Car Rental Karlsruhe

Thanks to its expansive network of roads, this fan-shaped city is relatively easy to drive around and offers good connections to the surrounding towns and cities.

Schloss Karlsruhe sits at the center of the city and you’ll find more than 30 streets leading to it from Adenauerring which loops halfway around it. The B10 also runs through the city. Just off here you’ll find ZKM, the former munitions factory which is now a center for arts and media.

Thanks to the highways close to Karlsruhe, known in Germany as the autobahn, it’s easy to explore more of this part of the country. These numbered roads are prefixed by the letter ‘A’. 

The limit on the autobahn is generally 130km/h (80mph), although some stretches in more rural areas don’t technically have a set limit. If you’re new to the autobahn it’s a good idea to take it easy and keep to the right unless you’re overtaking. Note that it’s illegal to pass on the right.

The general speed limit outside built-up areas in Germany is 62mph (100km/h), dropping to 31mph and sometimes lower inside them.

The city sits less than 10 miles from the River Rhine that runs along the border with France, the art nouveau houses that are scattered throughout the suburbs offering a glimpse of French influences.

It’s only a 30-minute drive down the A5 to scenic Baden-Baden. The air of old-world luxury in this Black Forest spa town has attracted the rich and famous over the years including former US president Barack Obama.  

Take the A5 in the opposite direction and it’s just over 40 minutes to reach beautiful Heidelberg. Its riverside location, framed by forest and overlooked by a half-ruined hilltop castle, explains why this breathtaking, historic town has been the inspiration for artists and poets for centuries.

Surrounded by the Black Forest and the Palatinate Forest, this forward-thinking, cultured city is a hub of science and technology. Once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere of Karlsruhe, you can take a drive alongside the Rhine River that separates Germany from France and explore its charming towns and villages.

Discover the city’s history at Karlsruhe Palace

The city is relatively young in comparison to its neighboring towns and cities, dating back to 1715 when the palace was built by the grand dukes of Baden.

Unearth Karlsruhe’s history at the Schloss, a beautiful 18th century baroque palace that was revamped after being bombed during World War Two. Head inside its walls to explore the State Museum of Baden with exhibitions spanning ancient history and the Middle Ages, right up to the 21st century.

Discover Roman monuments and Ottoman handicrafts, before heading up to the top of the tower to enjoy spectacular forest views. Back down on the ground, wander the spacious green estate and you’ll come across a glistening lake, fountains and sculptures. If you’re visiting during the summer, be sure to check out the magnificent light show in the palace square.

The center of Karlsruhe isn’t only home to the palace. Discover a slice of tranquillity in the heart of the city when you visit the stately Botanical Gardens. Take a stroll around the lush 19^th century grounds and inhale the sweet scents of the exotic flora. Among the gardens you’ll find a cluster of Victorian greenhouses, crafted from cast iron in beautiful style.

Relax in Baden-Baden

For those looking to nurture their mind, body and soul,the spa town ofBaden-Badenis home to natural seltzer springs. These date right back to the Roman Empire, when they discovered the healing properties of 12 thermal springs and built the first baths. You can still see the ruins of Roman Baths when you’re here, but there are a host of modern spas for you to choose from.

After recharging your batteries, meander along the pretty cobblestone streets of Baden-Baden to soak up its quaint architecture. Admire the Belle Époque buildings, before popping into 250-year-old Café König to sample a slice of Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte – or Black Forest Gateau – a local concoction of cherries, chocolate and cream.

Visit the enchanting city of Heidelberg

You may feel like you’ve stepped into the pages of a storybook or among the brush strokes of a painting when you arrive in Heidelberg. That’s because this enchanting college town has been the inspiration for artists for centuries, including romantic poet Goethe and painter William Turner. A rich literary history alongside a flourishing contemporary scene has seen Heidelberg named a UNESCO City of Literature.

Wander the streets of this historic destination and make a beeline for Schloss Heidelberg, a beautiful palace synonymous with Romanticism since the 19th century. Set on Konigstuhl Hill, the ruins tower magnificently over the Neckar Valley, dominating the skyline of Heidelberg.

Car rental from Karlsruhe allows you to see the best of this modern city, as well as explore more of this charming corner of Germany.