The House
Historic rooms, a distinctive atmosphere and a glimpse inside Kaiserbründl.
About the Kaiserbründl
»A Must for the International Tourist!«
Kaiserbründl in Vienna is one of the most beautiful saunas in the world. The Spartacus Gay Guide calls it “A Must for the International Tourist!”
Opened as the Vienna Central Baths on 26 May 1889, the bathhouse has 137 years of bathing history. Kaiserbründl is open daily. In addition to original, dignified furnishings, the Kaiserbründl offers 1,700 m² for pleasurable experiences.
Including 2 saunas (1 Bio sauna), a cruising steam bath, play area, quiet cabins with TV, relaxation area, slings, darkroom, prison with cages and glory holes
First-Class Service with Warm Cuisine ensures your Physical Well-Being.
Viennese bathing culture since 1889
1889 · A bathhouse for Vienna
The Vienna Centralbad opened on 26 May 1889 in Weihburggasse. Designed as an elegant bathhouse, it offered steam, warm-water and cold-water areas for women and men. Relaxation and personal care were its purpose: this was a bathhouse rather than a sports pool.
Architecture · Another world
Adolf Endl designed the bathhouse; Honus & Lang completed the project after his death. Albert Constantin Swoboda shaped its Moorish-style interiors. Arches, elaborate tiles and historic individual changing cabins still tell the story of this bathing culture. The rooms have been altered and extended at different times.
Around 1900 · Luziwuzi at the Centralbad
Notable guests included Archduke Ludwig Viktor, Emperor Franz Joseph’s youngest brother, known as ‘Luziwuzi’. A reported incident in 1904 tells of another guest slapping him after unwanted advances. Accounts differ in their details. The story forms part of Vienna’s queer memory, against the background of a time when same-sex relationships were persecuted.
1970s & 1980s · New directions
In the 1970s, architect Josef Freisling oversaw renovation with regard for the historic building. Peter Jansky also ran a café here between 1978 and 1981. The use of the bathhouse and the areas open to guests continued to change. Today’s Kaiserbründl men’s sauna emerged from this transition, with further redesign around 1990.
1990s · Art & mythology
Since the renovations of the 1990s, Stefan Riedl’s wall and ceiling paintings have helped define the house. Erotic imagery and references to Greek and Roman mythology add a distinct artistic world to the historic architecture.
Today · Experience the history
Today, Christian Vazansky runs Kaiserbründl as managing director of Adrian Gastro GmbH. As drag performer Bobby Blue, he is closely associated with the Herrliche Damen revue. This connection between hospitality, performance and transformation brings the historic house to life: on special evenings, drag, music and encounters meet the atmosphere of the bathhouse. Between the saunas, steam room, pool and Wintergarten, guests, the team and performers bring Kaiserbründl to life with new stories every day – a living fountain of youth that keeps reinventing itself.
Sources & further reading: Wikipedia · Zentralbad (Wien) · ÖGFA · Centralbad Kaiserbründl · ORF · QWIEN / Andreas Brunner
Saunas & steam room
Sauna
The sauna at Kaiserbründl is the perfect place to relax both body and mind. The warm lighting and wooden benches create a cozy atmosphere, while guests recline and enjoy the heat. A place for peace, conversation, and well-being.
Cruising steam room
In the steam room of Kaiserbründl, warmth and community come together. The soft lighting and cozy atmosphere invite relaxed moments and pleasant conversations. Here, you can lean back, enjoy, and experience the unique ambiance.
Bio sauna
Our second sauna offers another place to unwind. Discover your favourite spot for warmth, peace and relaxed moments.
Discover the house
Magnificent Architecture
The impressive hallways of Kaiserbründl are characterized by intricately decorated arches and elegant gold embellishments. The historic architecture and warm lighting create an inviting, almost regal atmosphere. A perfect place to explore and unwind.
Oriental Charme
The artistic green doors with golden embellishments give this seating area at Kaiserbründl a unique ambiance. The combination of soft lighting, antique wall paintings, and delicate metal chairs evokes an oriental retreat full of history and charm.
Historic Bathhouse
The historic bathhouse at Kaiserbründl impresses with its stunning architecture, featuring intricate mosaic tiles, ornate marble columns, and colorful stained glass windows. The calm surface of the pool reflects the warm light, creating an atmosphere of elegance and relaxation.
Socializing & Relaxation
Kaiserbründl combines historical architecture with modern sociability. Amidst intricately adorned marble columns and oriental details, guests enjoy relaxed conversations and social moments. A unique place for encounters and well-being.
The Temple – History & Modernity at Kaiserbründl
The Temple at Kaiserbründl combines history with a modern atmosphere. Once a bathing pool, today it stands as an impressive hall for relaxation and events. The glass inserts in the floor serve as a reminder of its original purpose. On regular days, it is equipped with tables for dining enjoyment, but during events, the Temple transforms into a dance floor with a DJ booth – a unique place for pleasure and movement.
Winter Garden – Relaxation under Natural Light
The Winter Garden in the Kaiserbründl spans two floors and impresses with its open architecture. Natural daylight pours in through the glass roof, filling the space with a natural atmosphere. Surrounded by historic masonry and lush greenery, lounge chairs invite you to relax. Today, this place is a green oasis of tranquility – with a bridge from which you can observe the happenings
Winter Garden – View from Above
From the elevated perspective of the bridge, a stunning view of the Kaiserbründl’s winter garden unfolds. Surrounded by historic masonry, lush greenery, and natural daylight, guests enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. In the past, wood-fired boilers were placed here to heat the various areas of the sauna.
Oriental Elegance – Restaurant & Bar
Directly at the entrance of the Kaiserbründl, the restaurant welcomes guests with a unique blend of oriental elegance and a cozy atmosphere. The intricate lanterns, detailed wall decorations, and warm lighting create an inviting ambiance. Whether for a drink at the stylish bar or a relaxed meal in good company – this is where the experience at Kaiserbründl begins.
Oh, yes! The restaurant can also be visited without entry to the sauna and with street clothes.
Camaraderie at the Bar with Drinks & Conversations
The bar at Kaiserbründl is the perfect spot for sociable moments after a relaxing sauna session. In a stylish setting, surrounded by intricate wall paintings and atmospheric lighting, guests enjoy cool drinks and lively conversations. A gathering place for relaxation, enjoyment, and good company.
Atmospheric Nights at the Bar
The bar at Kaiserbründl shines in a unique play of lights in the evening. Exotic murals, colorful reflections, and warm lighting create a special atmosphere. This is the place to meet for a drink, unwind, and enjoy the unparalleled blend of relaxation and camaraderie.
Enchanted Corridors & Hidden Niches
Deep within the Kaiserbründl lies a labyrinth of winding corridors, mysterious niches, and dimly lit passages. Hidden between the larger areas, these pathways create an almost mystical atmosphere. The red walls, oriental arches, and soft lighting leave space for imagination – a place waiting to be discovered.
The Catacombs – Dive into another world.
The catacombs of Kaiserbründl are more than just a passage – they are the gateway to a mysterious world. In dim lighting, surrounded by raw masonry and grid elements, the path to the play area begins here. The tension is palpable, and the adventure is about to begin.
Art at Kaiserbründl
Stefan Riedl’s paintings help shape the artistic world of the house. Discover the details between sauna sessions – here are three glimpses of our murals.
