Countless history buffs know the famous love story between beautiful Elisabeth von Wittelsbach and Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I, who fell madly in love with the then 16-year-old girl from Bavaria. The story depicted in the famous Sisi films, starring Romy Schneider, just got a modern update, courtesy of Netflix: the new show The Empress is dedicated to the life of the famed monarch.

Drama at Schönbrunn Court: The new Sisi series is set in Vienna, but wasn't filmed there. © Netflix

The first season takes its time: The focus is on Elisabeth and Franz Joseph I's courtship in Bavaria and the first months that the young empress spends at court at Schönbrunn, where she finds herself caught between intrigues, murder plots and the strict etiquette of the court. In addition, the audience is served a love triangle between Sisi, Franz and his brother Maximilian. A successful interpretation of Elisabeth's life story that is well worth seeing.

The Empress: Austria by way of Bavaria

For the Netflix show, however, the film crew didn't go to Austria, as many would assume. So anyone expecting breathtaking shots of Schönbrunn will be disappointed. The six-episode first season was filmed primarily in Bavaria, likely due to costs and logistics. You can even visit some of the German filming locations:

Weissenstein Castle, Bavaria

Weissenstein Castle in Pommersfelden was chosen as the stately home of the Habsburgs. From the outside, the castle is supposed to represent Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna – accordingly, a large part of the scenes are set here.

Airbnb: Stay at Weissenstein Castle

Starting on November 2 at 7 p.m. (CET), you'll have the chance to book an exclusive stay at the royal premises of Weissenstein Castle via Airbnb. The castle will join the historical accommodations in the category of special homes on the booking platform.

Many of the scenes – such as Franz Joseph I's marriage proposal – were filmed in the palace's imposing rooms and halls. © Netflix

The castle served as a summer residence for Archbishop-Elector Lothar Franz von Schönborn in the 18th century and is still owned by the family. It's open to the public, for tours as well as for weddings.

The scene surrounding Maximilian's debauched nighttime feast takes place in the Sala Terrena at Weissenstein Castle. © Netflix

The exterior palace's exterior wasn't the only filming location, many of the rooms and halls, such as the pompous Sala Terrana, were used as well. Here, Elisabeth finds herself in the midst of Maximilian's dissolute evening celebrations.

Cathedral Square at Bamberg Cathedral, Bavaria

The Empress looks out over the cheering crowd from the cathedral square in Bamberg. © Netflix

The cathedral square in front of the Bamberger Dom can be seen right after the imperial couple's wedding – which was filmed in the city parish church of St. George. In front of the square, the citizens of "Vienna" gather to see the newlyweds. The Romanesque building dates from the 13th century, but the foundations are much older.

City parish church St. George, Dinkelsbühl, Bavaria

Elizabeth strides through the late Gothic halls toward her destiny. © Netflix

In the imposing City parish church of St. George in Dinkelsbühl in the district of Ansbach, the wedding scene took place. It is supposed to represent the Augustinian Church in Vienna, where Franz and Sisi were married. From the outside, the 15th-century building may not look like much, but inside, the late Gothic architecture with its 22 free-standing pillars and large lancet windows knows how to impress.

Paradise Valley, Bavaria

A hunting scene between the trees, filmed in Paradise Valley. © Netflix

For the visit of the Russian heir to the throne, Franz Joseph I, Elisabeth and their entourage go hunting in the forest. The scenes between the imposing trees were filmed in Paradise Valley, located in the Franconian Jura between Bamberg and Bayreuth. A beautiful place for a hike!

Eyrichshof Castle, Bavaria

The exterior of the Eyrichshof Castle served as Elisabeth's childhood home in the series. The Barons of Rotenhan had the moated castle in Lower Franconia built in the 14th century. Unfortunately, you can only visit the forecourt; the rooms and halls are only open to the public on special occasions.

New Palace in Hermitage, Bavaria

Sisi in her element: many of the garden scenes were filmed at the Hermitage in Bavaria. © Netflix

The extensive historic palace garden of the two castles in the Hermitage in Bavaria served as a stand-in for the Schönbrunn gardens. Devrim Lingnau, the actor who portrays Elisabeth, isn't the only one who feels right at home here – the 18th-century paradise is open to the public as well.

Fantaisie Castle, Bavaria

Franz Joseph I (Philip Froissant) receives Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau) in Vienna, filmed in Bavaria. © Netflix

Five kilometers from Bayreuth lies the Fantaisie Castle. It was built in the 18th century and served as a summer residence for the margrave couple Friedrich and Wilhelmine von Brandenburg-Bayreuth. Some outdoor areas of the palace and the large park can be seen in the show. The palace with its garden art museum and the large garden are open to the public.

Faber-Castell Castle, Bavaria

Stein is home to the "Pencil Castle": Built at the beginning of the 20th century by the Faber-Castell family, guests can now visit the castle and its museums on a guided tour. For The Empress, the castle's imposing staircase served as a set.