The little spa of Bad Ischl, in the heart of the Salzkammergut, lies on a peninsula between the River Traun and its tributary the Ischl, surrounded by wooded hills. It was for many years (1854-1914) the summer residence of the Emperor Francis Joseph I, and much of the town shows the architectural style of the old Austro-Hungarian monarchy, when it became the rendezvous of the fashionable world of the day. Bad Ischl, a town of trim gardens and handsome villas, still attracts many visitors as a brine spa and health resort.
In the town center is Ferdinand - Auböck - Platz, with the parish church (Pfarrkirche, 1753). The Pfarrgasse, an elegant shopping street, leads to the famous Esplanade, with villas dating from the Imperial period.
Immediately above Bad Ischl to the south rises the Siriuskogel (598m/1,962ft), with a lookout tower (the finest lookout point near Bad Ischl). It can be reached by chairlift, or in three-quarters of an hour on foot.
The small private Haenel-Pancera Museum in Bad Ischl is worth a visit. Its exhibits include Renaissance and Empire furniture, paintings, porcelain and autographed scores (Schumann, Brahms, Bruckner, Johann Strauss, etc).
From the Salzberg salt mine there is a good walk (1.5 hours) to the Hütteneckalm (1,240m/4,068ft; inn), from which experienced climbers can ascend the Sandling (1,717m/5,633ft) in 3.5 hours.
On the northern bank of the Ischl stands the Imperial Villa (Kaiservilla), the summer residence of the Emperor Francis Joseph I. It was a wedding present to the Emperor and his wife Elisabeth (known as "Sissi") from his mother. A park surrounds the villa.
To the south of the Siriuskogel near Bad Ischl a cableway ascends to the Katrinalm (upper station 1,419m/4,656ft), from which there is a fine view of the Dachstein glacier. From the Katrinalm the Hainzen (1,639m/5378ft) can also be climbed.
A municipal museum has been set up in the former Hotel Austria to the south of the Bas Ischl Kurpark, displaying items associated with the history and folklore of the Salzkammergut and Bad Ischl, including those connected with salt mining and transport on the Traun. It also houses the Saarsteiner Collection of East Asian exhibits.
This annual five-day festival takes place in mid-July. Events include nightly performances by groups such as the Vienna Chamber Orchestra and other renowned symphonies. The performances take place in the St Nicholas Parish Church and Parish Hall.
This annual eight-week festival runs from early July to early September and includes at least one annual production by Franz Lehár, who composed in Bad Ischl at the turn of the century, as well as a performance of one other operetta.
Address: Operettengemeinde Bad Ischl, Herrengasse 32, A-4820 Bad Ischl, Austria
Higher up from the Imperial Villa in Bad Ischl stands the Marmorschlössl ("Little Marble Palace") in which the Empress Elisabeth lived. It is now a Photographic Museum.
Address: Bad Ischl Photomuseum, A-4820 Bad Ischl, Austria
The Treatment Complex (Kurmittelhaus) and Brine Bath (30 deg C) are to be found in the northeast of the town of Bad Ischl. The salty water is inhaled as an aid to respiratory diseases. There are baths, underwater therapy and other treatments said to help rheumatic problems, slipped discs, chronic gastritis and other ailments.
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