Karlsruhe used to be the capital of Baden until the combined State of Baden-Württemberg was created. Presently it is the seat of the Federal Constitutional Court – Germany’s Supreme Court – as well as of other high offices. Interesting museums are the Baden State Museum (Badisches Landesmuseum) in the palace and State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle) in the former Orangerie (Conservatory).

Culture abounds! Karlsruhe can boast an extraordinary collection of the very finest museums. Europe's second-largest museum, the Centre for Art and Media Technology (Zentrum für Kunst- und Medientechnologie ZKM), is an amazing experience. Hands-on participation is actively encouraged here!

The Baden State Museum (Badisches Landesmuseum), which is housed in the baroque castle built in 1715, offers something special at every turn. The Natural History Museum (Naturkundemuseum), the State Art Gallery (Staatliche Kunsthalle), the Municipal Gallery (Städtische Galerie) and the Museum of Modern Art (Museum für neue Kunst) offer a wide range of interesting exhibits.

Well worth seeing too are the City History Collections in the Prince Max Palace, the Museum of Legal History and Museum of Transport, depending on your personal interests. The Classical market place with its Pyramid, Town Hall and Protestant city church will remain in your memory for a long time. Or you could also take the children along for a visit to the zoological and city gardens, with their new polar bear enclosure.