The Merkur is the easiest way to get above Baden-Baden — a steep funicular climbs from the eastern edge of town to a 668-metre summit with a viewing terrace, a paragliding launch point, and a couple of restaurants. The views look down on the town and out across the Rhine valley to the Vosges in France.
The summit is also the start of several Black Forest walking trails, including a popular ridge route to the Ebersteinburg castle ruins. A round trip takes a couple of hours including time at the top; bring a jacket as the temperature drops noticeably even on a warm day in town.