The Turmberg (which literally means “tower hill”) is the best point for a perfect view over Karlsruhe and the surrounding area. Because of the flat surrounding countryside, you can even see as far as France. The castle, however, is rather less impressive and has since been converted into a gourmet restaurant. And don’t worry – the view is also accessible if you’re feeling lazy: a cute little cable car (the oldest funicular railway in Germany) goes straight up from the S-Bahn stop.

Karlsruhe Palace is the geographical centre of the city and the most famous sight here. Many aspects of life in Karlsruhe revolve around this, even if you don’t necessarily set foot inside.

The Palace park, to the north, is the best area for picnicking, slacklining or outdoor drinking games such as flunkyball.

For the entire month of December and early January, an outdoor skating rink is set up in front of the palace. Every autumn, the Karlsruhe Light Festival, Schlosslichtspiele, sees the castle act as a backdrop for breathtaking artistic projections.

“Mount Klotz”, as the people of Karlsruhe affectionately call it, is a grassy hill in the middle of a park, Günter-Klotz-Anlage. It’s a magnet for chillers, students and children. The hill is the centre of many festivals and events, but also a relaxing spot after a walk along the river Alb.

Fun Fact: With its 15-metre height, it is the highest point in the core area of Karlsruhe

Only a few tourists actually see this free-to-enter wildlife park. For reasons of space, it was split from the large zoo in the city centre and relocated to the middle of a nearby forest. The several-hectare site, with its dozens of outdoor enclosures, is home to many native and exotic animal species, mainly large animals from moderate to colder regions of the world – from bison to the Przewalski’s horse. Perfect for a long walk in the forest with some furry friends!

Not many people know about this nature reserve, and even fewer have been there. No wonder – who would expect to find a moor in this region, and one of the largest and most beautiful in the Lower Rhine region at that. The reserve is suitable for both smaller and larger excursions and is very easy to reach by public transport from Karlsruhe.

The Eritrean restaurant, Mogogo, not only has charm and sociable owners who enjoy chatting with customers, it also has a warm African atmosphere and inviting all passer-by to call in for a meal under its quaint thatched roof.

Our recommendation: order an African platter for the table, with an original African Mongozo beer to drink.

Almost every Karlsruhe resident agrees that this burger joint as the best in town – and rightly so. Though the restaurant is very small and looks unassuming, the burgers speak for themselves. The focus here is not on extravagance, but quality.

When Kabibi opened in Karlsruhe, it hit the student scene like a bomb. With a style that is more of a combination of Syrian and German flavours, it’s bigger, healthier and more exciting than any kebab, with lots of vegetables and good sauces. A must-try if you want something quick on the go!