Operetta Heaven Holidays
from C and H Travel Ltd

BADEN BEI WIEN

Opera, Operetta and Classical Music Holidays
in Baden Bei Wien (Near Vienna)

Independent Holidays All Year Round
Escorted Holidays Available on selected dates in July / August

An Elegant, Historic Spa Resort set in the Vienna Woods

The beautiful Spa Town of Baden is situated only 16 miles from Vienna. To the north and east of Baden stretch the Vienna woods, and to the south and west are luscious vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Baden has a very serene and elegant atmophere all of its own. There is a rich variety of palaces and mansions; elegant shops, restaurants and cafés; glorious parks and gardens; healing baths and springs.

Music is everywhere in Baden - Beethoven, Strauss and Lanner all had villas here. Mozart, Liszt, Carl Ziehrer, Schubert, Carl Zeller and Karl Millocker were all frequent visitors. Beethoven's former residence is now a museum and amongst its treasures is the composer's own piano-forte, which is kept in playing condition and visitors are sometimes invited to play!

The Baden Operetta Festival takes place in July / August. Performances are staged in the Summer Arena.

The Stadt Theater in Baden has a rich musical heritage and offers a year round programme of Opera, Operetta, Musicals, Concerts and Drama.

There is a direct tram route to the centre of Vienna, so it is very easy to enjoy the delights of the Capital City of Music while staying in the peaceful and beautiful surroundings of Baden.

Music and Culture in Baden

Baden is steeped in musical history. Beethoven, Strauss and Lanner had villas or summer residences here. Mozart, Liszt, Carl Ziehrer, Schubert, Carl Zeller and Karl Millocker were all frequent visitors.

The Summer Arena and the Baden Operetta Festival
(July and August)

Set in the magnificent Kurpark, the Summer Arena (1905) is a traditional theatre with a difference - it has a sliding glass roof which can be opened to the stars on warm summer evenings.

The Baden Operetta Festival is held here in July and August each year.

In summer 2024 there will be fully staged productions of
Die Csardasfurstin / The Gypsy Princess (Operetta by Emmerich Kalman) Kalman's most popular operetta. Dating from 1915, the score is a fabulous mix of Viennese Waltzes and thrilling Hungarian Czardas. The plot is a charming story of a young aristocrat who falls in love with a sultry cabaret singer, much to the consternation of his parents, who have already arranged that he will marry a young countess, whom he has known since childhood.

Wiener Blut / Viennese Life (Operetta with music by Johann Strauss II)
The operetta dates from 1899, and was named after Johann Strauss's famous waltz from 1873. The fast-moving plot is a tale of intrigue, infidelity and mistaken identity, all set to many of Strauss's most famous and popular melodies.

In addition, Monty Python's Spamalot (The Musical), based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail, will be performed in the Stadt Theater.

The Stadt-Theater

The Stadttheater offers a year-round repertoire of Opera, Operetta and Musicals and Concerts. In July and August Operetta performances take place in the nearby Summer Arena.

In the summer of 2024, the usual Operetta programme will be complemented with Monty Python's Spamalot (The Musical), based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

Contact us for full details of the current repertoire.

The Spa Orchestra

The 26-piece Spa Orchestra is a professional orchestra that accompanies the performances in the Stadt Theater and the Summer Arena.

Free concerts by the Spa Orchestra are given on the Bandstand in the Kurpark on summer afternoons.

The Beethoven House
The Schubert Institute
Villa Strecker Concerts

Ludwig van Beethoven spent several summers in the spa resort of Baden.

One of his lodging houses still stands and is now a museum (Pictured above). Beethoven wrote a substantial part of his 9th symphony whilst staying in this house. He also stayed at Villa Gutenbrunn (now Hotel Gutenbrunn).

The Franz Schubert Institute is dedicated to the study and performance of Lieder. The institute holds masterclasses and hosts concerts and recitals.

The Villa Strecker is the former home of the Austrian composer Hans Strecker. His widow offers tours of his elegant villa and concerts are given in the salon

Museums and Galleries

The Royal Apartments occupied by Karl I, the last Kaiser of Austria (1877-1922) are now a museum of local history. The Franz Josef Museum is located high above the town in the Vienna Woods. The Rollett Museum is a museum of fine arts and local history. The Arnulf Rainer Museum features paintings by the Baden born artist and other exhibitions, housed in part of the former Spa buildings. The Doll and Toy Museum is a delightful private collection. The magnificent Parish Church contains the original manuscript of an anthem by Mozart written specifically for the Church.

Other Attractions in Baden

Magnificent parks and gardens, extensive Spa treatments and an outdoor pool with a real sandy beach.

The Kurpark

The Kurpark is situated in the centre of the town. This beautiful park extends up into the Vienna woods with a network of walks and trails. The Summer Arena is situated in the Park. The Spa Orchestra performs free afternoon concerts in the Bandstand. There are temples dedicated to Mozart and Beethoven, and a statue of Josef Lanner and Johann Strauss (Father).

Moonlight concerts are regularly held at the Beethoven Temple. At the entrance to the park is the Baden Casino. On the upper floor of the Casino is a concert hall. The Casino Restaurant and Bar is open to the public without Casino entry. The Kurpark Café opposite the Bandstand serves drinks, snacks and ice creams.

The Rosarium (Rose Gardens)

A short walk from the town centre brings you to the magnificent Rosarium, Austria's largest rose garden, with some 30,000 rose bushes and over 800 varieties of roses in landscaped gardens with many ornamental fountains.
The park also has an ornamental boating lake and adjacent café. The stunning La Gacilly Photo Exhibition is displayed the Park in the summer.

The former Schloss Weikersdorf (Palace), now an exclusive hotel, is situated in the park. The restaurant is open to the public.

The Strandbad (Lido) and Thermal Baths (Spa)

With the largest sandy beach in Austria, Baden’s nostalgic Thermalstrandbad is a popular attraction for bathers of all ages in summer.

Covering an area of 42,000 m², the spa with its listed Art Deco façade invites you to relax and enjoy all kinds of activities. Two 50 m swimming pools, two sulphur pools, massage jets at different heights, the jet stream canal, ground geysers, massage beds on the palm island, the big water slide, a wide water slide, the diving platform as well as the children's pool with water mushroom and the "Kobri-Slide" provide water fun for young and old.

Baden's Roman Baths (Thermal Spa) offer an extensive range of spa treatments and facilities.

Shopping

Strolling through the elegant historic streets of Baden, you will find an outstanding selection of high quality shops. There is a small but bustling covered market. Baden is at the heart of an extensive wine producing area. Many producers offer their wines for sale with free tastings.

Dining

There are dining opportunities to suit all tastes and budgets, from simple Cafés with outdoor terraces or flower gardens to award winning fine dining restaurants. Cosy inns with home-style cooking and rustic Heurigen beckon to while away some convivial hours.

Other Concerts and Performances around Baden

Whilst staying in Baden it is possible to attend other Concerts and Performances around the area.
For guests on Escorted Holidays transport to performances outside Baden is provided. For guests on Independent Holidays we can also arrange transport where required.

Opera, Operetta and Concerts in Vienna - All Year Round

Vienna is the city of Music. There is always a wide selection of concerts and performances available. During the Opera season (September to June) you can enjoy performances at the Vienna State Opera and the Vienna Volksoper.

There are countless concerts held in wonderful venues, such as the Golden Hall (picutred above) or opulent Palaces such as the Hofburg and Schonbrunn. Contact us for details of concerts and performances throughout the year.

Vienna can easily be reached by tram direct to the centre of the city. Return trams to Baden run late into the evening for travelling back after a performance.

Please see our Vienna Page for more information.

Eisenstadt - Esterhazy Palace

Home of the International Haydn Fesival which takes place in September each year. Josef Haydn lived and worked in Eisenstadt for over 40 years and composed many works for the Princes of Esterhazy. Today Concerts are held in the Esterhazy Palace and breathtaking Baroque churches. In July and August Matinee Concerts are given in Esterhazy Palace in the magnificent Haydn Hall.

Opera Festival at Saint Margarethen (July / August)

The Opera Festival at Saint Margarethen, near Eisenstadt, takes place in a former quarry. Don't imagine that this means that the facilities are basic - far from it! The stage is huge, the sets and costumes stunning, the technical facilities are state of the art, and the performances are world-class. Not to be missed. In Summer 2024 there will be spectacular perfomances of Verdi's ever popular Opera Aida.

Opera Festival at Klosterneuberg Abbey (July / August)

The Baroque Abbey at Klosterneuberg, near Vienna, is the setting for the Klosterneuberg Opera Festival which takes place in July and early August. The organisers have promised a special surprise for 2024. The programme will be announced in December 2023.

Lakeside Festival at Morbisch (July / August)

The Lakeside Festival at Morbisch has been delighting audiences with spectacular Operetta and Musical productions on a grand scale for over 60 years. Set on the shore of Lake Neusiedl very close to the Hungarian border, the floating stage has an incredibly beautiful natural backdrop. A visit to Morbisch should not be missed. For Summer 2024 there will be a spectacular production of the highly popular musical My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederik Loewe.

A Selection of Places to Visit Whilst Staying in Baden

For guests on Escorted Holidays we can arrange trips to many places of interest. For guests on Independent Holidays we can arrange transport if desired. Some places can be visited by public transport from Baden. Here is a selection of some of our most popular places to visit.

Eisenstadt and the Esterhazy Palace

Eisenstadt is a delightful small town in the heart of the Burgenland, Austria's largest wine producing area and the sunniest region of Austria.

Josef Haydn lived here for over 40 years. The Haydn House is now a fascinating Museum. Haydn was in the employ of the Princes of Esterhazy. The Esterhazy Palace is a stunning Baroque Palace which includes the Haydn Hall.

The Bergkirche has an amazing Calvary containing life size wooden sculptures.

The flower lined main street of the town centre has many shops, cafés and restaurants.

Franzensburg Castle at Laxenburg

The pretty village of Laxenburg is dominated by no less than three Palaces. One of these, Franzensburg Castle, is a Fairy-Tale Gothic Castle that was frequently used by the Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elisabeth when they wanted to escape the pressures of life at Court in Vienna. The couple spent their Honeymoon here and Crown Prince Rudolph was later born here. The Castle is set on a lake in the middle of Parkland. It is reached by a small floating bridge. A tourist train transports visitors around the Park.

In Laxenburg village there is a very good restaurant and a superb Ice-Cream Parlour.

Mayerling and the Mayerling Incident

The former hunting lodge where Crown Prince Rudolph and his 18 year old mistress, Mary Vetsera, met their deaths in 1889 was turned into a convent by order of Emperor Franz Josef. It has never been established whether the pair were murdered or whether they committed suicide. The convent remains today and there is a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the Mayerling Incident.

It is possible to combine a visit to Mayerling with a tour of nearby Heiligenkreuz Abbey, where there is a lovely restaurant with a courtyard garden.

Vienna - Capital City of Music

It is very easy to reach the centre of Vienna by tram from Baden. The tram stops opposite the State Opera House.

There is so much to see and do in Vienna it is impossible to list everything here. A tour of the Opera House or the Burgtheater is recommended. It is possible to visit former homes of composers such as Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert and Johann Strauss. The StadtPark has many statues dedicated to composers, including the Johann Strauss Memorial (pictured above).

Please see our Vienna page for more information.

Rust - Austria's Smallest City

The city of Rust is the smallest in Austria. It is also one of the most beautiful. Situated at the edge of Lake Neusiedl it is at the heart of Burgenland's wine producing area.

The brightly coloured buildings are decked with flowers. Boat trips can be taken on the lake. There are many Inns and restaurants where the local wines can be sampled.

Rust is famous for the wild storks that are encouraged to nest on the rooftops.

Klosterneuberg Abbey

This magnificent Baroque Abbey with its stunning Church is well worth a visit. It is situated just north of Vienna. The Abbey is the largest wine producer in Austria. It is possible to combine a visit to Abbey with a performance at the Klosterneuberg Opera Festival.

Our Specially Selected Hotels in Baden

Personally inspected for high quality standards and a warm welcome.

**Hotel Herzoghof (4*)**

The Hotel Herzoghof is a traditional hotel located in the centre of town immediately facing the Kurpark. Several of the rooms have a balcony and view of the Park.

The Herzoghof team are extremely welcoming and helpful and will do all they can to make sure that you enjoy your stay.

The bedrooms are spacious, airy and equipped to a high standard. Facilities include high quality Beds and Bedding, Flat-Screen TV, Mini-bar / Coffee Maker, Hairdryer, Free Wifi.

Most rooms have Bath with shower over, some rooms have spacious shower enclosures.

A sumptuous Buffet Breakfast is served in the ornate Dining Room.

Drinks are available from the Bar, but the Hotel does not serve lunches or evening meals as there are several Cafés and Restaurants within 1 - 2 minutes walk.

**At The Park Hotel (4*)**

At The Park is situated immediately adjacent to the Kurpark and opposite the Stadt Theater.

The hotel has been extensively refurbished in a contemporary style.

The team are welcoming and friendly.

Many rooms have a balcony with some having views of the Kurpark.

The Bedrooms and Bathrooms are spacious and well equipped to a high standard. All rooms have Cable TV and Wifi. Some rooms have air-conditioning (most of the rooms without a balcony have air-conditioning).

The hotel has a delightful terrace where food and drinks are served.

There is a wellness suite, bathrobes and slippers are included.

An extensive Buffet Breakfast is served.

**The Gutenbrunn (4*)**

The Gutenbrunn was formerly a private villa. Beethoven stayed at the Villa in the 1820s.

Now a small hotel, it has been refurbished in modern style, whilst retaining many original features. Guests have private access to the adjacent Thermal Spa.

The spacious rooms are individually furnished. All have a large bed, flat-screen TV with cable TV, kettle, minibar, hairdryer, fan, seating area or sofa and a private bath or shower with organic toiletries.

Breakfast is served in the elegant dining room.

Our Holiday Package - What is included?

Whether you prefer to travel independently or to join one of our escorted holidays each package is individually tailored to your own requirements and preferences.

Escorted Holidays
July / August 2023

Selected dates in July / August 2023.
Length of stay to suit you. A minimum stay of 5 nights stay is recommended, most guests opt for a 7 night stay in Baden.
You will be personally met at the airport or railway station on arrival and transported in comfort to your accommodation.
We will book your accommodation for you, either in one of our selected hotels (see above) or another accommodation type of your choosing.
We carefully select and book the best available tickets to all performances and concerts for you. For Summer 2024 you can choose from:

Die Czardasfurstin / The Gypsy Princess (Operetta by Emmerich Kalman) in Baden.
Weiner Blut (Operetta by Johann Strauss II) in Baden.
Spamalot The Musical (Musical by Eric Idle and John du Prez) in Baden.
My Fair Lady (Musical by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederic Loewe) at the Lakeside Festival in Morbisch.
Special Opera Production at Klosterneuberg, near Vienna.
Details awaited.
Aida (Opera by Verdi) at the Saint Margarethen Opera Festival.
Concerts in Vienna in superb venues such as The Vienna State Opera; Schonbrunn Palace;
The Musikverein (Golden Hall); The Hofburg Palace and more.
Any other performances, concerts or events in the area that you would like to attend.

Background information and synopses provided for your chosen Opera / Operetta performances.
You are invited to join us for pre-performance drinks while we outline the synopsis of the opera / operetta for you.
We provide or arrange transport to performances and concerts, where required.
We offer a range of excursions and visits to places of interest.
We are personally on hand to assist you during your stay.
It is possible to combine your holiday with other destinations to create a two or three centre holiday if desired. Transport between destinations is arranged for you.

Independent Holidays
Available at any time of year

Dates of arrival, departure and length of stay to suit you (subject to availability).
We will book your accommodation, either in one of our selected hotels (see above) or another accommodation type if desired.
We book all tickets to performances and concerts of your choice (We can supply details of all concerts and performances).
We provide background information and synopses for Opera / Operetta performances.
We arrange transport including airport transfers and transport to performances, where required.
We can book excursions and other visits to places of interest as desired.
It is possible to combine your holiday with other destinations to make a two / three centre holiday if desired. Transport between destinations is arranged for you.

Holiday Prices
As all of our holidays are tailor-made to your own requirements your holiday price will be calculated according to your chosen options. As a rough guide, an Escorted Holiday to Baden staying 5 nights with airport transfers and two performances would cost from around £ 950.00 per person, based on two people sharing a standard double/twin room.

All quotations are offered entirely without any obligation on your part.

Flights and European Rail Travel
In order to give you maximum flexibility, we do not include flights in our holiday packages. Flights may be booked separately with our Flights Agent, or you can book or arrange your own flights if you prefer.

If you prefer not to fly, we can book European rail travel for you.