Starting in Konstanz, our plan was to head for Baden Baden. The first hour or so riding toward Rottweil was not very exciting. The road to Rottweil was mostly highways or busy straight roads. We tried to stay away from highways but their was not much to offer in the way of hills and windy roads.
After Rottweil the roads got much better. We took the windiest and hilliest roads we could find to the smallest villages in the area. The roads were very good with some as smooth as race tracks with great corners and hills to lean into. Riding through the Black Forrest was cooler either due to the altitude or shade and made for comfortable conditions on the hot day.
We pulled into Baden Baden around 3 pm and found accommodation in Hotel Quellenhof Sophia for €126 which included breakfast, underground parking, fruit basket and free minibar. It was a very fancy hotel in the centre of town. Did I mention free minibar? In the reception was a fridge full of beer and bottled water which was also free. The staff were very friendly and helpful even after Hector spilt his coke on the reception carpet.
We took a walk down the cobbled streets of Baden Baden to the very opulent name brand shops with lots of, apothecaries, cafes and chocolate terrarium. It appeared the place to be seen for if you were rich, famous or wanted to be. Albert, Hector and myself were somewhat out of place but still stopped for some Black Forest cake in a sidewalk cafe.
Baden Baden is know for its Spas so we headed to the Caracalla Therme which was a short walk from the hotel. The spa is huge with many different spas, plunge pools, steam rooms, saunas and solarium’s. It is mostly a clothed spa but there is a smaller naked section upstairs. It was only €16 for 3 hours. which seems like a long time but after 3 hours we were still loving it. After days of riding, the spa was the perfect way to relax and unwind. FYI, bring your own towel if you don’t want to get stung €6 to rent a towel.
If I came back to Baden Baden, I would definitely stay at the Hotel Quellenhof Sophia and visit Caracalla Therme again.