Bad Ischl in the heart of the Salzkammergut, where once Emperor Franz Joseph and his Sisi spent their imperial summer holidays, is today one of the most beautiful places in the world. Austria's and an incomparable holiday region. The mountains invite you to go hiking, the crystal-clear lakes for a summer swim, nature spreads its charm, regional delicacies and traditions want to be discovered.

This is what awaits holidaymakers who want to switch off in Bad Ischl.

For nature hungry

200 kilometres of hiking trails surround the town of Bad Ischl, which, by the way, together with the Salzkammergut region, is the European Capital of Culture 2024. Relaxing walks along rivers and lakes or hikes through forests up to the alpine pastures and peaks of the surrounding mountains allow you to breathe deeply and recharge your batteries. On the local mountain of Ischl, the "Katrin", an impressive 360° view of the Salzkammergut opens up. In summer, the magical 7-Seenblick hike, the nature discovery trail "On the tracks of the chamois" and the walking trails to the viewing platforms "Trauntalblick" and "3-Länder-Blick" invite you to explore.

The Katrin via ferrata is ideal for climbers. Those who like it comfortable can reach the panoramic height of the "Katrin" with the cable car. Mountain bikers will be pleased about a network of trails of about 1,200 kilometres directly from Bad Ischl. Those who need refreshment on their tours: The many Salzkammergut lakes in the area delight swimmers and sun worshippers.

For those thirsty for knowledge

You don't have to leaf through history books to visualise Bad Ischl's imperial past. A relaxed stroll through the town reveals step by step the most vivid witnesses of days gone by. First and foremost is the Kaiservilla, where Emperor Franz Joseph stayed every summer for more than six decades. The time-honoured rooms can be visited all year round. The Kaiservilla is surrounded by the extensive Kaiserpark, which invites you to take long walks.

Operetta lovers walk in the footsteps of great music in the villa of composer Franz Lehár. Lehár always felt at home in his house on the Traun and said: "In Ischl I always have the best ideas." The museum of the town of Bad Ischl is housed in the former hereditary house of the Seeauer family, a salt manufacturer. It was in this building that the young Emperor Franz Joseph and Princess "Elisabeth in Bavaria" celebrated their engagement.

For tasters and gourmets

In Bad Ischl, the culinary spectrum ranges from traditional Austrian cuisine to international highlights. And it wouldn't be Bad Ischl if history didn't have a hand in it. The former k. u. k. Hofzuckerbäckerei Zauner is one of the most traditional confectioneries in Austria and still spoils those with a sweet tooth with its famous sweet delicacies. Here they bake the Gugelhupf according to the original recipe of Katharina Schratt and have been producing the "Original Zaunerstollen" for almost 100 years now, which is sent all over the world. Also well-known is the traditional, handmade Ischl Gingerbread, which has been produced since 1848 according to old recipes from noble honey, fine fruits, nuts and tasty spices as well as high-quality chocolate. At Edelbrandsommelier Matthias Gasteiger, schnapps, liqueurs and vinegars are made from exquisite fruit varieties and have won numerous prizes and awards. His delicacies have received the "Goldene Stamperl" and the title "Upper Austrian State Winner".

For explorers and art lovers

A stroll through Bad Ischl turns out to be a real treasure trove for people who are looking for something special. Traditional craftsmanship is very important in this little town on the Traun River. Far away from impersonal shopping malls and labels that can be found around every corner, it is a great pleasure to browse in owner-operated shops, galleries and stores with handmade treasures. A little taste: Bittner Hüte is one of the most traditional hat manufacturers in Austria. Since 1862, traditional costume and hunting hats have been handcrafted here. At Trachten Schauer, hats were already being tailored for the guests of the imperial family. Lovers of traditional costumes will find a large selection of dirndls, Alpine lifestyle fashion and the popular Trachtenmacher collection. Many exciting products around the topic of wood can be discovered in the family business "Ischler Holzhandwerk".

For the adventurous

Many things can be reached quickly from Bad Ischl. It takes only 15 minutes to reach the surrounding Salzkammergut lakes, 20 minutes to the world heritage region of Hallstatt with the oldest salt mine in the world. The porcelain town of Gmunden and the Ausseerland, where an impressive mountain road leads up to the "Loser", are just as easy to reach for the adventurous. After 55 kilometres, guests of Bad Ischl also have the Mozart city of Salzburg at their feet.

For those seeking relaxation

Relaxing in an exclusive atmosphere - the Eurothermen Resort Bad Ischl is the right place for this: deceleration, relaxation and wellness with a view of the majestic mountains, surrounded by the power of salt in air and water. In summer and winter, the dreamlike outdoor area with Austria's unique water attraction "Lazy River Flusslandschaft" in the thermal garden is ideal for leisure hours.

Eurothermen Resort Bad Ischl

Voglhuberstrasse 10, 4820 Bad Ischl
Tel: 06132 2040
eurothermen.at