Day 1 in Bad Ischl

Welcome to Bad Ischl, located in Upper Austria. Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day at the Imperial Villa. The villa is located near the city center in the middle of the Kaiserpark. Also known as Kaiservilla, it was a wedding gift for Emperor Franz Josef and Empress Elizabeth from Franz Josef`s mother, and became the summer residence of the imperial family.

Although some of the Villa is still occupied by the family, and is thus closed to the public, many rooms are available to tour, and are left just as they were when used by Franz Josef and Sisi. Guided tours are offered in German only, but information sheets are available in English, and you can view the rooms at the Villa at your own pace alongside the guided tour. After seeing the Villa, you can spend hours walking through the gardens of Kaiser Park. Up above the Kaiservilla lies the Marmorschlössl, an English style cottage made of pink marble, which served as Empress Elizabeth`s teahouse.

After exploring the Imperial Villa, we recommend taking a relaxing ride to the top of Mount Katrin, considered the `Darling` of Bad Ischl. To reach the top of this beautiful mountain range there is a cable car that takes about 15 minutes - enjoy the scenery beneath as you ascend. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the seven lakes and the idyllic Austrian mountain landscapes. You will also find many different hiking trails to enjoy the wonderful nature of the area.

Also, while at the top of Mount Katrin, enjoy some great food with an amazing view. The Katrin Berggasthof sits at the top of the mountain where you can enjoy eating, above the clouds, in the midst of a breathtaking natural paradise. Sit back, relax, and just let your mind wander as you feast on some great authentic local food.

After a busy day of exploring Bad Ischl, head back to your hotel for a good night rest.

Day 2 in Bad Ischl

Spend a part of your day today doing what Bad Ischl is famous for, its thermal baths. The town is considered a spa town owing to its history of involvement with salt mining and also brine pools. During the 1500`s a salt mine was opened in the town, which brought a boost to its economy and growth, and then later in the 19th century when Brine became popular for medicinal purposes, Bad Ischl turned into a fashionable spa resort catering to the rich and famous of Austria.

There are many thermal spas in town to choose from for some quality relaxation and a diverse range of activities offered. Float through lazy rivers, relax in the warm brine pools, feel the jets of the whirlpools in the underwater massage tables, lounge in the saunas and forget about the outside world while you enjoy complete relaxation.

In the afternoon, we recommend visiting one of the museums in town. You`ll find an assorted collection of automotive displays at the Fahrzeug Museum, located just about a 10 minute walk from the city center. This museum is a large hanger where you`ll find anything from old fire engines, trials motorbikes, airplane engines, military jeeps and medical wagons, to diggers and pilot jumpsuits.

Another interesting and fun museum is the Photo Museum in Bad Ischl. Housed in the Marmorschlössl in the Kaiser Park, the Photo Museum offers an inspiring overview of analogue photography throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Special emphasis is placed on the importance of photography in Austria, and it is interesting to see how Vienna became one of the capitals of photography in the late 1800s, along with Paris and London. Just outside the Marmorschlössl is a collection of life sized lego-type blocks, which is great for the kids.

Alternatively, if nature is more your thing, spend your afternoon enjoying the amazing countryside and natural landscapes of Bad Ischl. The Elizabeth Forest Trail is one area that will provide the perfect way to experience the outdoors and immerse yourself in nature. Located in the northern part of the town just below the river Ischl and easily accessible on foot from the town center, this is an ideal trail to discover on a beautiful summer day. The trail leads through a wooded forest and has clear footpaths and a map to guide you through. The trail was one of the haunts of the Emperor Franz Joseph`s wife Sisi.

Finish your day with dinner at one of the fine restaurants located in the center of town.

Additional Days in Bad Ischl

Should you be able to spend additional days in Bad Ischl we recommend a day trip to the incredible Altausee Salt Mine. Here you will be able to explore the many tunnels of the active mine complex, discover the history of salt mining in the area and see the remarkable underground Chapel of St. Barbara.

Another great way to spend a day in Bad Ischl is to enjoy the area by bicycle. With such a large amount of outdoor areas to explore and the surrounding countryside, a bicycle is a fantastic way to get to the different attractions and have some exercise while doing it.

You may also want to explore the gorgeous nature of the area by making a visit to the Rettenbach Wilderness, which is about a 30 minute from the town center, in the smaller district of Hinterstein. This area of the countryside is where you`ll find Rettenbach Gorge that is split in two by a running river and also a great deal of forest. It is an exceptional area to discover more of the great outdoors this area has to offer.

Your Last Day In Bad Ischl

Depart your hotel for the airport for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in Bad Ischl in Upper Austria.