Happy TravellerWelcome to Baden bei Wien, a picturesque spa town located just 26 km south of Vienna in Austria. Known for its famous medicinal springs and architectural testimony to the international spa culture of the 18th and 19th centuries, Baden bei Wien was recently named a transnational UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Great Spa Towns of Europe.
Geographically, Baden bei Wien is situated at the mouth of the Schwechat River’s St. Helena Valley in the Vienna Woods range. The town takes its name from its 14 hot springs, which vary in temperature from 72 to 97 °F and contain mineral salts including calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, and magnesium sulfate. These springs are caused by runoff from the Northern Limestone Alps and tectonic fissures within the Vienna Basin. The highest point in the area is the Iron Gate, whose 2,825 ft can be ascended in about three hours.
The history of Baden bei Wien dates back to the days of the Romans, who knew it by the name of Aquae Cetiae or Thermae Pannonicae. Some ruins are still visible today. The town received its legal privileges in 1480 and has since flourished despite being repeatedly sacked by Hungarians and Turks. In the 19th century, Baden bei Wien was connected to the railway running between Vienna and Graz, which led to thousands of Viennese visiting each year to take the waters, including members of the imperial family, who constructed extensive villas nearby.
Today, Baden bei Wien is easily accessible by the Süd Autobahn (A2) and has two rail stations: the Baden railway station for S-Bahn and regional trains, and the local Badner Bahn tram-train. The town is governed by Mayor Stefan Szirucsek and a city council consisting of 41 seats.
Baden bei Wien is also home to many notable people, including composer Ludwig van Beethoven, who stayed in the town several times and whose residences still form local tourist spots. Other famous residents include architect Josef Frank, painter Arnulf Rainer, and writer Marlene Streeruwitz.
Whether you’re looking to relax in the town’s famous hot springs, explore its rich history and architecture, or simply enjoy the local cuisine and culture, Baden bei Wien has something for everyone. Come visit this enchanting destination and discover why it should be on every traveler’s bucket list.
