There is a legend saying that in 1655 a connecting path between the town and the convent of the Order of Cisterian (Kloster Lichtental) was laid out and planted with oaks. Could that have been the birth of Lichtentaler Allee ?
Today, the „Lichtentaler Allee“ is world-famous - overwhelming with its abundance of flowers and trees, sometimes rural idyll, sometimes elegant parade, but always a constantly changing monument of garden art.
A walk through the Lichtentaler Allee is a wonderful spectacle of nature at any time of the year.
When in spring crocuses, daffodils and wild tulips lay themselves at the feet of the trees like a colourful carpet and in early summer red and purple rhododendrons begin to blossom, Baden-Baden's "green salon" shows itself from its most beautiful side. Or is the play of autumn colours, when the leaves turn in all shades between yellow and dark red, more fascinating? Even in the silent and mystic winter, visitors are moved when hoarfrost lies over the monastery meadow and the roses in the „Gönneranlage“ are hibernating under fir branches.
Through history many well-known personalities were walking through Lichtentaler Allee and even poems were written of this presentation of ´nature´s beauty.
In October 2004, Richard Meier, the famous New York architect, created a new jewel to the Lichtentaler Allee and with the opening of the museum, housing the Frieder Burda Collection, yet another highlight in its long and unique history was added.
The Lichtentaler Allee also plays host to many first-class open air events all year round, such as the Philharmonic Park Night which usually takes place at the end of August right at the beginning of the summer break.
Whether you are preferring joging, walking, cycling or simply strolling along the little river Oos, the Lichtentaler Allee will prove to be a great treat for body and soul. Let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent mature trees, the ornate bridges over the gurgling spring, the majestic hotels and the elegant mansions. The charm of this world famous avenue has had a far amount of time for it to blossom to the full – already over 350 years!
