Hot, hotter, the hottest. Once again, the heatwave hits us at almost 40°C! If like me you are about to boil over, consider taking a cool break. Many are the options – I suggest Baden near Vienna. Why? Because you can combine culture, “Kaiserschmarren” & cool summer activities all in one visit.
The city of Baden, just a stone’s throw away from the capital city of Vienna, breathes the cool air of the nearby Vienna Forests. The emperor himself already knew to appreciate this: Now, it is our turn.
The city of Baden is alive with the spirit of its imperial heyday. Mighty estates and villas are dotted around town, and we feel no less impressed by the historic atmosphere of our own accommodation, Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf. The former castle offers a view of the local rose garden, called “Badener Rosarium” counting more than 30.000 (!) individual roses! Fortunately for us, the mighty stone walls of the castle keep the air nice and cool, while all rooms and spa areas have been kept deliberately modern – a perfect combination if you ask me. Check this out.
Welcome to Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf in Baden near Vienna ..
… a welcoming, and above all, “cool” atmosphere.
From our room, we catch a glimpse of the many thousand roses in the “Rosarium” rose garden of Baden …
… as well as during breakfast out on the historic stone terrace.
The modern spa pool is all ours and has us start the day in (cool) style …
… however what definitely impresses me most is this mighty inner courtyard, the centre piece of the former Weikersdorf Palace now turned hotel & event location.
Feeling good here is largely due to the welcoming nature and “castle spirit” Monika Baumann, who loves to show us around her palace!
Right from Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf, we are led on a refreshing hike of a kind: Local guide Günther knows the way to stay in the shade!
The large expanse of the Vienna Forests truly succeeds in working as a natural air con, lowering the temperature a pleasant few degrees. Our guide Günther has deliberately chosen a shady forest path, still offering us perfect views of the surrounding palace landscape of Baden as well as Vienna and Hungary. If after an hour or two, you feel the urgent need for a beer or light summer wine, check out the local “Hauswiese” tavern for a true example of Lower Austrian countryside charm.
Off on our hike right from our accommodation at Hotel Schloss Weikersdorf …
… we bypass the local beach pools “Strandbad” Baden …!
… for a view of the mighty castle ruins across the local Vienna Forests …
… whose climbing …
… rewards us with perfect views across the land surrounding Baden and all the way to Vienna.
Coming back down to Baden is meeting the charm of old, as expressed by impressive estate buildings …
… leading the way to our refreshments …
… at the “Hauswiese” local pub & restaurant!
Baden itself has a lot to offer, of course. Listen for the traces of Mozart & Beethoven, who loved to compose world-class music in Baden; or even the old tales about the Romans & emperors taking you back many centuries. Traces of its eventful history spanning several millennia are what make Baden unique. You can easily call it one of the most beautiful cities of Austria (and that’s me saying, living in one of the most beautiful cities myself – Krems by the Danube river! 😉 ).
And did you know that the “Imperial Baking Shop” of Baden loves to host visitors to an open-air “Kaiserschmarren” cooking demo? Despite the heat, watching the Kaiserschmarren master do his foodie thing is clearly worth you while …
Taking a walk around Baden near Vienna …
… we follow the traces of the famous composers Mozart …
… as well as Beethoven: “I never thought in my whole life that I could be as lazy as I was here”, he is quoted to have said about his time in Baden.
Only a little later, history comes alive listening to the famous story of the Austrian “Kaiserschmarren” …
… a dish served best with roasted plum chutney and forever famous due to its name and (sweet) nature!
Last but not least, do not miss a visit to Baden Casino: “Cuisino”, clubbings & more are waiting for you!
In my last blog post, I have already shared with you the magic of the annual white party taking place in the city of Baden, called #BadenInWeiss. The Baden Casino is always worth your visit, especially where a combination called “Dinner & Casino” including the light summer cuisine of the restaurant Cuisino is concerned.
Cooling down from the summer heat at the “Cuisino Baden” …
… we feel ready to take on the world (of Casino games) …
… spoiled all the way to locally-inspired summer desserts …
… we check out the casino: Local tourism director Klaus Lorenz is definitely luckier than I am …
… and loves to spend a toast on us during the following morning picnic in the rose garden!
Love the local specialities of our picnic arrangement …
… enjoy your meal with local delights from in and around Baden!
Check out more colourful travel tips & inspiring photography or videos about Baden here:
- Monika & Petar Fuchs: “TravelWorldOnline“: “Sommer-Bilder aus Baden bei Wien” & “Stilvolles Hotel Herzoghof Baden nahe dem Casino Baden“
- Monique Hasselbach: “Teilzeitreisender“
- Angelika Mandler: “Wiederunterwegs“: “Der Herzoghof in Baden: Hoteltipp für eine Überlandpartie” & “Gute Gründe für eine Überlandpartie – Nach Baden bei Wien.“
- Jessica Koch: “Fernweh und so“: “Das süße Nichtstun in Baden bei Wien” & “Gib schon her den Schmarren! – Eine ganz besondere Show in Baden bei Wien“
- Christina Leuthner & Thomas Posch: “City Sea Country: Genussreisetipps für Baden bei Wien” & “Mountain Biking im Wienerwald: Die Lindkogel-Strecke von Baden aus“
- Katja Wegener: “Wellspa-Portal“
- Tanja Klindworth: “Wellnessbummler”
- Denise Steiner: “Over The Top by Chris – Baden In Weiss” & “What to do in Baden bei Wien”
Disclaimer: We have been invited by Casino Urlaub as well as the city of Baden for an experience of #BadenInWeiss. All opinions are my own.