In a big city like Vienna, there’s always something going on, and as much as we appreciate this vibrancy, it can also be exhausting at times. Every now and then, you simply need a bit of wellness to relax, e.g., at a spa or thermal bath. The best way to combine your little break with a trip to the surrounding area is to truly unwind, for example, in Baden near Vienna. The spa town in the Vienna Woods is the ideal oasis of tranquility, which even the Habsburgs and Austria’s composers knew how to appreciate.
Millennia-old sulfur springs
Baden bei Wien lies on the so-called “Thermal Line” and is considered one of Europe’s most significant spa towns. Even the Romans appreciated the hot sulfur springs and gave the town the name Aquae. The water comes from a total of fourteen springs, which are the most sulfur-rich in the country.
The town has retained its significance as a spa resort over the millennia and has also been very popular with the Austrian population. Composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven were frequent guests here. It is documented that Mozart composed parts of The Magic Flute in Baden, and Beethoven created the fourth movement of his 9th Symphony here—today’s European anthem, “Ode to Joy.”
The nobility also appreciated Baden bei Wien. Emperor Franz I established his summer residence here, and even Napoleon spent time in the spa town, as his wife lived there. During the March Revolution, the Habsburgs fled to Baden, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the “Imperial City.” It is also the birthplace of significant Austrian artists and cultural figures such as Katharina Schratt and Max Reinhardt.
Baden bei Wien: Biedermeier & Spas
Since a fire in 1812, Baden’s architecture has been strongly influenced by the Biedermeier style. The cityscape is very elegant, living up to its name as the “Imperial City.” Among the sights is the casino, which is located right on the edge of the spa gardens and replaces the old Theresienbad. Cultural events such as concerts and balls are held here regularly. In addition , there are many other buildings worth seeing, such as City Hall, the aqueduct, and the castles. In Beethoven’s former residence, you’ll find a museum today where you can learn more about the composer’s life and work.
Since 2021, Baden bei Wien has been one of the 11 most significant spa towns in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. That’s why you simply can’t visit the town without taking a dip yourself. At the Römertherme, you can swim in sulfur-rich water, sweat it out in the sauna, and treat yourself to a massage. Those who prefer a more active experience can join the Aqua Fitness classes. In the summer, visit the Thermalstrandbad, one of the largest water parks in all of Austria, and stroll along the country’s longest sandy beach.
