Car Rental Karlsruhe

Parking in Karlsruhe

• Parkhaus Marktplatz (76133) offers more than 350 spaces within walking distance of the historic Marktplatz and Friedrichsplatz – perfect for visiting the annual Christmas market.
• Parkhaus Herrenstrasse/Zirkel (76133) is a 24/7 parking garage with more than 400 spaces in the center of the city. From here, it’s around a 10-minute walk to Schloss Karlsruhe, Schlossplatz and the Schlossgarten.
• ZKM Tiefgarage (76135) has 600 spaces, close to the ZKM|- Center for Art and Media.

Key roads in Karlsruhe

• Bundesautobahn 5 (A5) is one of Germany’s busiest freeways, which runs north from the Swiss border at Basel to Karlsruhe and Frankfurt.
• Bundesautobahn 8 (A8) connects Karlsruhe to other parts of southern Germany, including Pforzheim, Stuttgart and Munich..
• Bundesstraße 36 runs from Mannheim to Rastatt where it merges with the Bundesstraße 3.

How to get from Karlsruhe to Stuttgart

It takes around an hour and 15 minutes to drive the 47 miles from Karlsruhe to Stuttgart.

1. Leave the car rental parking lot on Bannwaldallee, then turn left and use the slip road to join the K9657.
2. Continue along the K9657, through the Edeltrud-Tunnel and on to the K9652.
3. Take the exit on to the A5, then use the right two lanes to join the A8.
4. Follow the A8 for 32 miles and take Exit 50 on to the L1187.
5. At the roundabout, take the second exit on to the B14 and continue into Stuttgart’s historic center.

How to get from Karlsruhe to Frankfurt

Karlsruhe is around an hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Frankfurt. Just follow the K9657 and K9652 out of the city, then head north along the A5 for 79 miles. Take Exit 21 on to Niederräder Ufer and continue into the heart of Frankfurt.

Best hotels in Karlsruhe

Hotel Villa Hammerschmiede

Hauptstrasse 162, 76327 Pfinztal, Karlsruhe

Hidden away from the main hustle and bustle of Karlsruhe, the 18th-century Hotel Villa Hammerschmiede combines traditional decor with modern comfort. Elegant rooms feature plush beds and spacious bathrooms, with some also offering private balconies and in-room fireplaces. Make the most of the gourmet breakfast buffet before exploring the old town, then unwind at the hotel’s indoor pool and spa.

Schlosshotel Karlsruhe

Bahnhofplatz 2, 76137, Karlsruhe

A fabulous four-star hotel set opposite the train station, which offers a selection of stunning suites and cozy rooms. Whether you’re travelling for business or on a family vacation, you’ll find first-class facilities for every occasion – from fully-equipped conference rooms to an on-site sauna and fitness center.

Hotel Kaiserhof

Karl-Friedrich-Str. 12, 76133, Karlsruhe

Treat yourself to a luxurious stay at this boutique hotel, just moments from the historic Marktplatz. Each room includes a fully stocked minibar, use of the sauna and fitness studio, and access to the Kaiser’s breakfast buffet. What more could you want?

Best restaurants in Karlsruhe

Restaurant Sonnenbad

Am Sonnenbad 1, 76189, Karlsruhe

Whether you’re in the mood for gyros or schnitzel, Restaurant Sonnenbad has you covered.  This laidback eatery offers a delicious combination of Greek and German delicacies to satisfy your appetite. It is slightly out of the way, but well worth the detour out of the main city.

Casa do José

Kriegsstr. 92, 76123, Karlsruhe

Enjoy a taste of Portugal at Casa do José. This cozy restaurant showcases an authentic Portuguese menu, lined with fresh seafood dishes and grilled meats. Try the Iberian pork in a balsamic honey glaze, grilled octopus or pan-fried cod, with a side of fried polenta, Madeira-style.

Deliburgers

Akademiestr. 39 Next to Europa Platz, 76133, Karlsruhe

If you’re missing authentic American burgers and fries, then look no further than DeliBurgers. This relaxed burger joint serves up a range of homemade patties, fries and sauces, using ingredients from local dairies, farms and bakeries. Think classic cheeseburgers to gourmet stacks, topped with crispy bacon, spiced jam and fresh salad.

Best things to do in Karlsruhe

Karlsruhe Palace

Schlossbezirk 10, 76131, Karlsruhe

Plan a trip to the city’s namesake palace and previous residence of Karl-Wilhelm himself. Here, you’ll find picturesque gardens to explore, as well as ‘secret’ places for the children to play hide-and-seek in. Take a picnic and while away a few hours by the water fountain. Then, venture inside to see exhibits from the Mesopotamian era all the way through to the 18th Century.

Naturkundermuseum Karlsruhe

Erbprinzenstr. 13, 76133, Karlsruhe

The Natural History Museum has lots for families to explore – from pre-historic fossils and rocks to interactive exhibitions on insects and bugs. Spend time exploring the huge Vivarium in the main hall, which includes more than 30 aquariums inspired by different underwater environments – from tropical rivers to coral reefs. Visit on a Friday afternoon to make the most of free entry.

Schlossgarten

Schlossplatz, 76131, Karlsruhe

After a visit to the Schlossplatz, head outdoors to soak up the beauty of the palace’s landscaped gardens. Calm and quiet, the Schlossgarten offers a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the inner city. There’s even a children’s park and mini train ride to keep the smaller members of your party entertained.