The Kurhaus is a 19th-century neoclassical spa building whose casino interior was modeled on rooms of French chateaux, complete with gilded ceilings and crystal chandeliers salvaged from that era of design. Dostoevsky gambled here and drew on the experience for his novella The Gambler, and the casino's reputation as one of Europe's most ornate gaming rooms dates from that same 19th-century heyday when Baden-Baden was a fashionable summer capital for European aristocracy. The main hall can be viewed on a guided tour outside gaming hours, separate from playing at the tables.
The Kurhaus in Baden-Baden houses one of the oldest casinos in the world, opened in 1824 and famously described by Marlene Dietrich as the most beautiful casino in the world. The building's Neoclassical facade, fronted by a colonnade of Corinthian columns, opens into gaming rooms modelled on French royal palaces, including the Red Room styled after Versailles and a room based on the Palace of Fontainebleau, with gilded ceilings and crystal chandeliers throughout. Daytime guided tours let visitors see the ornate rooms before the tables open, while the casino itself operates from early afternoon into the night with roulette, blackjack and poker tables under a formal dress code. The surrounding Kurhaus terrace and gardens, facing the town's spa quarter, are free to stroll regardless of casino admission. A guided tour or an evening of gaming both take one to two hours, and evenings bring the fullest atmosphere as visitors dress up for a night at the tables.
| Admission | €5 (~$5.40) casino entry |
|---|---|
| Hours | Casino daily 2:00 PM - 2:00 AM; building tours mornings |
| Typical visit | 1-2 hours |
| Best time | Evening for casino atmosphere |
| Getting there | Bus 201 from Baden-Baden Hauptbahnhof to Augustaplatz |
| Address | Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany |
Location
Kaiserallee 1, 76530 Baden-Baden, Germany
48.7657, 8.2404 View on map
Highlights
- Red Room styled after the Palace of Versailles
- Neoclassical colonnaded facade
- Fontainebleau-inspired gaming room
- Daytime guided tours of the casino interior
Tips for visiting
- A jacket is required for men to enter the gaming rooms in the evening
- Morning guided tours let visitors see the interior without playing
- Bring a passport or ID, required for casino entry
- Evening visits have the fullest atmosphere but require the dress code
When to visit
Evening brings the fullest casino atmosphere, while daytime guided tours suit visitors who prefer to see the rooms without gaming.
Accessibility
The Kurhaus has a level entrance and lifts to the main gaming floor, making it accessible to wheelchair users; some upper galleries may require assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Kurhaus and casino take?
A guided tour or an evening of gaming typically takes one to two hours.
Is it worth it for kids?
The casino itself is adults-only, though the Kurhaus building and gardens can be appreciated by families during the day.
Is photography allowed inside the casino?
Photography is generally restricted inside the gaming rooms but allowed in the entrance hall and during guided tours.