Doblhoffpark – Rosarium Baden

What is Doblhoffpark and where is it located?

Doblhoffpark is an 8-hectare public park in the town of Baden bei Wien (Lower Austria, about 35 km south of Vienna). It was originally the castle gardens of Schloss Weikersdorf (later called Schloss Doblhoff). Today it is best known for its Rosarium (rose garden) but also includes lawns, fountains and a lake. The park’s main entrance is on Pelzgasse street in Baden’s Kurviertel (spa district), near the pedestrian area of the old town.

What is the Rosarium Baden famous for?

The Rosarium is famous as Austria’s largest rose garden. It holds roughly 30,000 roses and hundreds of varieties, creating a spectacular flower show. It is also known for its annual Rose Days festival in June, which turns the garden into a cultural celebration of the rose. Its combination of scale, variety and free admission makes it a standout attraction.

How many rose varieties are in the Rosarium?

There are on the order of 600–900 varieties of roses in the Rosarium. Official figures often cite “over 800” varieties, while visitor guides have listed about 860. In practice, new roses are added periodically, so the exact count can change. What’s clear is that the park contains hundreds of named cultivars – many more than most home gardens. Highlights include rare historical roses and prize-winning modern hybrids.

When is the best time to visit Doblhoffpark Rosarium?

The best time is summer. Most roses bloom in June (their first flush) and there is often a second bloom in late August or September. Tourism information explicitly recommends planning a visit in June or early September to see the garden at its peak. Outside these months, only a few varieties bloom (for example, early spring bushes or late autumn bloomers). If you want to experience the “rosiest” display, aim for mid-June when virtually every bed is in flower and cultural events are happening.

Are there any entrance fees or opening hours?

Admission is free. The Rosarium is open to the public every day of the year. There are no gates or ticket offices – visitors simply walk in. (During hours of darkness the park is unlit and not officially patrolled, so it’s essentially open dawn to dusk.) In practice, the park never “closes” for the season; it merely has no flowers to see in winter. The Café Doblhoffpark and other amenities have their own hours, but the grounds are always accessible.

What events take place at the Rosarium (e.g., Rose Days)?

The main event is Badener Rosentage (Rose Days) each June. During Rose Days the park hosts guided tours, horticultural lectures and large floral displays (notably an exhibition of rose arrangements in the Orangery). Other occasional events include evening “moonlight picnics” with live music among the roses, and thematic weekends (e.g. breakfast or yoga in the garden). The park also participates in city-wide arts events: for example, summer photo exhibitions and art markets have appeared on the lawn. Meanwhile, concerts and festivals in the adjacent Kurpark and spa gardens complement any Rosarium visit.

Is the park family-friendly?

Yes. Doblhoffpark is very family-friendly. It has a large playground near the main rose beds, open lawns for games and kite-flying, and the pond offers safe boating for children. Visitors can bring snacks or picnics – there are dedicated picnic areas on the grass. Strollers and bikes are welcome on the flat paths. Informational signs and scavenger-hunt sheets (during Rose Days) entertain kids. Parents appreciate the park’s clean, well-maintained facilities and the sense that children can run freely on the lawns.

Are there dining options or cafes in/near the park?

Yes. The primary cafe is Café Restaurant Doblhoffpark (Pelzgasse 1), located right by the lake. It offers a full menu of meals, snacks and drinks, and is open daily (roughly 10:00–21:00). Outdoor tables face the pond, providing a lovely view. Another option is the Park Café in the spa gardens, a short walk away, serving coffee, pastries and ice cream. For a casual meal, many visitors simply enjoy a packed picnic under the roses (picnicking is explicitly permitted). In summer, event weekends may also feature food booths or trucks in the park.

Is the park accessible for people with disabilities?

Yes. All the main paths in Doblhoffpark are level and firm (compact gravel), making them suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Pelzgasse entrance has a gentle ramp from the street. The Café and restroom at the park are on ground level. Signage is clear, and many visitors report the park is very easy to navigate for wheelchair users. (If you need assistance or a guided tour, the Baden tourist office can help arrange it.) Overall, the park is considered “suitable for wheelchairs”.

Can you take photographs in the Rosarium?

Absolutely – photography is welcomed everywhere. The garden is a popular subject for both amateur and professional photographers. There are no restrictions on camera use, and visitors often capture the sweeping rose vistas or macro shots of individual blooms. (Some trips may bring video equipment; check locally if you plan a large production. For casual stills, you are free to snap away.) The combination of natural light, colorful roses and historical architecture makes for excellent photo opportunities.

What is the history of Doblhoffpark and the Rosarium?

Doblhoffpark’s story is tied to Schloss Weikersdorf. The estate’s gardens were first cultivated in the 13th century, later belonging to the Doblhoff family. It became a public garden in the 1800s, complete with ornamental ponds and promenades. By the 1960s the grounds were under city control. In 1967–1969, landscape architect Viktor Mödlhammer (with help from the national gardeners’ association) transformed the old castle park into the Rosarium. The rose garden was inaugurated on July 12, 1969, using plant material donated by the growers’ association. Since then the city has maintained and expanded it, blending modern rose cultivation with restoration of historic park features.

How do you get to Doblhoffpark Rosarium by public transport?

Public transit is convenient. From Vienna take a regional train (S-Bahn or REX) to Baden bei Wien (about 30–40 minutes). From Baden station it’s about a 10–15 minute walk up Pelzgasse to the park’s entrance. Alternatively, the Vienna “Casino Bus” (line 360) runs from the State Opera House straight to Baden and stops at “Pelzgasse” in front of the Rosarium. Local buses within Baden (lines 364, 365, etc.) also serve the spa area. Taxis and shuttle services operate from the train station as well.

Are guided tours available?

Guided tours are offered periodically. During the Rose Days festival (June) the park schedules group tours and talks. You can ask at Baden’s tourist office about booking a private tour; they sometimes organize expert guides for garden clubs or student groups. The park itself provides a self-guided experience via informational signs and maps. In short, while casual visitors usually explore independently, knowledgeable guides can be arranged upon request.

What other attractions are nearby?

Many. The Rosarium is adjacent to Baden’s Kurpark (spa gardens), which features the Beethoven Temple, Musikpavillon and the decorative Undine Fountain. Just outside the park are the spa promenades, casinos and the main pedestrian shopping street. Baden’s famous thermal springs and bath complex are a 5-minute walk up the hill. The Helenental valley, with its hiking trails, is just behind town. Cultural attractions like the Römertherme (Roman bath museum) and local wine taverns are also within a short stroll. In short, one day can easily include the rose garden, spa visit and city sightseeing.

What awards has Rosarium Baden won?

Baden as a town has won major awards (such as the Entente Florale city-gardening gold medal in 2005). The Rosarium itself has been featured by international rose societies. For example, the World Federation of Rose Societies has highlighted it in documents on Austria’s gardens of excellence. In practice, the garden’s strongest endorsement is that it meets international standards of botanical curation, as evidenced by ongoing mentions in horticultural publications. Visitors can safely assume it meets high quality criteria.

What is the significance of the Orangery?

The Orangery is the park’s historic greenhouse and event hall. It was built as a Baroque conservatory for citrus trees and has now been beautifully restored. Its significance today is twofold: architecturally, it is an elegant centerpiece (and, according to sources, Baden’s only Baroque building in a public park). Culturally, it serves as the stage for exhibitions: during Rose Days, florists fill the Orangery with elaborate rose displays. Its old-world charm also provides an atmospheric backdrop for photos and concerts. In essence, the Orangery links the park’s imperial past with its present-day festival role.

Are pets allowed in the park?

Yes. Dogs on a leash are permitted throughout Doblhoffpark. In fact, local guides explicitly note that pets may stroll in the Rosarium. (Owners should, of course, keep pets from trampling beds and clean up after them.) No special permit is needed for a family dog. Service animals are also welcome. The general rule is to treat pets as you would in any public garden – on leash and under control.

Is parking available?

Parking is available nearby but limited. There is a small paid lot by the lake (behind Café Doblhoff) for short-term visitors. For most guests, the strategy is to park in one of Baden’s larger public lots (e.g. Thermen car park or street parking) and walk in (about 5–10 minutes). Signage along Pelzgasse will direct you to the Rosarium entrance. Large tour buses are usually directed to coach parking on the outskirts; they often drop visitors off near Pelzgasse. During major events, additional parking zones may be opened.

What are the rules for picnicking?

Picnicking is allowed and even encouraged. The city’s literature invites visitors to “enjoy an enjoyable picnic surrounded by 30,000 blooming roses”. Designated picnic tables and lawns are scattered through the park. While you may bring any food and blankets, please use the lawn areas (not the rose beds) and carry out all trash. Open flames or barbecues are not permitted. To make planning easier, some local vendors offer pre-packed picnic baskets. In short, grabbing a basket and settling on the grass is a perfectly normal and popular way to enjoy the park.

Are there art or cultural exhibitions in the park?

Yes, from time to time. For example, elements of Baden’s La Gacilly Photo Festival have been exhibited along the pathways. Local artists may install rose-themed artwork or photography panels among the flower beds. The Café Doblhoffpark sometimes hosts small gallery shows and live acoustic performances. These exhibitions are usually temporary and complementary. Visitors who enjoy art will find that cultural events in Baden often make use of the Rosarium as an elegant outdoor gallery space.

What is the climate and best months for roses in Baden?

Baden has a temperate Central European climate, which is quite suitable for roses. Summers are warm and sunny (average highs ~25°C or 77°F) and winters are cool (with some snow). Roses typically begin emerging in late spring. As noted, the best months for blooms are June and early September. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed through the year; roses get enough moisture without excessive humidity, which helps keep disease at bay. Gardeners here may apply mulch and protectants in winter, but hard freezes are rare.

Are there any special or rare rose varieties?

Yes. The Rosarium includes many specialty roses. For instance, there is a collection of over 40 historical Rudolf Geschwind roses on display – these are Austrian-bred repeat-flowering shrubs from the 19th century. There are also 50 modern English shrub roses (David Austin varieties) in a meadow bed. Among the cultivated beds, you will find named specimens that are uncommon in ordinary gardens (old Austrian garden roses, miniatures, climbers from the early 1900s, etc.). The plant labels often call out rare cultivars, so keep an eye out for unique names.

What is the connection to Schloss Weikersdorf?

The Rosarium is physically part of the grounds of Schloss Weikersdorf (Doblhoff). The castle itself (a 17th-century château) stands on the hill overlooking the park. In 1969, when the city developed the Rosarium, it did so in the castle’s former park. Hence the garden retains the “Doblhoff” name, honoring the historic owners. In fact, the castle’s architecture can still be seen from some vantage points in the rose beds. The relationship is that of a historic estate transformed into a public space, with the Rosarium preserving that legacy by keeping the landscape largely as it was planned around the Schloss.

Is the park open year-round?

Yes. The Rosarium is open to visitors every day of the year. While flowers only bloom in the warmer months, the pathways and lawns are accessible even in winter. The park has no seasonal gate closure. (Do note that in heavy snow or storms city maintenance might close off certain areas for safety, but this is rare.) The free admission and daily access mean you can plan a visit anytime – even if it’s just to enjoy the peaceful winter form of the garden.

What is the size of the park and Rosarium?

The park covers about 8 hectares in total. In metric terms, the rose beds alone occupy roughly 75,000 m² (the text on-site mentions this figure). With that space filled by about 30,000 roses, the Rosarium is one of the largest single rose gardens in Europe. Its scale is why visitors often remark on the “endless” rows of roses during peak bloom. The layout is roughly rectangular, with a central lawn axis and symmetrical beds branching out, all easily traversed on foot.

Are there any music or spa events?

Yes. While the Rosarium itself focuses on gardening events, the nearby spa grounds have frequent music and wellness events. In the adjoining Kurpark, an open-air pavilion holds Kurkonzerte (spa concerts) almost daily in summer, and the Beethoven Temple hosts classical chamber concerts. The thermal bath complex runs wellness programs and seasonal festivals as well. Inside the Rosarium, garden concerts (jazz or acoustic) happen occasionally, especially during festival weekends. In short, one can enjoy rose gardens in the morning and take in live music at night, given Baden’s rich cultural calendar.

What is the visitor experience like (reviews)?

Reviews from past visitors consistently praise the Rosarium’s beauty and tranquility. Many note the park’s pristine condition, the vivid flower colors and pleasant landscaping. Families like the combination of flowers and a playground. Photographers often call it “a picture-perfect paradise” with “roses for as far as the eye can see.” The absence of an entrance fee is also lauded – many travelers say it was the highlight of their Baden trip. On negative feedback (few and far between), some mention that the park can be muddy after rain and that summer festival crowds can feel busy. Overall, ratings on sites like TripAdvisor are overwhelmingly high, making it a highly recommended stop in Baden.

Is there a map of the park available?

Yes. Visitors can pick up a printed map at Baden’s tourist office or find one on the official tourism website. Large orientation maps are posted at the park entrances and by the café. These indicate the locations of the main attractions (entrance, ponds, Orangery, toilets, playground) and often label the major rose varieties by section. For mobile navigation, map apps (Google, OpenStreetMap) allow you to “pin” specific areas like the Orangery or Cafe. In summary, both analog and digital maps exist to help you navigate the garden.

What is the role of the Federal Association of Commercial Gardeners?

When the city established the Rosarium, it partnered with the Federal Association of Commercial Gardeners of Austria. This organization donated many of the rose bushes and exotic plants used to launch the garden. In effect, they helped seed the collection by contributing fully grown specimens. Members of the association also lend horticultural expertise for maintenance and organize the annual Rose Days event. In short, the association’s support was crucial to creating and sustaining the Rosarium as a showcase of Austrian horticulture.

What is the environmental or sustainability focus of the park?

Doblhoffpark integrates green practices throughout its design. All paths use a local, water-permeable gravel (rather than impermeable paving) so that rainwater drains into the ground. The park is part of the “Natur im Garten” initiative: no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used on the roses. Native wildflowers and grasses are interplanted to support bees and birds. Grass clippings and leaf mulch are composted on-site. In short, the park is managed with an eye toward sustainability: conserving water, fostering biodiversity, and teaching visitors about environmentally friendly gardening.