Pressbaum

Has Pressbaum always been a town? Of course not. Right now, you’re standing in what was once a humble woodcutter’s village. Pressbaum, nestled in the Vienna Woods, has witnessed remarkable transformations over the centuries. Originally a source of timber for Vienna, Pressbaum experienced its first major shift with the arrival of the railway in 1858. The “Empress Elisabeth Railway” connected Vienna to Salzburg, and this little village became a haven for Vienna’s elite. Imagine elegant villas sprouting among the trees, designed by the same architects who graced Vienna’s Ringstrasse. Pressbaum’s charm even captivated Empress Elisabeth herself! Legend has it she adored the water from the Wienfluss spring so much that she had it transported back to Vienna for her coffee. But Pressbaum’s story is not just one of idyllic retreats. The town bears witness to turbulent times, like the Napoleonic Wars. The French troops marched through Pressbaum, leaving their mark on the town’s history. Look for the “Franzosenkreuz” (French Cross) in the Pfalzau district, a poignant reminder of those tumultuous times. Today, Pressbaum is a thriving town. It’s home to a vibrant community, with a rich cultural scene and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings. As you stroll through its streets, remember the echoes of its past. From woodcutters to emperors, from summer retreats to a modern town, Pressbaum’s story continues to unfold.