Ettlingen Market Festival
A three-day old town festival at the end of August with food and stage programs. Traditionally the European Mile of partner cities is set up in the castle courtyard.
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Ettlingen
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ℹ️Practical info — Ettlingen
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Asam Hall in Ettlingen Palace to admire the magnificent Baroque frescoes by Cosmas Damian Asam.
- Stroll along the Alb River promenade which takes you through the heart of the flower-decked historic old town.
- Use the S1 or S11 light rail lines for an easy connection to Karlsruhe city center or the nearby Black Forest.
- If visiting in summer, check out the Schlossfestspiele for open-air theater performances in the palace courtyard.
- Use the parking garages on the edge of the old town for easy, short-walk access to the central pedestrian zone.
🍽 Food
🍽
Baden Flammkuchen
A crispy thin-crust tart with cream, bacon, and onions; best enjoyed at a riverside cafe along the Alb.
🍽
Local Craft Beer
Visit a traditional brewery (Hausbräu) for unfiltered beer and hearty regional dishes in a lively atmosphere.
🍽
Homemade Spätzle
Try these local egg noodles, a regional staple often served with rich gravy and roasted meats.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Old Town Alleys
Explore Entengasse and surrounding lanes for independent boutiques, art galleries, and specialty shops.
🛍
Ettlingen Market
Visit the Marktplatz on Wednesday and Saturday mornings for fresh flowers and local Baden produce.
🛍
Weißenburger Hof
A historic courtyard area featuring upscale fashion boutiques and home decor stores.
🧘
Horbachpark
A large park featuring an idyllic lake and streams, well-suited for a peaceful break in nature.
🧘
Rose Garden
A small, tranquil garden right by the palace, particularly fragrant and beautiful in early summer.
🧘
Watthaldenpark
Located at the foot of the Robberg hill, this park provides ancient trees and a very serene atmosphere.
Water temperature…
Ettlingen is located south of Karlsruhe at the transition from the Rhine Plain to the Northern Black Forest. The city has a history spanning over a thousand years, with its first recorded mention dating back to 788. The city's landmark is the Ettlingen Palace, which was transformed into its current Baroque form in the 18th century by Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden. Today, it serves as a museum and event venue. The historic old town, with its narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, and market square, is a popular destination. Ettlingen is also a vital transport hub for the Alb Valley and is excellently connected to Karlsruhe via the Albtalbahn railway. Economically, the city is diverse, ranging from traditional paper manufacturing (Ettlingen Paper Mill) to modern software companies and service providers. Its location makes it a well-suited starting point for exploring the Black Forest.
- Location: Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Top sights: Ettlingen Palace · Watthalden Park · Ettlingen Town Hall
- Nearby: Karlsruhe (7 km)
- Population: ~39.763
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 0 | 1 | 5 | 9 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 1 |
| Rain mm | 76 | 58 | 64 | 50 | 86 | 72 | 81 | 81 | 58 | 70 | 70 | 83 |
Geography
Facts
- Granted city rights in 1227.
- The market square is home to the historic town hall.
- The Ettlingen Palace Festival has been held since 1979.
- Ettlingen is situated at an altitude of 132 meters.
- Twin city of Épernay in France and Gatchina in Russia.
- The river Alb crosses the city from south to north.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Ettlingen (10)
Frequently asked questions
What is the main attraction in Ettlingen?
Ettlingen Palace with its Baroque Knights' Hall and the palace courtyard, which hosts the famous Schlossfestspiele festival in summer.
Is Ettlingen's old town worth a visit?
Definitely. The medieval alleys, half-timbered houses, and the location right on the Alb River are excellent for strolling and relaxing.
How far is Ettlingen from Karlsruhe?
Ettlingen directly borders Karlsruhe. By S-Bahn (lines S1, S11), you can reach Karlsruhe city center in about 15 minutes.
Are there thermal baths in Ettlingen?
The Albgaubad is a popular leisure pool with a sauna area. Authentic thermal springs can be found in neighboring Bad Herrenalb.
When is market day in Ettlingen?
The weekly market takes place on Wednesday and Saturday mornings at Neuer Markt, offering regional products.
Ettlingen: where is it located?
Ettlingen is located in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Ettlingen: what is there to see?
Highlights include Ettlingen Palace, Watthalden Park, Ettlingen Town Hall.
Ettlingen: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ettlingen: why is it worth visiting?
Ettlingen is located south of Karlsruhe at the transition from the Rhine Plain to the Northern Black Forest.
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