Baden near Vienna is more than just a spa town - it is a Biedermeier town with deep cultural and historical roots and a modern outlook. Located just 25 kilometres south of Vienna, on the edge of the Vienna Woods, Baden combines imperial elegance with a contemporary way of life. The 36-degree sulphur water has been flowing here since Roman times, and Beethoven, Mozart and Emperor Franz strolled through the spa gardens, which still serve as a stage for classical concerts today.
Around the casino, the Rosarium and the stately villas, a city unfolds between classicist façades and blooming gardens. The bathing tradition lives on in the Römertherme, while the Arnulf Rainer Museum sets modern accents. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, take a walk along the Beethoven Trail into the Vienna Woods or take time to admire the various rose bushes in Doblhoffpark.
Baden near Vienna has great potential to inspire international guests as a cultural city with a centuries-old spa tradition. After all, we are a UNESCO World Heritage Site among the Great Spa Towns of Europe.
The Kurpark Baden combines nature, music and history. Walking paths lead past the music pavilion, old giant trees and the Beethoven Temple with a view over the city.
In the neighbouring Doblhoffpark is the Rosarium - one of the largest in Europe with over 800 varieties of roses. Particularly impressive: the main bloom in May and June, when thousands of blossoms glow in all colours.
On hot days, the Thermalstrandbad invites you to cool off: an art nouveau bath with wave pool, sulphur water and nostalgic flair. As part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe, Baden combines spa history with contemporary relaxation - surrounded by greenery.
Three museums, three perspectives on Baden: The Arnulf Rainer Museum shows works by the internationally renowned artist - exhibited in the impressively adapted architecture of the former Frauenbad. The Beethoven House brings the composer's stay to life, while the Imperial House offers insights into the city's imperial past.
On the first Sunday of every month, a guided museum tour combines the three houses into a compact cultural experience - including a stylish lunch at the Hotel At the Park.
The approximately 4.7 km long Beethoven Panorama Trail combines nature, views and music history. The route leads from the Helenental valley via the Rauhenstein ruins and the Faberhöhe to the town centre - with views, information boards and quiet resting places along the way.
Beethoven spent many summers in Baden and appreciated idleness: "I would never have thought that I could be as lazy as I am here," he wrote. Anyone following in his footsteps today will discover both a landscape and a space for thought.
In-depth city tours and guided themed walks tell of Beethoven, Mozart and the so-called Lumpentürl, through which the nobility once slipped into the spa gardens.
Europe's largest photo festival brings around 1,500 photos to Baden near Vienna from mid-June to mid-October. Garden art and photographic art come together along a 7-kilometre open-air gallery with new themes every year, free admission and world-class imagery. The La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival is the result of an Austrian-French co-operation, and the motifs from La Gacilly are presented in Baden the following year.
Where Baden's sulphur water once bubbled up from the spring is now home to Austria's largest casino. Casino Baden is located in the historic Trinkhalle dating back to 1886 - once a meeting place for spa guests, today an elegant venue with gaming, gastronomy and culture.
Roulette, blackjack and stylish lounges are just as much a part of the experience as dinner and casino evenings, cabaret, balls and culinary events. Anyone wondering what Casino Baden used to be will find architectural history with a new lease of life between glamour, history and conviviality.
Right next door is the summer arena of Bühne Baden: an art nouveau theatre with a sliding glass roof - ideal for operettas, musicals and concerts on balmy summer evenings. The Stadttheater Baden complements the offer with a year-round programme of classical, drama and contemporary productions.
At Bellevue-Platz above the Beethoven Temple, you can feel the special magic of Baden bei Wien - with a marvellous view of the city, surrounded by the beautiful spa gardens.
