In the Hauptplatz (Main Square) is the Trinity Column, built in 1714, which commemorates the lifting of the plague that swept over Vienna and the Wienerwald in the Middle Ages. Also here are the Rathaus (tel. 02252/86800) and, at no. 17, the Kaiserhaus, Franz II's summer residence from 1813 to 1834.
Every summer between 1821 and 1823, Beethoven rented the upper floor of a modest house, above what used to be a shop on the Rathausgasse, in Baden, for about 2 weeks, hoping to find a cure for his increasing deafness. The site has been reconfigured by the city of Baden into a small museum commemorating the time he spent here, at Beethovenhaus, Rathausgasse 10 (tel. 02252/868-00230). Inside you'll find a trio of small, relatively modest rooms, furnished with one of Beethoven's pianos, his bed, several pieces of porcelain, photographs of others of his residences around the German-speaking world, some mementos, and copies of the musical folios he completed (or at least worked on) during his time in Baden. The museum is open year-round Tuesday to Friday 4 to 6pm, and Saturday and Sunday 10am to noon and 4 to 6pm. Admission is 3€ ($4.80) for adults, 1.50€ ($2.40) for students and children under 18, free for children under 6.
Among the other sights in Baden, there's a celebrated death mask collection at the Stadtisches Rolletmuseum, Weikersdorfer-Platz 1 (tel. 02252/48255). The museum possesses many items of historic and artistic interest. Furniture and the art of the Biedermeier period are especially represented. It's open Monday to Wednesday and Friday to Sunday 3 to 6pm. Admission is 3€ ($4.80) for adults and 1.50€ ($2.40) for children. To reach the museum from Hauptplatz, go south to Josefs Platz and then continue south along Vöslauer Strasse, cutting right when you come to Elisabeth Strasse, which leads directly to the square on which the museum sits.
Northeast of Hauptplatz on the Franz-Kaiser Ring is the Stadttheater (tel. 02252/48338), built in 1909, and on nearby Pfarrgasse, the 15th-century parish church of St. Stephan's (tel. 02252/48426). Inside there's a commemorative plaque to Mozart, who allegedly composed his Ave Verum here for the parish choirmaster.
The real reason to come to Baden is the sprawling and beautiful Kurpark. Here you can attend concerts, plays, and operas at an open-air theater, or try your luck at the casino. The Römerquelle (Roman Springs) can be seen gurgling from an intricate rock basin, which is surrounded by monuments to Beethoven, Mozart, and the great playwright Grillparzer. From the park's numerous paths you can view Baden and the surrounding hills.
Taking a Bath
As you might expect from waters which have attracted health-seekers for thousands of years, there are several different ways you can experience the local mineral baths. The Kurhaus (also known sometimes as the Kurzentrum), at Brussatiplatz 4 (tel. 02252/44531), in the heart of town, is a strictly medical facility, which requires doctors' appointments in advance. The less structured enterprise immediately next door (also at Brussatiplatz 4; same phone), is the Römertherme, a complex of hot mineral baths, which are open, with no reservations needed, to anyone who shows up. The Römertherme charges according to how long you spend inside. Two hours (the minimum charge) costs 9.10€ ($15), with each additional hour priced at 1.60€ ($2.60). A full day is 13€ ($21) per person, unless you opt to enter after 8pm, in which event you'll pay 4.60€ ($7.40). Access to any of the saunas inside costs an additional 3.80€ ($6.10), and access to the exercise and fitness area is 12€ ($19) per person.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
