Nestled on the Rhine Plain about an hour from Frankfurt, the historic town of Karlsruhe was established nearly 300 years ago by Margrave Charles William, who designed a city layout like Paris, with streets radiating outward from the central point of his palace. The design so impressed 18^th-century French-American military engineer and city planner Pierre L’Enfant, it factored into L’Enfant’s city design for Washington, D.C.

Karlsruhe is the location of the ZKM Center for Art and Media, regarded as one of the world’s foremost art institutions. Exhibits are housed in ZKM, once a munitions factory. The enormous space includes interactive computer-based exhibitions, video works and music installations, along with paintings and sculptures. Next year marks the institution’s 30^th anniversary, celebrated with a special “Writing the History of the Future” exhibition, focusing on socially relevant developments from an artistic, international point of reference.

While you’re in Karlsruhe, get outside and enjoy the scenery with a daytrip to the Northern Black Forest to experience the WILDLINE suspension bridge in the nearby spa town of Bad Wildbad. The pedestrian bridge, which slopes upward along the middle section, connects to a treetop walkway above the forest, offering dazzling and dramatic views of the countryside.

ZKM Center for Art and Media ©
Karlsruhe Tourismus GmbH