Baden bei Wien
“The wintry peacefulness of Baden bei Wien (Baden near Vienna) on the Bellevue-Platz above the Beethoventempel, has a very special allure. From here you have a stunning view of the town with the snow-covered Kurpark creating an inviting backdrop,” enthuses Josef Dietmann.
In the picturesque wine-producing area of the Thermenregion (region of spa springs) in the Wienerwald (Viennese Forest), the elegant spa town of Baden bei Wien makes for a wonderful visit even in the colder months.
Formerly known as an imperial summer residence, Baden bei Wien is a lively centre full of art and vibrant buzz, also in autumn and winter. On a walk through the town visitors can discover imperial elegance, royal traditions and a rich cultural heritage. It is not without good reason that composers such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven found inspiration here whereby Mozart’s “Ave verum corpus” was composed in Baden bei Wien and premiered in the St. Stephen’s church.
A day trip here can quickly become a weekend if you want to see and experience all the town has to offer.
5 questions for Josef Dietmann
Josef Dietmann manages the Krainerhütte in the fourth generation and has since 2002 further developed the traditional establishment to become a specialist seminar and event hotel. The heart of the hotel is the impressive 50,000 m² Spirit Park which offers guests plenty of room for inspiration and relaxation.
| What is your favourite place? | In Baden bei Wien I particularly like the “Bellevue” Platz, just above the Beethoventempel. From here you have a wonderful view of the town and it’s also a great sunny spot surrounded by the beautiful Kurpark. |
| What do people not know about your town? | I think there is great potential here for us to present ourselves, particularly with international guests, as a cultural town with a centuries-old spa tradition. Baden bei Wien is, after all, also a UNESCO Spa City of Europe. |
| When does the town look most appealing? | I really like autumn when there are many autumn wine events with the Badener Traubenkurwochen (Baden Grape Spa Weeks) and when the Wienerwald forest puts on a stunning display of colours. |
| What would you recommend visitors do in bad weather? | In bad weather visitors should go to the Kaiser- und Beethovenhaus, an exhibition in the Arnulf-Rainer-Museum or the Römertherme spa. |
| What should visitors not miss in the local region? | In the nearby area I like to visit Stift Heiligenkreuz (Abbey of the Holy Cross and a living Cistercian monastery) . Nearby you can also visit Karmel Mayerling (a former royal hunting lodge) and drive through the picturesque Helenental valley. |
Cultural gems in Baden bei Wien
Culture enthusiasts can look forward to numerous museums such as the Beethovenhaus, the Arnulf-Rainer-Museum and the oldest museum in Lower Austria, the Rollett Museum. Complete your visit with a themed walk such as the night watchman walk and the UNESCO world heritage guided walks.
Christmas lights in the imperial city
The compact town centre of Baden bei Wien exudes a wonderful historic charm led by the gleaming Dreifaltigkeitssäule column whose golden globes shine brightly even on winter days. On a winter walk you can immerse yourself in the magic of past times: past the baroque town hall and former Kaiserhaus (closed in winter), where sweet treats such as the famous Beethoven Pralines are still made in the Imperial royal bakery.
A special highlight is the Kurpark Baden which also transforms into a glistening Christmas village once a year. At Advent im Park – Baden FAIRzaubert visitors can look forward to delicious punch and a fire pit for grilling marshmallows and sausages against a fairytale setting, just some of the many highlights. A visit should also include a stroll through the charming pedestrian zone and Hauptplatz where the Badener Advent is held. Here market stalls sell arts and crafts and culinary treats and there are also pony rides ensuring something for young and old alike.
The historic imperial town offers a wide choice of culinary options with a wealth of top restaurants and wine taverns serving regional wines and specialities sure to impress all who visit. A certain safe bet is the el Gaucho in Josefsbad, Gasthof Martinek and the Casino Restaurant Baden. Visit the casino for a touch of glitz and glamour. An excellent range of regional dishes and drinks are served in the Heurigen Kernbichler, Weinbau Schwabl "Himmelthau", Heurigen Zierer Klaudia and Weingut Fischer-Kügerl, Weinbau Ramberger and Weinbau Eitler Christian.
At the Green Markt near the Römertherme on the Brusattiplatz warming coffees, local specialities and the one or the other punch and mulled wine stand offer visitors many tempting treats. Just around the corner is the Genussmarkt (food market) which skilfully presents its wares from February to December, every Friday from 8.00 am to 1.00 pm .
