Sisi in Bad Ischl: Exploring Her Favorite Summer Escape
While Bad Ischl is for sure a stunning spa town in the Salzkammergut region, it’s also a place deeply connected to Empress Elisabeth – better known as Sisi.
It’s the place where she spent many of her summers and where some of the most important moments of the Habsburg monarchy took place.
Together with my sister, I spent a few days in Bad Ischl, following Sisi’s footsteps through the town. Even though we visited in winter instead of summer, we still quickly understood why she loved returning to this charming place again and again.
And today, you can still feel her presence as you wander through town.
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Bad Ischl & Sisi: A Short History
Bad Ischl became closely connected with Empress Elisabeth of Austria in the mid-19th century. She and Emperor Franz Joseph were even engaged in the building that later became the Hotel Austria on the Esplanade.
The town was already a popular spa destination for the Austrian elite, and in 1854, the Habsburg family purchased the Kaiservilla, which would become Sisi’s main summer residence. Of course, we visited the Kaiservilla, and I’ll share more about it later in this post.
Sisi spent most of her summers in Bad Ischl from the 1850s onward, often accompanied by her husband and their children.
Unlike the strict routines of Vienna’s court life, Bad Ischl offered her privacy, fresh mountain air, and a sense of freedom. She could take long walks, ride horses in the surrounding hills, and enjoy quiet moments away from the pressures of imperial life.
Over time, the Kaiservilla and the surrounding town became inseparable from her summers, leaving a lasting mark on Bad Ischl’s historic and cultural heritage – one that can still be experienced today.
Historic Places to Visit
There are plenty of historic spots in Bad Ischl where you can follow in Sisi’s footsteps, and during our visit, we explored several to get a closer sense of her life here.
Hotel Austria
The former Hotel Austria may look like just another historic building in Bad Ischl today, but it played an important role in imperial history.
It’s the place where Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Emperor Franz Joseph became engaged in 1853, long before she moved into the Kaiservilla for her summers.
The building was later converted into the Bad Ischl City Museum, which preserves its connection to the imperial family and the town’s history.
Visiting today, you can see a mix of historical exhibits and the architecture of the original building, with plaques marking key events like the famous engagement.
The museum also gives insight into the lifestyle of the Habsburgs and how Bad Ischl became a hub for summer retreats.
Kaiservilla
The Kaiservilla is undoubtedly the centerpiece of Sisi’s life in Bad Ischl and one of the most iconic historic sites in town.
The Habsburg family acquired it in the mid-19th century as a wedding gift for Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. It was later redesigned between 1855 and 1860 to feature a distinctive E-shaped ground plan.
This layout, created by adding two side wings to the central structure, was commissioned by Emperor Franz Joseph I and is widely believed to reflect his love for his wife, Empress Elisabeth.
Sisi spent many summers here, enjoying long walks through the surrounding park, horseback rides from the imperial stables, and visits to the nearby Marmorschlössl, a small marble palace in the park that she particularly loved.
The Kaiservilla can be visited today, though only as part of a guided tour.
We visited Bad Ischl in January, when the villa is usually closed and only opens for groups. Luckily, I called ahead, and they let us join a student group for the tour, so we still got to see it.
The tour lasted around 45 minutes, and we visited about 15 rooms, including Kaiser Franz Joseph I’s bedroom, the richly decorated salons, and the dining room.
The villa combines classical elegance with personal touches, and hunting trophies cover many of the walls – Franz Joseph was a passionate hunter, and it shows throughout the rooms.
Photography isn’t allowed inside, so I can’t share any photos from the interior, but you can find plenty of images online and on the Kaiservilla website.
Our tour was limited to the villa, but usually you can also explore the park and the Marmorschlössl on a guided tour.
Zauner
No visit to Bad Ischl is complete without stopping at Zauner, the town’s most famous café and pastry shop.
Established in 1832, Zauner quickly became a favorite of the imperial family, including Sisi, who loved coming here for her favorite treat: candied violets.
The café still retained its historic and elegant charm, with classic interiors that feel straight out of the 19th century.
One of the most famous treats here is the Zaunerstollen, a rich pastry that was reportedly Emperor Franz Joseph I’s favorite dessert.
While visiting, we couldn’t resist buying one ourselves – and if you’re vegan like me, don’t worry: the dark chocolate version is even plant-based! It was good, though a little too sweet for my taste.
Where to Stay in Bad Ischl: Hotel Grand Elisabeth
Rounding off your journey through Sisi’s legacy in Bad Ischl, there’s no better place to stay than the Hotel Grand Elisabeth.
Opened in April 2025, the hotel is named after Empress Elisabeth and is located just a five-minute walk from the town center.
The hotel blends modern design with cozy touches, from the bright, airy rooms with wooden floors and balconies, to the carefully selected amenities like Austrian natural cosmetic products.
Even the elevators are Sisi-themed, named “Elisabeth” and “Franz,” and the lobby features the original carriage from the Sissi movies with Romy Schneider.
Wellness is another highlight: you’ll find a heated indoor pool, sauna, fitness area, and spa treatments inspired by alpine ingredients – perfect for relaxing after a day exploring Bad Ischl’s history.
There’s also an on-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a bar with signature cocktails.
Check out: Staying at Hotel Grand Elisabeth (Hotel Review)
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