Theresienwarte

Theresienwarte, is an observation tower located near Baden, on the southeastern edge of the Vienna Woods. The Theresienwarte is not only a popular tourist attraction, but also a historical landmark that has witnessed the changes of the region over the centuries.

The Location and History of the Theresienwarte

The Theresienwarte is situated on the Hühnerberg, which is also known as the Richtberg. The Hühnerberg is a hill that rises to 387 meters above sea level, and is part of the upper spa gardens of Baden, a city located about 26 kilometers south of Vienna. Baden is famous for its thermal springs, which have attracted visitors since ancient times. The name of Baden is believed to have originated from the giant Hun, who is said to be its founder.

The Hühnerberg has a dark history, as it was the site of the highest gallows in Lower Austria, where criminals were executed until 1788, when the gallows were demolished by Emperor Joseph II. The Hühnerberg also served as a strategic point during the Napoleonic Wars, as it offered a clear view of the enemy movements.

The First and Second Theresienwarte

The Theresienwarte that stands today is the second observation tower built on the Hühnerberg. The first tower was erected in 1884, thanks to the generous donation of Theresia Göschl, a wealthy widow who owned a villa nearby. The tower was named after her, and was designed by the architect Franz von Neumann. The tower had a wooden structure, with a control room at a height of 16 meters, and a spiral staircase leading to the viewing platform. The tower was renovated twice, in 1912 and 1980, to improve its stability and appearance.

However, the wooden structure of the tower deteriorated over time, and was severely damaged by woodworms and fungi. In 2014, the tower was deemed unsafe and was dismantled. The city of Baden decided to build a new tower, with a similar design but a more durable material.

The construction of the new tower was delayed by several factors, such as the weather, the availability of wood, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The new tower was finally completed and inaugurated in March 2016, after a total cost of 450,000 euros. The new tower is made of larch wood, and has a steel core for stability. The control room is now covered with slats on all sides, and has a total height of 18.48 meters, making it a few meters taller than the previous one. The viewing platform is located at a height of 17.28 meters, and can accommodate up to 25 people. The tower is open to the public from April to October, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The View from the Theresienwarte

The Theresienwarte offers a spectacular view of Baden and the surrounding area. From the tower, you can see the historic buildings of Baden, such as the town hall, the casino, the theater, and the churches. You can also see the spa park, the Kurpark, which is one of the largest and oldest in Europe, and features a variety of plants, fountains, and monuments. You can also spot the ruins of the Rauhenstein Castle, which dates back to the 12th century, and the Rauheneck Castle, which was built in the 13th century.

Beyond Baden, you can admire the southern Vienna Basin, which is a flat area that extends from the Vienna Woods to the Alps. You can see the hills and valleys of the Vienna Woods, which are home to many species of animals and plants. You can also see the Schneeberg, the highest mountain in Lower Austria, which rises to 2,076 meters above sea level. On a clear day, you can even see the skyline of Vienna, the capital of Austria, which is about 30 kilometers away.

The Theresienwarte is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy a scenic and relaxing experience in the Vienna Woods. The tower is not only a beautiful structure, but also a witness to the history and culture of Baden and the region. The tower is a symbol of the generosity and vision of Theresia Göschl, who wanted to share the beauty of the Hühnerberg with the public.

Baden bei Wien, Austria