Baden bei Wien, a relatively unknown but diverse jewel in the middle of the "green lung" of the Vienna Woods and idyllic vineyards in Lower Austria. The former imperial city attracts with a mild climate, wonderfully pure air, impressive Biedermeier architecture and beautifully landscaped parks for recreation. Baden is easy to reach from Vienna, about 30 km away, and offers the perfect combination of activities and relaxation. What you can experience here, I have found out for you!
Baden bei Wien: 11 tips for the imperial city& the idyllic Vienna Woods
A walk through the imperial city center
Baden is associated with various terms, which already illustrate its versatility: Music, flowers, wine, Biedermeier, imperial times, but also sulfur springs. I start my city trip with Christine at my hotel At the Park, directly at the Kurpark.
The city center is manageable, and so we quickly reach the main square with the Holy Trinity Column, whose golden sphere shines in the light of the autumn sun, the town hall in Biedermeier style as well as the former imperial house. Here in the imperial Farm bakery today, just as it was 200 years ago, by Herwig Gasser sweet sins in the form of cakes, chocolates and Co. manufactured. You can also find the Beethoven chocolates famous for Baden here.
Besides, in Cafe Central, I feel taken back to the time of the time-honored coffeehouses because of the typical 50’s furnishing.
Arnulf Rainer Museum, Romertherme& Beethovenhaus
Next stop is the Arnulf Rainer Museum at the Josefsplatz, under which three of the fourteen warm sulfur springs rise. So it is not surprising that the building was once a women’s bathroom. Today it is a place for events and art, where the old original bathing cabins are still preserved and the former pools have been uncovered. This development from an original bath to a museum is unique in the world, and the image of women sitting in the water here with ankle-length bathing costumes comes into my mind’s eye. Until 1973 the bathers frolicked here.
Today, by the way, only three of the hot sulfur springs, whose water is supposed to help with various diseases, are still in use. The rest flows into the Schwechat.
Next we pay a visit to the Green Market near the Romerbad a visit from. Local specialties, fresh fruit and refreshing drinks are offered in the small stores here. A little later I settle down in front of one of the nice cafes for a coffee and a Nussbeugerl, before it for me to relax in the sauna world of the Roman spa goes.
As the "City of the European Anthem", Baden bei Wien can boast a number of famous composers on its list of visitors. Beethoven, Mozart and the Strauss family are to be mentioned here. Beethoven regularly spent the summer in Baden between 1803 and 1825 and wrote here, among other things, the 9. Symphony with the world-famous "Ode to Joy. His room in the Beethovenhaus can be visited today.
Local delicacies& the casino in Baden near Vienna
Culinary in Baden really everyone gets his money’s worth. From rustic Heurigen (wine taverns) to cozy inns to gourmet cuisine, your taste buds will be pampered according to your preferences. Local classics, but also modern dishes are served in the Restaurant Edelsberger on the menu. The charm of the old inn, which has been lovingly renovated and furnished with a trendy touch, inspires me even from a distance.
One of the biggest positive surprises for me is the visit to the Baden Casino. It is the largest in Austria and second largest in Europe. After enjoying an excellent 4-course menu I may try my luck at the gaming table. Already when entering the casino I feel the very special atmosphere. The ball at the roulette table circles over the numbers, at the separate poker table people smoke and ponder. I decide for Black Jack.
Luck is on my side, so in the end I leave the historic building beaming and happy with doubled effort. What fun!
This experience has shown me once again that one should simply try things that at first glance do not cause any enthusiasm. The menu, welcome chips worth 20 euros, a glass of Frizzante at the casino bar and an overnight stay including breakfast are offered, for example, by the Hotel At The Park for 147 euros. Ideal therefore also for a short trip from Vienna.
Beethoven Temple& Theresienwarte in the beautiful Vienna Woods
My hike starts at the spa park, because immediately behind it already begins the 105.645 hectares of Vienna Woods with its many hiking trails. Theoretically, one could hike from here to Vienna in the course of a day tour. About the Beethoven temple, from which one enjoys a magnificent view of Baden, I enter the peace of the forest. The Wienerwald is a mixed forest, from whose pines, among other things, resin for violin bows and paints was once extracted.
Via the Rudolfshof I reach after about 40 minutes the Theresienwarte, which offers me a fantastic view over the Vienna Basin and the seemingly endless Vienna Woods. Adjacent to it are the lush green vines, which run their course through the landscape as if drawn with a ruler. In the past, 400 winegrowers cultivated the precious juice here in the Vienna Basin, which was once covered by the sea. Today there are only 40.
The highest gallows of Austria& the beautiful Cafe Blickweit
At the place of the Theresienwarte enthroned in the Middle Ages the highest gallows of the country, but from which only one robber chief was hanged in 1466. Already in 1912 this picturesque viewing platform was built, then renovated last year. I can hardly tear myself away from the fantastic panorama, but the way home through the forest, which was already laid out in the Biedermeier era, is almost as beautiful.
On the advice of my guide Hansi, I try the slightly sour cornel cherries, from which schnapps and jam are made. A tasty snack for in between!
At Cafe Blickweit, I enjoy the wide, fascinating view of the valley while sipping a delicious cappuccino at the Emperor Franz Josef Museum. Passing rugged limestone cliffs on one side and the green Vienna Woods on the other, interspersed with white, partly majestic villas, the route now heads downhill toward Baden.
the lovely Helenental& the Doblhoffpark in Baden near Vienna
You can also get active along the Helenentals. Walking, hiking, biking or climbing, you decide. I grab an e-bike from the tourist information and cycle the idyllic path along the river. It leads through the peaceful Vienna Woods to the Cistercian Abbey Stift Heiligenkreuz.
The beer garden there under old chestnut trees is wonderful for a short or extended stop with a refreshing drink and a local specialty. Maybe you are lucky enough to listen to the world-famous Gregorian chants of the monks living there. A beautiful place for walking, relaxing and picnicking is the Rosarium in Doblhoff Park, the largest in Austria. 30.000 plants and over 800 varieties spread their enchanting fragrance and romantic flair in this park.
I can’t decide which one I find the most beautiful, but the full, plump roses with subtle color gradients attract me magically.
Another highlight in the Doblhoffpark is the gigantic 200 year old plane tree, which stretches its branches for meters. My favorite, however, is the sequoia tree with its root-like trunk and soft, silky leaves. If you are interested in some culture, in the former Orangery of the park there are regular readings and concerts. From here you can walk across the narrow, winding Schlossergasschen and the Gutenbrunn Park walk back to the city center. In the former there is also a small, cozy cafe that offers the popular Baden coffee sweets, which have been around since 1809.
My tip: In summer, yoga and Tai-Chi are offered free of charge at the Rosarium. Just register at the tourist information and you will experience an unforgettable hour surrounded by a delicately fragrant sea of roses.
The pleasure mile: Wine& Delicacies between vineyards
The longest bar in the world takes place every year on two weekends in September as part of the Genussmeile (enjoyment mile). Around 80 winegrowers from the Wienerwald region entice visitors with regional wine products and other specialties along 16 km of the first Viennese water pipeline. Kasekrainer (sausages), traditional Heurigen bread, Brettljause (snacks) or Palatschinken (pancakes) and much more will spoil your palate.
We hike from Bad Voslau to Modling. From stall to stall or even from wine to wine, storm or must and this until nightfall. You don’t have to cover the whole distance of the Genussmeile, but you can also enjoy only a part of it and take a shuttle back at the end.
The variety of wines is great. While Rotgipfler and Zierfandler are only available here, you can also choose from well-known names such as Chardonnay, Riesling, Burgundy or Pinot Noir. By the way, if you are the owner of a lederhosen or a dirndl, you can wear it here!
Sweet wine& a dream view from the Kugelberg
My first stop is the Kugelberg, which offers a wonderful panoramic view. It’s about halay along the route, and the view is really a dream – especially as the weather on this day is just perfect. 26 degrees, and I’m beaming with the late summer sun.
With my first white wine spritzer (Gspritzter) I treat myself to a tasty juicy burger. At a small stand with sweet temptations I can just resist, before I become weak a little later with the delicious Punschkrapfen, which I already know from my visit in Vienna.
With a well satiated stomach I move on. Passing green vineyards, the vines full of ripe, tempting grapes, I pass rustic stalls, tables occupied by wine lovers, bales of straw and a herd of llamas watching the spectacle curiously. With a Pinot Noir I settle down on a wooden pallet, which was converted into seats, and enjoy my glass of excellent red wine with a wonderful view.
After another relaxing little hike, I finish with a last speciality, the Sturm (in Germany Federweiber). The drink between grape juice and wine tastes very sour and slightly fermented for my taste, therefore not quite my taste. Back to the starting point is then typical rural in the tractor trailer.
Hotel Baden near Vienna: wonderful sleep& feel good
Especially in summer, the location of At The Park Hotel in the heart of the city is a real highlight. Here you sleep with a direct view of the historic Kurpark and the opulent building of the casino.
During my stay, I was able to sunbathe a bit on my balcony in the afternoons and even enjoyed a classical concert twice, which took place in the park and filled my room with wonderful sounds. In the park, by the way, you also come across a spring from which the "yellow gold", Baden’s sulfur water, flows.
Outside simple in 70s style, inside modern – in this hotel feel-good moments like at home are guaranteed. The healthy, rich breakfast with local specialties and a really great, exotic variety of fruits promises a perfect start to the day and is the optimal prerequisite for an extensive exploration of the city and the Vienna Woods.
As you can see, Baden near Vienna really has a lot to offer and is suitable both as a side trip from Vienna and for a trip on its own. Have you ever been to the Wienerwald region and do you have any further tips?? Then I am very happy about your comment here on our travel blog!
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About Author
Hi, I’m Nina. For me, travel means freedom, happiness and unforgettable moments. I have been particularly fascinated by Iceland, New Zealand, South Africa and Bali.