Imagine stepping back in time to 1622. That is when Breitenfurt bei Wien first appeared in historical records as an inhabited place. Before that, Breitenfurt was simply a rural area.
Breitenfurt bei Wien sits in Lower Austria. It lies in the district of Mödling. This town is nestled right next to Vienna in the Vienna woods. The valley of the Liesing cradles it.
Let’s explore Breitenfurt’s interesting story. Imagine a royal hunting lodge. Until 1683, a royal hunting lodge stood here. The Turkish invasion changed everything. Only 20 houses remained in Breitenfurt after the occupation. The coat of arms shows the ruins of that royal lodge. It serves as a reminder of the past.
After the Turkish armies left, new settlers arrived. People came from Salzburg, Bavaria, and Steiermark. Woodworking became a primary occupation for many. By 1721, Breitenfurt had grown. There were 42 houses in the town itself. Thirty-two more houses dotted the surrounding areas.
Gregor Wilhelm von Kirchner was a banking magnate. From 1714 to 1732, he constructed a baroque palace here. Sadly, it was torn down by 1796. The parish church stands as a remnant of this palace. It once served as the palace chapel.
In 1848, Breitenfurt became an independent municipality. The town elected its first mayor in 1850. Vienna residents soon discovered Breitenfurt. It became a beloved resort. Tourism flourished. In 1898, there was a plan for an electric train line. It would bring holiday-makers from Vienna. However, this project never materialized.
Breitenfurt continued to grow. It officially became a market town in 1930. However, in 1938, Breitenfurt lost its independence. It was incorporated into the city of Vienna. Breitenfurt became the 25th district of Greater Vienna. Finally, in 1954, Breitenfurt regained its independence.
The municipality consists of two parts. These are Breitenfurt and Hochroterd. Breitenfurt-Ostende sits next to Wien-Kalksburg. A road from Breitenfurt leads over the Kleinen Semmering to Wolfsgraben.
Today, Breitenfurt bei Wien continues to thrive. It balances its rich history. The town stands as a testament to resilience. It shows how a community can rebuild. It can transform itself over centuries. Breitenfurt remains a unique place. It offers a blend of nature, history, and community spirit.