Merkur

The Merkur, also known as the Großer Staufenberg, is the local mountain of Baden-Baden. The 668 m mountain lies east of the town centre on the boundary of Baden-Baden and Gernsbach. Its summit, with an observation tower, is a popular destination that can also be reached effortlessly by funicular.

Panorama from the [Merkur summit](/en/natur-und-freizeit/merkur/) over Baden-Baden and the [Rhine plain](/en/natur-und-freizeit/rheinebene/) — Panorama from the Merkur summit over Baden-Baden and the Rhine plain

Upper station of the [Merkurbergbahn](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/merkurbergbahn/) with the [Restaurant Merkurstüble](/en/gastronomie/restaurant-merkurstueble/) — Upper station of the Merkurbergbahn with the Restaurant Merkurstüble

The votive stone on the [Merkur summit](/en/natur-und-freizeit/merkur/). — The votive stone on the Merkur summit.

The [Merkurturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/merkurturm/) on the [Merkur summit](/en/natur-und-freizeit/merkur/). In the foreground the installation "[Merkurs Würfel](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/merkurs-wuerfel/)". — The Merkurturm on the Merkur summit. In the foreground the installation “Merkurs Würfel”.

Close-up of the [Merkurturm](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/merkurturm/) with visitors on the observation platform. — Close-up of the Merkurturm with visitors on the observation platform.

A car of the [Merkurbergbahn](/en/bauwerke-und-orte/merkurbergbahn/) on the steepest section of the line below the upper station. — A car of the Merkurbergbahn on the steepest section of the line below the upper station.

Attractions on the Merkur Summit

On the Merkur, Baden-Baden’s local mountain, visitors enjoy the distant views of the surrounding summits of the Black Forest, such as the Battert, the Fremersberg, or towards the Badener Höhe with its striking Friedrichsturm. In the distant Rhine plain, you can watch the meandering Rhine glitter in the sunlight. Anyone wanting to go right to the top climbs the Merkurturm and enjoys the view from its observation platform.

At the foot of the tower there is a lawn for sunbathing. A number of deckchairs are available to visitors. As these are very popular, it can be worth bringing a blanket or a towel. Younger visitors will find a children’s playground to the south-east of the tower. There is also a barbecue area at the foot of the tower.

The installation Merkurs Würfel, made up of large stone cubes, provides information about the rock deposits found in the region.

The Restaurant Merkurstüble is housed in the upper station of the Merkur funicular. From its terrace you can carry on enjoying the magnificent view over a cool refreshment and tasty food.

Origin of the Name

The mountain is named after Mercury, the ancient Roman god of trade and commerce. The name derives from a votive stone found on the summit, which today can be viewed in the Stadtmuseum (city museum). A cast of the original stone has been placed on the summit. The mountain was originally called Großer Staufenberg. This name derives from the term Stauf for a drinking vessel. It alludes to the shape of the mountain, which resembles an upturned drinking cup.

Paragliding

There are two launch sites for paragliders on the summit. The first launch site, Merkur West, was established in 2002 and is a direct result of Cyclone Lothar at the end of 1999. The storm uprooted numerous trees, and not only in Baden-Baden. On the Merkur it created enough space for the paragliders. Since 2006 there has also been a second launch site, Merkur Nordost, which was extended again in 2015 and thereby made safer.^[1] Baden-Baden’s paragliders are organised in the Gleitschirmverein Baden e.V.. The landing meadows lie at the foot of the mountain.

Easter Egg Hunt on the Merkur

See main article Easter Egg Hunt on the Merkur

Once a year, the funicular operators invite all children to an Easter egg hunt on the Merkur.

References

↑ Article Attraktion am Himmel über Baden-Baden by Ulrich Philipp in the Badisches Tagblatt, 18 May 2015