City portrait
From the Baden residence to the center of the technology region
Karlsruhe has many faces and looks back on a rather young city history of over 300 years. The quality of life is high and the region is booming. With around 313,000 inhabitants, Karlsruhe is a city that can be described as a "think tank with a way of life". Deepen your knowledge of Karlsruhe - there's always more to learn!
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Karlsruhe was founded more than 300 years ago by Margrave Karl-Wilhelm von Baden. Legend has it that he was overcome in his sleep by a vision of a star-shaped city. The idea of the "fan" was born.
The foundation stone for today's fan-shaped city of Karlsruhe was laid on June 17, 1715. The center is the baroque Residential Palace, to which 32 streets lead in a radial pattern. A princely, Baden residence that has already inspired Voltaire, Goethe, Napoleon and Heinrich von Kleist.
A city without walls, open to friends and guests - this is how Karlsruhe presented itself from the very beginning. And that has not changed to this day.
Unique layout, university and residence of law
The unique floor plan in particular - the fan - caused a worldwide sensation. Master builder Weinbrenner created the numerous neoclassical buildings that still attract visitors from all over the world today. In 1823, the city's landmark - the pyramid - was erected. In 1825, the Technical University opened its doors and is now known as KIT - Karlsruhe Institute of Technology. In 1950, the Federal Court of Justice moves to Karlsruhe, followed a year later by the Federal Constitutional Court. Karlsruhe becomes the home of German federal jurisdiction.
Since the Federal Garden Show in 1967, Karlsruhe has earned the honorary title of "city in the countryside" and has continued to build on it ever since.
The Baden metropolis with its almost 300,000 inhabitants lives up to the promise of its unique urban layout: the sunny side of life comes together here! The southern climate is accompanied by lifestyle, culinary delights and an incomparable atmosphere in more than 800 hectares of parks and green spaces. -
You can find important data about Karlsruhe here at a glance.
Karlsruhe, the former capital of Baden, is located in the southwest of Germany, on the western edge of Baden-Württemberg. Situated on the Rhine, the city borders Rhineland-Palatinate to the northwest. As the crow flies, it is just 4 km to the French border.
Geographical data
Location: 8° 24' 18" east longitude and 49° 00' 54" north latitude (castle tower). The 49th parallel runs south of the Stadtgartensee. The urban area has an area of 173.49 km² and extends 16.8 km in a north-south direction and 19.3 km in an east-west direction. The city boundary is 82.4 km long, 11.5 km of which are along the Rhine.
Climate
Karlsruhe's climate is very pleasant. Due to its location in the Rhine plain, protected by the low mountain ranges, Karlsruhe is the second warmest city in Germany with an average of 20 °C in summer. Alongside Freiburg, the fan-shaped city is also the city with the most days of sunshine per year (approx. 140). The incomparable atmosphere in the parks and green spaces also contributes to the southern flair: Almost 60% of the surface area is covered in greenery.
Height
The market square in the center of Karlsruhe is 114.9 m above sea level. The lowest point in the city is 100.0 m above sea level at the Rhine near the oil port, while the highest point is 322.7 m above sea level at the animal enclosure in the high-altitude district of Grünwettersbach.
Population
Karlsruhe has around 313,000 inhabitants, 51 percent of whom are female.
Karlsruhe - City of Law
For over 75 years
As the "seat of justice", Karlsruhe is also symbolic of the modern, democratic constitutional state of Germany.
"Karlsruhe has many faces, every third one belongs to a judge", as the saying goes: almost 400 professional judges work at the courts based in Karlsruhe.
Karlsruhe in good shape
As the seat of the highest courts, Karlsruhe stands like no other city for the modern democratic constitutional state of Germany. This is also where the Federal Constitutional Court - the only constitutional body outside the federal capital Berlin - has been monitoring compliance with the constitution since 1951.
Places of law
The highest German legal institutions are based here in the fan-shaped city: the Federal Constitutional Court, the Federal Court of Justice and the Office of the Attorney General of Germany. Many important decisions bear the title "Karlsruhe judgment" and the whole of Germany looks to Karlsruhe when they are announced. There are also numerous other important institutions located here.
Here you have the opportunity to get an overview of all the institutions located in Karlsruhe that are related to the topic of law.
Milestones in the history of law
Karlsruhe is symbolic of the "residence of law". In addition to the Federal Constitutional Court, the Federal Court of Justice and the Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Court of Justice are also based here. The fan-shaped city is representative of our modern, democratic constitutional state.
But long before the founding of the Federal Republic of Germany, Karlsruhe and the Baden region were among the pioneers in the development of our current understanding of the law.
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When the town was founded, Margrave Wilhelm von Baden-Durlach laid down rights for the inhabitants of his new town in a letter of privilege that was far ahead of its time. Among other things, the citizens of the town were granted religious freedom and 20 years of tax exemption.
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In this year, Karl Friedrich took over the government as Margrave of Baden-Durlach. During his reign, important legal matters were passed. Among other things, serfdom and torture were abolished. In addition, the way was paved for the independence of the judiciary.
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The First Baden Constitution was adopted. The constitution, signed by Grand Duke Karl Ludwig Friedrich, was long regarded as one of the most progressive constitutions in Europe.
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The Ständehaus is opened. It is the first parliament building designed for this purpose in the German Confederation.
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As in many regions of Central Europe, a revolution took place in Baden in 1848. The revolutionary leaders demanded the abolition of princely rule and the establishment of a republic.
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The Baden Administrative Court was the first independent administrative court in Germany.
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The first German girls' grammar school opens: the Lessing-Gymnasium.
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Germany's highest legal institutions take up their work and are based in Karlsruhe: the Federal Constitutional Courtthe Federal Court of Justice and the Federal Public Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice (ugs. Federal Public Prosecutor's Office).
Nature City Karlsruhe
Nature is at home in Karlsruhe and the region! Green, fair, sustainable - discover it now.
Karlsruhe is part of the Central/North Black Forest Nature Park and the diverse nature in Karlsruhe and the region invites you to discover and experience the countryside.
Out and about in the
Karlsruhe countryside
With six nature reserves Karlsruhe offers plenty of green spaces to discover. Whether on foot through the city or by bike, explore Karlsruhe and the region. Or discover more tips & ideas for your experience in Karlsruhe. Have fun exploring!
Excursion destinations in the
region
Nature is closer than you think! Great destinations such as the Kraichgau, the Palatinate Forest and the Alb Valley await you around Karlsruhe - perfect for your next bike tour. But it's not just cycling fans who get their money's worth here: the region also invites you to go on hiking tours, climbing adventures, rounds of golf and much more - nature is waiting for you!
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The Palatinate, a region full of scenic diversity, offers numerous opportunities for excursions into nature. Explore the idyllic hiking trails of the Palatinatewhich take you through rolling hills, forests and vineyards - ideal for hikers looking for peace and spectacular views. For cycling fans, the Southwest Palatinate offers a wide variety of cycle tours from relaxed routes through charming villages to challenging routes through the countryside. Whether on foot or by bike - unforgettable experiences await you in the Palatinate in one of Germany's most beautiful regions.
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The Kraichgau-Stromberg region offers a wide variety of excursion destinations for nature lovers and active vacationers. Discover the picturesque region on the numerous cycling and hiking toursthat lead through rolling hills, forests and vineyards. Hiking is a real experience here - the Hiking happiness Kraichgau offers perfectly signposted routes for every level. For those who prefer something a little more unusual Segway tour through Sinsheim explore the area on two wheels. The Stromberg-Heuchelberg Nature Park is a delight with its idyllic landscape and invites you to take a relaxing break in nature. The Kraichgau-Stromberg is ideal for both active and relaxed excursions!
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The Alb Valley is a paradise for active vacationers and nature lovers. Discover idyllic cycling and hiking tours through the gentle landscape or enjoy the wide range of Nordic walking offer. Exciting geotours bring you closer to the geological history of the region. Golf enthusiasts will find first-class courses in the Alb Valleywhile adventure seekers can have fun climbing fun on the Falkenstein on the Falkenstein rocks. The Alb Valley combines activity and relaxation in a unique way!
Sports city Karlsruhe
Top-class sport in Karlsruhe
German champions, cup winners and Olympic medalists: Karlsruhe is home to impressive sporting successes. As a venue for major sporting events and a talent factory for the athletes of tomorrow, Karlsruhe has established itself as a multifaceted sports city.
Soccer
Founded in 1894, Karlsruher SC stands for soccer tradition.
With over 11,000 members, it is the largest club in the fan-shaped city and, for many, a symbol of their love of and attachment to their homeland.
Competitive sports
Since 1987, the City of Karlsruhe has been promoting selected sports according to the Karlsruhe Competitive Sports Concept in order to value competitive sport and enable it to catch up with national and international top-class sport.
Olympic sports
Karlsruhe can also boast a number of talents and even Olympic hopefuls in other Olympic sports.
Sporting events and competitions in Karlsruhe
Running, cycling and more - join in and get active yourself!
If you don't just want to be a spectator but want to get active yourself, you can compete against others in competitions.
