Baden is one of Switzerland's oldest spa and bathing towns – the Romans called it Aquae Helveticae and valued its sulphur-rich thermal springs, which bubble from the ground at around 47°C. Today Baden combines the heritage of the historic spa town with a modern, lively urban culture. The old town with the Stein – the rocky hill above the Limmat narrows – and the historic wooden bridge has its own distinctive charm.

The Thermalbad & Spa Zurzibiet and the newer Fortyseven hotel with thermal baths have brought spa life into the 21st century. Baden is also the home of the Stapferhaus – one of Switzerland's most innovative exhibition spaces. The view from the old castle over the Limmat and the bridge street is one of the classic cityscapes of northern Switzerland.

Baden is on the railway line and accessible by S-Bahn from Zurich HB in around 20 minutes. By car, take the A1 motorway, Baden exit.