Doblhoffpark – Rosarium Baden

Doblhoffpark is a park in Baden, a town in Lower Austria, that offers a variety of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. The park covers an area of over 8 hectares and features a lake, a rose garden, a playground, a cafe, and a historical castle. Doblhoffpark is not only a place to enjoy nature and leisure, but also a place to learn about the history and culture of Baden.

The History of Doblhoffpark

The history of Doblhoffpark can be traced back to the 15th century, when the castle Weikersdorf was built next to the park area. The castle was originally owned by the Counts of Hardegg, and later passed to the Counts of Sinzendorf, who renamed it Schloss Doblhoff after their family name. The castle was used as a residence, a hunting lodge, and a summer retreat by various noble families over the centuries. In 1966, the castle was sold to the municipality of Baden, and was converted into a hotel and a conference center.

The park area adjacent to the castle was also developed and transformed over time. The park was originally a garden and a hunting ground for the castle owners. In the 18th century, the park was redesigned in the English landscape style, with winding paths, lawns, and exotic plants. The park also featured a pond, which was used for different purposes throughout the seasons. In the summer, the pond was used as an outdoor pool, with separate bathing times for men and women. In the winter, the pond was used as an ice skating rink, and blocks of ice were cut and stored for cooling drinks in the summer. The park also hosted various forms of entertainment, such as carousel games, shooting galleries, swing boats, a marionette theater, a Punch and Judy show, and even Austria’s first open-air cinema.

In the 20th century, the park underwent further changes and improvements. In 1929, the park was expanded by adding the area of the former Pelzgasse amusement park, which had closed down after World War I. In 1954, the park was renamed Doblhoffpark, in honor of the former castle owners. In 1967, the park was opened to the public, and became a popular recreational area for the residents and visitors of Baden. In 1974, the park was designated as a natural monument, and was protected by law. In 1986, the park was enriched by the addition of the Rosarium, a rose garden with over 600 varieties of roses.

The Attractions and Activities of Doblhoffpark

Today, Doblhoffpark is a park that offers something for everyone. The park is a place to enjoy the beauty and diversity of nature, with its lake, flowers, trees, and wildlife. The park is home to many species of birds, such as ducks, swans, herons, and kingfishers, as well as other animals, such as squirrels, hedgehogs, and frogs. The park is also a place to admire the art and architecture of the past, with its castle, sculptures, fountains, and monuments. The park is a place to relax and have fun, with its playground, cafe, and events. The park is a place to learn and explore, with its information boards, guided tours, and exhibitions.

Some of the main attractions and activities of Doblhoffpark are:

The lake: The lake is the centerpiece of the park, and a source of joy and tranquility. The lake is surrounded by a path, where visitors can walk, jog, or bike. The lake is also a habitat for many aquatic plants and animals, such as water lilies, reeds, fish, and turtles. The lake is especially beautiful in the spring and summer, when the water reflects the colors of the flowers and the sky.
The Rosarium: The Rosarium is a rose garden that showcases the beauty and variety of roses. The Rosarium was created in 1986, and covers an area of 1.5 hectares. The Rosarium contains over 600 varieties of roses, from old and rare to modern and hybrid. The Rosarium is divided into different sections, such as the historical rose garden, the fragrance rose garden, the climbing rose garden, and the wild rose garden. The Rosarium is a feast for the senses, with its colors, shapes, scents, and textures. The Rosarium is also a place for education and research, as it hosts seminars, workshops, and competitions on rose cultivation and care.
The playground: The playground is a place for children to have fun and exercise. The playground is located near the cafe, and covers an area of 0.5 hectares. The playground offers a variety of equipment and games, such as swings, slides, seesaws, sandboxes, climbing frames, and trampolines. The playground is suitable for children of different ages and abilities, and is accessible for children with disabilities. The playground is also a place for socializing and learning, as children can interact with each other and with nature.
The cafe: The cafe is a place for visitors to refresh and relax. The cafe is situated next to the lake, and offers a panoramic view of the park. The cafe serves a range of drinks and snacks, such as coffee, tea, juice, cake, ice cream, and sandwiches. The cafe also provides free Wi-Fi, newspapers, and magazines. The cafe is open from April to October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The cafe is also a place for events and celebrations, as it can be rented for private parties, weddings, and meetings.
The events: The events are a way for visitors to experience the park in a different and exciting way. The park hosts various events throughout the year, such as concerts, festivals, markets, exhibitions, and workshops. Some of the most popular events are the Rose Festival, the Summer Night Concert, the Autumn Market, and the Christmas Market. The events are a way for visitors to enjoy the culture and traditions of Baden, as well as to support the local artists and producers.

Baden bei Wien, Austria