Discover Durlach: Old Town, Karlsburg and Turmberg

Durlach combines a medieval townscape with its history as the former residence of the Margraves of Baden-Durlach. The Old Town and Karlsburg offer tangible connections to this past, while the Turmberg adds wine trails and scenic views. Medieval charm and the Baroque character of Karlsburg provide distinct historical accents. This gives you different ways to shape your stay: you can explore the town’s history or focus on the wine-growing region and its landscape.

Karlsburg and the Pfinzgaumuseum

The history of Karlsburg can be traced through a defining turning point. In 1565, Margrave Karl II moved his residence from Pforzheim to Durlach; an existing hunting lodge was converted into Karlsburg, with adjoining gardens. Until it was destroyed by the French in 1689, it served as the residential palace of the Margraves of Baden-Durlach.

The Pfinzgaumuseum, housed in the Baroque Karlsburg, explores the past and present of the formerly independent town of Durlach. It displays objects relating to art, culture, social history and everyday life; topics from the town’s history are presented in a permanent exhibition and changing special exhibitions. This takes the story beyond the history of the residence to include social and everyday aspects.

Wine trails and views from the Turmberg

Three color-coded wine trails lead through the wine-growing region on Durlach’s Turmberg. Purple, green and red pictograms mark the routes. The colors distinguish the three trails and help you choose the route that best suits your interests.

The Turmberg is a landmark of Durlach. On a clear day, the view extends to the peaks of the Vosges, across the Rhine Valley and to the Palatinate Forest. The Turmberg funicular has been in operation since 1888, adding a historical point of interest to your visit to the Turmberg.

The Turmbergbad also offers a specific detail to consider when planning a day out with children: when the facility was rebuilt, it included a 50-metre swimming pool and a non-swimmer pool. If you are planning a swimming day, check the current pool facilities with the operator.

Karlsruhe: more culture and nature

Karlsruhe offers its own points of interest for architecture and culture. Since 1997, the ZKM has been based in Hallenbau A, a former industrial building listed as a historic monument. The building was constructed between 1915 and 1918 and was then among the most architecturally advanced buildings in Germany.

The State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe features permanent exhibitions on native and exotic wildlife, as well as rocks, minerals and fossils. Karlsruhe Zoological City Garden combines a zoo with a municipal garden. The approximately ten-kilometre “AugenBlick” circular route in Karlsruhe can be started at various points, for example at the Turmberg.

The themes for a visit therefore differ: in Durlach, the focus is on local history and wine trails, while Karlsruhe also offers natural history, a zoo and a municipal garden. The “AugenBlick” route adds another option, with several possible starting points.

Discover more destinations: Oststadt, Grötzingen.

Return to the main travel guide: Karlsruhe.