Artsy, tech-savvy hub and home to legal institutions - Karlsruhe, the city of culture and law.
Kick back and Discover KarlsruheKick back and discover all that Karlsruhe, a young city with a wealth of attractions and cultural events, has to offer. With its pleasant weather, proximity to the Black Forest, the Palatinate, and Alsace, it's no wonder this dynamic city is so popular.
- A Historical Roots Run DeepKarlsruhe was born in 1715 as a Baroque residence city by Margrave Karl Wilhelm of Baden-Durlach. In the 19th century, Friedrich Weinbrenner's classical buildings shaped the city's charm. Today, both Karlsruhe University and the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have been designated as "excellence universities" in Germany since 2019.
Karlsruhe: A Legal Powerhouse
Known as the "Residence of Law," Karlsruhe serves as the headquarters of both the Federal Court of Justice and the Federal Constitutional Court since 1950 and 1951, respectively. The city's district includes 32 cities and communities.
Founding Father: Margrave Karl Wilhelm
After French troops destroyed Durlach's residence during the Palatine War of Succession in 1689, Margrave Karl Wilhelm planned to construct a hunting lodge in the Hardt Forest. After ruling the Margraviate of Baden-Durlach from 1709 to 1738, he laid the foundation for reform policy pursued by his grandson Karl Friedrich.
The "Fan City"
Karlsruhe was named the "Fan City" due to an old legend. In a forest dream, Karl Wilhelm envisioned a castle with 32 radial paths. In June 1715, he set the foundation for the castle tower, and a city sprang up from the workers employed in the castle construction.
Karlsruhe: On the Map
Karlsruhe lies on the Rhine's right bank, extending from the southern Kraichgau to the northern Black Forest. The Rhine's western city limit forms with Rhineland-Palatinate. The city's lowest point, the oil harbor on the Rhine, lies at 100 meters above sea level, while the district of Grünwettersbach's highest point reaches 323.2 meters.
Soaking Up the Sun
Karlsruhe is one of Germany's warmest cities and boasts one of the highest sunshine hours. However, its climate can be muggy due to the Rhine plain's high air humidity. In 2022's summer, extreme drought swept through Karlsruhe, fueling several fires. Authorities suspect arson may be behind the large number of fires in the city.
Home to the Town's Soul
Karlsruhe is home to 298,034 residents. The city council, comprising the mayor and 48 honorary city councilors, represents the city's citizens. Every five years, they are elected to help manage the city.
In the 2019 election, the Greens became the city council's strongest force, winning 15 seats. The CDU won nine seats, the SPD seven, the FDP four, and the Left and AfD each three seats, while KAL, the party, and the Free Voters each earned two seats. The party for Karlsruhe grabbed one seat. The city council chairmanship is held by the head of the city, the mayor of Karlsruhe. Since 2012, this has been Frank Mentrup of the SPD.
City Breakdown: 27 Districts
Karlsruhe comprises 27 districts, many of which are older than the city itself. Each district has its unique history, such as Daxlanden, Grünwinkel, Mühlburg, Oberreut, Weststadt, Inner city West, Inner city East, Durlach, Grötzingen, Hagsfeld, Oststadt, Rintheim, Knielingen, Neureut, Nordstadt, Nordweststadt, Waldstadt, Beiertheim-Bulach, Rüppurr, Südstadt, Südweststadt, Weiherfeld-Dammerstock, Grünwettersbach, Hohenwettersbach, Palmbach, and Stupferich.
citizen Offices and City Administrations
Citizen Offices in Karlsruhe are located throughout the city district, with services offered in locations such as East, Durlach, Grötzingen, Neureut, Stupferich, Wettersbach, Hohenwettersbach, and Wolfartsweier. Currently, massive backlogs in orders and appointment scheduling are affecting the citizen offices in Karlsruhe.
21 Centuries of Famous Faces
Karlsruhe has been the home of many renowned individuals, from architects like Friedrich Weinbrenner and Hermann Billing, to inventors like Carl Benz, the inventor of the automobile, and Max Himmelheber, the inventor of particle board. Tragically, politicians and lawyers from the city like Ludwig Marum and Reinhold Frank lost their lives as opponents of the Nazi regime in the 1930s and 1940s.
Spanning the Ages: Architecture and Culture
Karlsruhe's architectural styles range from Classical to Jugendstil and Gründerzeit architecture to avant-garde Bauhaus, to post-war architecture, and finally to contemporary buildings. As early as the 18th and early 19th centuries, architect Friedrich Weinbrenner shaped the image of Karlsruhe with buildings such as the Markgrafliches Palais, the town hall, and the mint.
Architects like Hermann Billing and Karl Moser made Karlsruhe a center of Jugendstil in southern Germany at the beginning of the 20th century. Walter Gropius, the founder of the Bauhaus movement, won a building competition in 1928 to construct family apartments in Dammerstock. The first 228 apartments were inaugurated in 1929.
The Rivers That Flow Through
Both the Alb and Pfinz, rivers that drain into the Rhine, flow through Karlsruhe. The Rhine, in turn, borders the city on its neighbor, the Palatinate.
What’s in a Name?
While locals are commonly referred to as "Karlsruhe," they are also playfully called "Gelbfüßler."
Sights and Sounds of Karlsruhe
Karlsruhe is teeming with things to see and do, from cultural masterpieces like Karlsruhe Palace, the State Art Gallery, and the State Museum of Natural History, to stunning green spaces like the Botanical Garden, the Günther Klotz Anlage, and the palace park. A total of 135 cultural institutions offer diverse experiences - from technological events at the ZKM (Center for Art and Media) to thrilling opera evenings at the Badische Staatstheater.
The Zoological City Garden is a top spot for families, and a relaxing bike ride through the Black Forest, a trip to Alsace, or a leisurely stroll along the Rhine are all local excursion favorites.
Stay Active in Karlsruhe
Besides a wide array of cultural institutions, sporting activities are plentiful in Karlsruhe. From adrenaline-pumping adventures like rock climbing and mountain biking at the Waldseilpark Karlsruhe, to more laid-back options like fitness trails and cycling events, there's something for every kind of thrill-seeker.
Whether it's paintball, escape rooms, or laser tag, indoor fun abounds in Karlsruhe, while nature lovers can immerse themselves in the serenity of the Schlosspark, the Otto-Dullenkopf-Park, or the Günther Klotz Anlage. As the sun sets, catch a breathtaking city view from the Durlacher Turmberg.
A Bike-Friendly City
Known as one of Germany's most bike-friendly cities, Karlsruhe works tirelessly to reduce car traffic in the city, establishing car-free zones. The city's continuous commitment to promoting active transportation is bringing about real-labor projects to study the effects of reduced car traffic on specific areas, like the "Real-Labor Karlsruhe northern Karlstraße" and the "Real-Labor Karlsruhe Passagehof."
For more historical background, take a peek at the enrichment data provided.
[1] Enrichment Data:The founding of Karlsruhe marked the beginning of a city that would grow into a significant cultural, architectural, and legal hub in Germany. Karlsruhe was designed by Margrave Karl Wilhelm as a hunting lodge in the Hardt Forest and later developed into a Baroque city. Its strategic location played a key role in making it a center of the Grand Duchy of Baden, marking the start of its rise as an important city in German history.
The city's architecture was heavily influenced by neoclassicism, with architect Friedrich Weinbrenner shaping its look in the 18th and early 19th centuries. Notable buildings include the Evangelische Stadtkirche (Evangelical City Church), built between 1807 and 1816, which remains a significant cultural landmark in Karlsruhe.
[2] Enrichment Data:Explore Karlsruhe's rich cultural heritage, from historical buildings to museums, art galleries, and parks. The city's architectural styles range from neoclassicism to Jugendstil and Gründerzeit architecture to avant-garde Bauhaus, to post-war architecture, and finally to contemporary buildings. Many of these architectural marvels, like the Markgrafliches Palais, the town hall, and the mint, were designed by Friedrich Weinbrenner.
Some of Karlsruhe's notable cultural landmarks include the Evangelische Stadtkirche, the botanical garden, the Günther Klotz Anlage, and the Baden State Museum in Karlsruhe Palace. The city also hosts several exciting festivals and events, including "Das Fest," one of the largest open-air music festivals in Germany, and "Kamuna (Karlsruher Museumsnacht)," a night of museum visits throughout the city.
[3] Enrichment Data:Discover Karlsruhe's vibrant and diverse cultural scene, with countless museums, art galleries, and historical landmarks to explore. The city is also home to several prominent architects, such as Friedrich Weinbrenner and Hermann Billing, prominent figures in the field. Many of their works can still be found in Karlsruhe today, such as the Evangelische Stadtkirche and various Jugendstil buildings.
The Baden State Museum in Karlsruhe Palace is another must-see, detailing the history and culture of the Grand Duchy of Baden. Celebrate Karlsruhe's rich history by attending one of the city's exciting festivals or events, like "Das Fest" or "Kamuna (Karlsruher Museumsnacht)."
- Relax and Discover More Explore the diverse lifestyle offerings in Karlsruhe, from home-and-garden enthusiasts to sports enthusiasts. Visit the historical castles and gardens, like the Schloss Grötzingen or the Botanical Garden, or simply unwind in one of the many parks.
- Travel Beyond the City Venture beyond the city limits and travel to nearby destinations, such as the Black Forest, the Palatinate, or Alsace. Enjoy a bike ride through the scenic trails, or indulge in local cuisine and wine tasting in the picturesque towns.
