Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg

Karlsruhe Palace (Karlsruher Schloss) on a winter night
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlsruhe_Schloss_Winter.JPG
Author: Dirk.heldmaier


Karlsruhe is a city in Baden-Württemberg, near the border with France, in southwestern Germany. It covers 173.46 sq km (66.97 sq mi). Located at an average elevation of 115 m (377 ft), it has a population of 292,000 (2011 estimate). As with the rest of Germany, it is in the Central European Time zone, which is an hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+1), and two hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time in summer.

In 1945, Karlsruhe took over from Leipzig as the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court of Germany and the Federal Court of Justice of Germany. The city is said to bear some resemblance to Washington DC, partly because Pierre Charles L'Enfant, who planned Washington DC, was given the plans of Karlsruhe when he was envisioning the new city.

Karlsruhe Evangelische Stadtkirche
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlsruhe_Evangelische_Stadtkirche_meph666-2004-Feb-25-a.jpg
Author: Meph666


Karlsruhe, meaning Charles' repose, was named after Margrave Charles III William, the Margrave of Baden-Durlach, who dreamed of founding the city, and waking up, proceeded to realise his dream in a literal sence. The start of Karlsruhe can be linked to the construction of Karlsruhe Palace in 1715 - that makes it one of the "youngest" major towns in Germany. The city is planned in such a way that its streets fan out from the palace, given it the nickname of "Fächerstadt", meaning "fan city".

The economy of Karlsruhe is based on high tecn industries. The city is the location of the biggest oil refinery in Germany. It is also the home of Universität Karlsruhe, the oldest technical university.

The Leibdragonerdenkmal and Christuskirche, Karlsruhe
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Karlsruhe_Christuskirche_Leibdragonerdenkmal.jpg
Author: Ikar.us

Visiting Karlsruhe, Germany

The Baden-Airport, about 40 km from Karlsruhe, is a small airport. It receives flights from low-cost carrier Ryannair. If you arrive at this airport, you can reach Karlsruhe by the airport shuttle bus. The fare is just €9, and tickets can be purchased directly from the driver.

For better connections, your other options are Frankfurt Airport (an hour away by tain) and Stuttgart Airport (an hour and a half away by train).

Karlsruhe tram
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:314_vbk.jpg
Author: Fabian.Gan

Exploring Karlsruhe

It is quite possible to explore Karlsruhe on foot. Many of its most significant sights are at or near Kaiserstraße. To cover greater distances, take Karlsruhe's trams, which cover a wide area. Single tickets cost €2.20.

The old town hall of Karlsruhe-Grötzingen
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rathaus_Groetzingen.jpg
Author: Sandra Haumacher

Places of Interest in Karlsruhe, Germany

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