Baden shines in the photo festival: people & environment in focus 2025!

Baden shines in the photo festival: people & environment in focus 2025!

Baden, the charming city south of Vienna, is known not only for its impressive thermal baths and rich wine culture, but also for this year's La Gacilly-Baden Photo Festival, which takes place from June 13th to October 12th, 2025. This central event in the city, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site as one of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe”, attracts many visitors with its combination of art, nature and free entry. With over 370,000 overnight stays in 2023, Baden is a key player in tourism in the region and benefits from its many attractions, including the Arnulf Rainer Museum and Casino.

The La Gacilly Photo Festival was launched in 2018 and has since become an annual highlight. What began in 2003 in the French community of La Gacilly has developed into a significant international project. The Austrian photographer Lois Lammerhuber and the initiator Jacques Rocher brought the idea to Baden to promote awareness of important issues such as people, the environment and sustainability.

Diverse exhibitions and routes

With over 1,500 photographs and more than 30 solo exhibitions, the festival is the largest outdoor photography festival in Europe. It is divided into a city and garden route that stretches for about 7 kilometers and includes beautiful places in Baden. The exhibitions include an artistic documentation of chronic fatigue syndrome in a photo gallery in the city center, which draws attention to the fate of up to 80,000 sufferers in Austria.

A highlight is the exhibition by Hans Jürgen Burkard, which deals with German society and makes musical connections to a hit by the Toten Hosen. Impressive works by the Australian Magnum photographer Trent Parke and the photographer Naurelle Autio are shown in Doblhoffpark. Visitors can find out more about the festival in the visitor center at Brusattiplatz or enjoy relaxing walks along the routes.

Commitment to world heritage

Baden is not only committed to tourism, but also to preserving its cultural landscape. With over 470 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Europe documents both cultural and natural heritage through initiatives such as #weareworldheritage is supported. The aim of this association is to promote sustainable tourism practices in European World Heritage sites, including Baden.

The La Gacilly festival in Baden is more than just an exhibition; it is a strong expression of the city's cultural and social commitment, helping to raise awareness of the magnificent landscapes and important issues of the 21st century. The city shows a good hand when it comes to combining art and environmental awareness, attracting both locals and tourists. A visit is definitely worth it!