Bad Ischl is a popular place to visit when touring Austria’s stunning mountainous region of Salzkammergut. Walk in the footsteps of emperors, explore glorious parks, hike through verdant meadows and ski down well-groomed slopes. Bad Ischl sits on a peninsula formed by the Ischl and Traun rivers. First mentioned in 1262, the town became famous in the 1800s when Emperor Franz Josef chose it as the location for his summer residence.
Experience the town’s imperial grandeur during a walk along the Esplanade. Sit at a café terrace, admire the regal palaces and enjoy sumptuous mountain views. See a slice of local history at the Museum of Bad Ischl. In the town center, spot historical landmarks, including Trinkhalle and the Baroque-style St. Nicholas Church.
More remnants of Austria’s imperial era are displayed at Kaiserpark. Tour the opulent rooms of Kaiservilla, the summer court of the House of Habsburg. Browse collections of historic cameras and photographs at the Photo Museum in the Marmoschlossl.
Ride the Katrin Seilbahn cable car to Mount Katrin. Trails lead to tranquil lakes and towering peaks. Be challenged on the via ferrata climbing route. Return to the town and indulge in therapeutic treatments at Salzkammergut Thermal Spa. Several hotels also have spas and wellness centers.
In the winter, alpine adventures are just a short drive away. The Salzkammergut Ski Area has almost 200 miles (300 kilometers) of slopes suitable for all levels at eight different resorts. Among these are Dachstein West, Gaissau-Hintersee, Kasberg-Grünau im Almtal and Krippenstein.
Music lovers can enjoy attending operettas and performances by the Franz Lehár Orchestra at August’s Lehár Festival. Events take place at the resplendent Kongress and TheaterHaus. Experience regional folk traditions and harvest celebrations at the Farmer’s Autumn Festival, held in September and October.
Bad Ischl is about 30 miles (50 kilometers) east of Salzburg and 170 miles (270 kilometers) west of Vienna. Get here by train or rent a car and explore more of the pretty towns located in the Salzkammergut region.
