Nature that lets your soul breathe
Bad Ischl is the gateway to a landscape full of beauty and tranquility. Nature unfolds in all its glory here. From the majestic Katrin cable car with its sweeping 360° panorama, to the tranquil Nussensee lake, which invites you to take a gentle break in the shade of the trees, to the picturesque Siriuskogl with its charming hiking trails and views of sparkling mountain lakes. Around Bad Ischl, there are numerous paths that free the mind and awaken the senses. The Salzkammergut, with its more than 70 lakes and gentle mountains, invites you to experience life at a slower pace. Whether you follow in the footsteps of the imperial family or enjoy the view from the Dachstein, every nature lover will find the right holiday activity here. With over 200 kilometers of well-marked hiking trails and an extensive mountain bike network right on your doorstep, adventures that will remain in your memory await you. The Salzkammergut offers numerous activities and sights during your vacation in Bad Ischl. Here you will find space for exercise, tranquility, and inspiration - whatever you need.
Spa town and European city of culture
The history of the spa town of Bad Ischl begins with salt. As early as the 16th century, brine was piped from Hallstatt to Bad Ischl and later processed in the brewery. But it was not until 1821 that the Viennese court physician Franz Wirer recognized the healing power of brine. Together with Josef Götz, he established the first brine spa. What began as a quiet start became a phenomenon. Doctors sent their patients to the mild climate, and the imperial family followed suit. With them came music, culture, and a new attitude towards life. Bad Ischl became a summer resort, a place to relax, and the sophisticated center of the Salzkammergut region. In 1906, the town was officially given the title “Bad”, in 1920 it was recognized as a spa town, and in 1940 it was granted town rights. Today, the town wears a crown once again – as the European Capital of Culture 2024. Visitors today can experience the imperial spirit of the past and a region that wants to shape the future. The old pump room, the spa gardens, the Kaiser Villa and the Lehár Villa are not relics, but living places that bridge the gap between healing traditions, enjoyment of nature and contemporary culture. Today, Bad Ischl is a destination that combines historical depth with modern tourism for those seeking relaxation, culture lovers and style-conscious travellers alike.
Everything is basedon salt and the sun. In sale et in sole omnia consistunt –
Imperial Villa & Imperial Park
A stroll through magnificent rooms, marble floors, and views of greenery. In the Imperial Villa, you can feel the shadows of the imperial couple and the dance of history in every room. The extensive Imperial Park invites you to take a leisurely stroll. Here, imperial history is palpable, nature is quiet.
Marmorschlössl in the Imperial Park
A cottage made entirely of marble, built by Franz Rauch. Once the empress's breakfast room, today it is a stage for photographic art, exhibitions, and quiet moments. The Marmorschlössl (marble palace) remains a small, radiant counterpoint to the imperial villa in Bad Ischl, with a view and Austria's first museum of photography.
Lehár villa
The home of the operetta composer Franz Lehár is now a living museum. Many of his greatest works were created here, and his laurel wreath hangs here. In the summer months, the Traun River dominates the panorama—a place full of music and time that echoes in every piece of furniture.
Siriuskogel & observation tower
Two scenic hiking trails lead to the restaurant in about 15 to 20 minutes. Once at the top, you'll find contemporary interpretations of regional delicacies, served honestly and with refinement. There's also an observation tower with unobstructed views of the Traun River, the mountains and lakes, and the entire Salzkammergut region.
Katrin cable car
The gondola floats leisurely over forests and rocks, toward the sky. The cable car dates back to the 1950s and has lost none of its charm to this day. The ascent is in nostalgic gondolas. At the top, at 1,400 meters, karst rock, panoramic views, and a well-developed network of hiking trails and via ferrata routes await. Head to the summit cross for the ultimate feeling of freedom.
Pump room
A hall like a temple. The pump room (Trinkhalle) in Bad Ischl, once known as the “Soolenbadhaus,” was built in 1829 and was the setting for what was then called a spa treatment: walking, sipping, healing. Today, the pump room is not only an architectural gem, but also a cultural meeting place and official tourist information center. For many, this is where their first walk through the city begins, armed with maps, tips, and a touch of history.
