Karlsruhe

In the north of the region, Karlsruhe is nicknamed the “Fan City” (Fächerstadt) because it spreads out like an open fan: a remarkable piece of town planning 300 years ago.

The city is known for its castle, fine botanical garden and an array of museums. Most photographed, however, is a sandstone Pyramid on the Marktplatz, marking the grave of the city’s founder. This mix of high tech and culture makes Karlsruhe special.

Highlights

• State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle): Perhaps the best collection outside Berlin, Munich and Dresden, covering the 14th to the 19th century. Modern works are in the former orangery in the Botanical Garden.
• Center for Art and Media Technology (ZKM): One of the world’s leading-edge museums, dedicated to new technology and new media. An exciting glimpse of the future – now!