden-Baden Airport (23 km) and Stuttgart Airport (86 km).

Bus Stations Near Rastatt

There are regular buses that operate between Rastatt and nearby cities like Baden-Baden, Freudenstadt, and Karlsruhe.

Other Options

Visitors can take a train to Rastatt, as the town has an efficient railway system. Rastatt also has excellent road connectivity for tourists who prefer to drive.

How to Get Around in Rastatt

Rastatt is a walkable town, and most of the popular places are within walking distance. Visitors can also use bicycles to explore the town or take buses that operate frequently between the town centre and neighbouring suburbs.

Where to Go Next from Rastatt: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some of the nearby places that visitors can explore:

  • Baden-Baden: A spa town located just 30 minutes by car from Rastatt, is renowned for its thermal baths, casino, and elegant architecture.
  • Freudenstadt: A picturesque town located 40 km northeast of Rastatt, famous for its beautiful gardens, museums, and architecture.
  • Triberg Waterfalls: Located 80 km from Rastatt, Triberg Waterfalls is known for its beauty and is one of the highest waterfalls in Germany.

Conclusion

Rastatt is a hidden gem in the heart of the Black Forest. With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful castles, and hiking trails, visitors are spoilt for choice. Our Rastatt travel guide has shown you the best places to visit, the best local food to try, and how to make the most of your trip to Rastatt. Plan your next trip to Rastatt, and we guarantee that you will fall in love with this beautiful town.