Rastatt Palace

Rastatt Palace (Residenzschloss Rastatt) is the oldest Baroque residence on the Upper Rhine, built in the style of Versailles for the Margraves of Baden-Baden. Its pink facade and huge forecourt make a good stop for anyone looking for things to do near Karlsruhe or Baden-Baden. Inside, ornate state rooms, a palace church and two museums tell the story of Baroque court life and of German history.

Why it matters

Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm began the palace in 1697 after French troops destroyed his residence in Baden-Baden, with designs by the Italian architect Domenico Egidio Rossi. The court moved in around 1705. In 1714, the Peace of Rastatt was signed here, ending the War of the Spanish Succession. After World War II, about 20 major trials of Nazi-era officials took place in the Ahnensaal between 1946 and 1954. Today the palace is run by the state palaces and gardens agency of Baden-Württemberg.

What to see

• Court of honor: about 90 by 76 meters, with a garden front around 230 meters long.
• Ahnensaal (Hall of Ancestors): the largest hall, with frescoes of the margrave's ancestors and captured Ottoman soldiers.
• State rooms: Rococo stucco by sculptor Johannes Schütz.
• Palace church: visitable by guided tour only.
• Military History Museum and Freedom Museum: the Freedom Museum, which looks at freedom movements in German history, is free.

State rooms are only open on a guided tour; the standard tour runs several times a day Tuesday to Sunday. Ask at the ticket office about tour languages. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours.

Tickets and hours (as of October 2026)

April 1 to October 31: Tuesday to Thursday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday to Sunday and public holidays 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. November 1 to December 31: Tuesday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. January 1 to March 31: Thursday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1. Admission is 10 EUR (reduced 5 EUR, family 25 EUR) and includes the guided tour of the main floor and the Military History Museum. The church costs 8 EUR separately; the combined ticket for palace and church is 14 EUR. The palace garden is free during the day.

Getting there

Rastatt lies between Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden. From Rastatt station it is a 10 to 15 minute walk, or take bus 222 or 231 to "Schlossgalerie" or 232 or 235 to "Schloss". For drivers, there are 50 public paid parking spaces within walking distance. The address is Herrenstraße 18-20, 76437 Rastatt.

Good to know

Accessibility and dog rules are not stated on the pages we checked, so call the ticket office at +49 7222 978385 if you need details. For a longer day, add Schloss Favorite with the combined ticket (16 EUR).