Holiday in Bad Ischl

The Emperor's favourite place in the Salzkammergut

Bad Ischl – a town full of charm approx. 1 hour’s drive from Salzburg. Empress Sisi and Emperor Franz Josef I enjoyed spending time in the spa town and drew an international audience seeking treatments and pleasure in the Salzkammergut. The Imperial Villa, the Kurhaus with Kurpark, the esplanade with the town museum and the Lehár Villa form the most important sights in Bad Ischl.

The historic Imperial Villa

Emperor Villa in Bad Ischl

The imperial summer villa was once a wedding gift to the imperial couple. The couple spent their summers here for many decades. While Franz Joseph ruled his empire, Sisi found retreat in the Marmorschlössl. A walk through the extensive Imperial Park will tell you more about the history of the location, while it is possible to visit the Imperial Villa with a guided tour.

Imperial Week Bad Ischl

Around the Emperor’s Birthday on 18 August, Bad Ischl finds itself in a week-long exceptional state. With an Imperial steam train, commemoration trotting races, the ceremonial imperial night, traditional concerts, emperor and empress doubles and much more, locals and countless visitors celebrate a nostalgic festival to honour the former monarchy.

More sights

Léhar Villa in Bad Ischl

Franz Lehár in Bad Ischl

From 1912 to 1948, Franz Lehár lived and composed in Bad Ischl almost every summer. Today, his villa can be visited in its full original state. The annual operetta festival, the Lehár Festival, which offers top-class performances of operettas and classics, is named after him.

Bad Ischl’s history in the town museum

Franz and Sisi celebrated their engagement in the Seeauerhaus at Esplanade 10 in 1853. The building was managed as a hotel for a long time before the government turned it into a museum in 1989. Here, you can get to know the history of Bad Ischl, from the wealth-bringing salt to the town’s rise as a spa resort and an imperial residence. Among the treasures of the museum, you will also find original uniforms and items belonging to the Emperor, a folkloristic collection as well as an East Asian collection from the end of the 19th century.

Hotel Scherer – Your hotel in Salzburg

Visit the picturesque Bad Ischl during your holiday in Salzburg! From Hotel Scherer, you can reach the imperial town in around an hour by car, while you should allow for approx. 1 hour 50 minutes when taking the train from Salzburg main train station. In any case, whether you plan excursions to the surrounding area or a sightseeing tour through the city, the Hotel Scherer offers the perfect starting point. The team will be happy to help you plan your activities. Take a look at our rooms and special group offers and send us your non-binding request!

Hotel Scherer (exterior view)
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