Municipality in Lower Austria, Austria
Photo: C.Stadler/Bwag, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Baden, also known as Baden bei Wien (i.e., "Baden near Vienna") is a city in Lower Austria near Vienna with around 25,000 inhabitants. Baden is one of 11 "Great Spa Towns of Europe", a transcontinental UNESCO world heritage site.
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Burgruine Rauheneck
Built in the 12th century, the castle was besieged and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history. The final assault was made by the Turks in 1529, after which it was not rebuilt. It has been open to the public since 1810.
Burgruine Rauhenstein
Also built in the 12th century, this castle was also stormed and rebuilt many times. It was finally abandoned in the 18th century due to the 'roof tax', an annual tax based on the surface coverage of the roof.
Haus der Neunten
Beethoven spent the summers of 1821-1823 in this 16th-century house, and composed his 9th Symphony here. Five rooms are open to the public, and original writings, copies of his music, and numerous pictures document the composer's time in Baden. Also on display is a historic fortepiano.
Puppen und Spielzeugmuseum Baden
This annex building of the Biedermeier Attemsvilla houses a collection of over 1000 dolls and toys, from 1760-1950. Tours in German, English, and French are offered with prior arrangement.
This museum has displays focused on crafts, folk art, religious art, as well as weapons and uniforms, and an exhibit devoted to the early history of photography.
The internationally renowned Austrian painter Arnulf Rainer was born in Baden, and this museum hosts rotating thematic exhibits of the artist's work-to-date.
Housed in the former city hall, this collection illustrates the history of Baden, from the Neolithic period through the Roman and Medieval periods to the 20th century. Particular attention is placed on the Biedermeier period, when the city was the summer destination of the imperial family as well as illustrious politicians and artists.
Austria's largest rose garden with over 860 varieties, including specimens named 'Goldmarie' and 'Empress Elisabeth'. The roses bloom twice a year, in June and October.
Spa Park
Baden's popular spa park has 52 ha and is thus one of the largest in Europe. Next to a beautiful landscape, piece and quiet, and relaxation, the spa park also offers numerous historical attractions: a Beethoven temple, the bandstand with daily concerts during the summer, several monuments of artists and emperors, the Undine fountain and a nostalgic park café. The garden is home to a variety of semitropical plants and fascinates visitors with decorative floral ornaments. There is a smooth transition from spa park to the Austrian pine forest of Vienna Woods with its many hiking trails at Kalvarienberg.
Thermalstrandbad
In use since imperial days, this is one of the largest bathing facilities in Austria. It has an artificial sand beach, and offers the usual spa treatments as well as sporting facilities.
A Roman-style spa open year-round with hot springs and mineral waters.
The theater has been in existence since 1716; the current building dates from the Jugendstil era. Plays, musicals, and operettas are staged here.
This Jugendstil theater features a glass roof, and is used for summer productions of Baden's annual Operetta Festival. Tickets and programs are available through the Stadtheater.
This annual five-week festival celebrates chamber music, featuring mastercourses and performances by internationally-known musicians in several venues in Baden and nearby Heiligenkreuz.
Offers slot machines, roulette, and other classic casino games. Several restaurants are onsite.
Trabrennverein Baden
A traditional horse-trotting race course, in use since 1892.
A small hotel ideally located by the Spa Park, with guest rooms and apartments available. Free wi-fi, indoor pool, sauna and garden pool.
A former palace with foundations dating to the 13th century, this hotel has hosted many Austrian luminaries and royalty. Has an on-site restaurant.
Jagdhaus Schloss Schönau
Situated amidst the gardens of Castle Schönau, the castle's former hunting lodge offers 8 beds in three apartments for rent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis. Pets permitted.
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