Baden bei Wien Tourist Attractions

In the Baden bei Wien Hauptplatz (main square) is a Trinity Column (1714). Here, too, are the Rathaus (1815) and, at No. 17, the Kaiserhaus (1792), which was Francis I's summer residence 1813-34. In Frauengasse, which leads south to Josefsplatz, stands the Baroque Frauenkirche, the interior of which was remodelled in the Neo-Classical style in 1812.

Northeast of the Hauptplatz in Baden bei Wien stand the Municipal Theater (Stadttheater; 1909) and the parish church of St Stephen (15th C.), a hall church with a Baroque helm-roofed tower. Inside are many gravestones and a commemorative plaque to Mozart, who composed his "Ave Verum" for the choirmaster of this church. The picture over the high altar depicting the stoning of St Stephen is by Paul Troger.

In Baden bei Wien, to the west of the Hauptplatz by way of Rathausgasse is the Grüner Markt. The composer Ludwig van Beethoven lived at No. 10 Rathausgasse from 1821-23.

From the Grüner Markt in Baden bei Wien it is only a few yards to the Kurmittelhaus (treatment center), Hallenbad (thermal bath) and Mineralschwimmbad (mineral swimming pool). As well as baths there are facilities for underwater massage, underwater therapy, sulfur mud-packs and general massage.

West of the Baden bei Wien town center lies the Doblhoffpark, a natural park with a lake (boat hire), a garden restaurant and a rose garden. In the park stands the Schloss Weikersdorf, now the Clubhotel Baden.

In Baden bei Wien, south of Doblhoffpark, on the banks of the River Schwechat, is the large open-air thermal complex with four pools (24-33 deg C/75-91 deg F), a sandy beach and a restaurant.

To the north of Baden bei Wien, on the southern slopes of the Badener Berg, stretches the Kurpark, containing the Kongresshaus and the Arena, an open-air theater. Close by the Römerquelle (Roman Springs) gurgles forth from a rock basin. Here, too, are monuments to distinguished visitors to the spa - a temple (1927) to Beethoven, a smaller temple with a bronze bust (1961) to Mozart, busts of the playwright Grillparzer (1874) and the Emperor Joseph II (1894), together with a bronze group (1912) commemorating the composers Lanner and Strauss, who often played here. The unusual Undine Fountain, with numerous figures, was erected in 1903. There are concerts in the park throughout the year. To the north of the park are a number of paths where visitors can stroll and enjoy the view (Theresienwarte, 416m/1,365ft, 30 minutes' walk).

This international festival first began in 1978, and has since become a major event in the cultural life of the province. Events include orchestral and chamber concerts, choir performances and seminars, held in numerous well-known venues, including the Altenburg, Zwettl and Geras abbeys. There are usually 30 events, which run from mid-July to early September.

Some 15km/9mi northwest of Baden lies the old Cistercian Monastery of Heilegenkreuz; nearby is the Carmelite nunnery of Mayerling. The road to Heiligenkreuz and Mayerling runs through the forest-fringed Helenental, the valley of the River Schwechat.

This international meeting of military bands was first held in Baden in 1995. The event begins with a "Spring Parade" featuring bands from Austria and other European countries. Venues for the various concerts include the Baden Race Course and the Ceremonial Hall of the Congress.

The theater hosts numerous performances throughout the year. It is an important landmark in Baden, where operettas have been considered a tradition for almost 300 years.

This annual festival takes place in the Rosarium.

Children will enjoy the puppet museum in Baden bei Wien.