Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a spa town in southern Upper Austria, in the Salzkammergut, on the Traun River in the Gmunden area.The population of Bad Ischl is 14,062 (as of January 1, 2021).

In the center of the Salzkammergut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its magnificent lakes, mountains, and woods, lies the charming town of Bad Ischl. Situated where the rivers Traun and Ischler Ache converge lies Bad Ischl. Reknowned for its salt mining and manufacture, the town has a long history spanning Celtic and Roman periods.

The town’s position on a river delta is reflected in the Old High German term isila, which means “island.” Since brine wells were used to produce salt and it was then traded throughout Europe, the salt business has been important to the town. The brine was utilized therapeutically in Bad Ischl since the 16th century, which is how this business also sprung to be.

Bad Ischl became well-known around the world in the 19th century when the Habsburg dynasty, the Austro-Hungarian Empire’s rulers, made it their favorite summer destination. The town drew affluent people who loved the social scene, cultural events, beautiful architecture, and writers.

The Kaiservilla, the former vacation home of Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth, is among the most well-known sights in Bad Ischl. The young couple turned the 1834-built cottage into an opulent mansion with a private chapel, theater, library, billiard room, and lovely lawn. Today a public museum, the Kaiservilla saw several significant events in the history of the empire.

Composer of well-known operettas including The Merry Widow Franz Lehár was another well-known Bad Ischl inhabitant. Now a museum, Lehár’s 38-year home and workplace features his original furnishings, instruments, papers, and souvenirs.

Additionally well-known for its spa culture, Bad Ischl has a number of facilities that use the mineral-rich brine from nearby wells for a variety of therapies. Comprising the Salzkammergut-Therme, the Kurhaus, and the Royal Spa, the EurothermenResort is the most well-known spa in the area.

Apart from its wellbeing and cultural offers, Bad Ischl is a gourmet destination. The town’s numerous restaurants, cafés, and pastry shops provide both Austro-Hungarian and Salzkammergut delicacies. Renowned for its pastries, Café Zauner was established in 1832; in a more intimate setting, K.u.K. Hofbeisl serves traditional fare.

Furthermore a great starting point for touring the Salzkammergut region is Bad Ischl. Famous places include the charming town of Hallstatt, St. Wolfgang with its pilgrimage cathedral and cog railway, Gmunden, well-known for its ceramics, and Mondsee, well-known for its water sports and basilica. With its glaciers, caverns, and skywalk, the Dachstein mountain range is also well worth seeing.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

Austria

Country

06132

Area code

14,133

Population

162.8 km2

Area

German

Official language

468 m (1,535 ft)

Elevation

UTC+1 (CET)

Time zone

Bad Ischl Travel Guide

Geography Of Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a town in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, specifically in the Traunviertel district. Given that trees occupy a large amount of its area, it is well-known for its natural environment. The town is well located where the Ischl and Traun rivers converge; near Bad Ischl, the Rettenbach also empties into the Traun.

Twenty districts and settlements with different populations make up Bad Ischl administratively. It borders nearby towns like Ebensee am Traunsee, Altaussee, Bad Goisern am Hallstättersee, Strobl, Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, and Steinbach am Attersee.

Perched in the Traun river valley, Bad Ischl is 468 meters above sea level. Its 162.82 square kilometer area is mostly wooded. The town is a part of the Upper Austrian state’s Gmunden district.

With links to the Salzkammergutbahn, regional trains and the A1 freeway, the town is reachable by road, rail and air. Salzburg Airport, about 60 kilometers distant, is the closest airport.

There are various peaks and hills all around Bad Ischl. Offering sweeping vistas of the Alps and the Salzkammergut, the Katrin mountain is the town’s highest point. With many rivers, streams, and lakes close by, the town is also endowed with plenty of water supplies.

The town offers leisure possibilities and improves its natural beauty with a number of parks, green areas, and nature reserves. In addition, it boasts a number of picturesque locations with breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area and famous sites.

Eleven districts and twenty-five municipalities make up Bad Ischl; each has its own character, culture, and history.

Weather & Climate In Bad Ischl

Austria’s Bad Ischl enjoys four different seasons with a chilly and mild weather. Köppen-Geiger classification places the climate at Dfb. Bad Ischl experiences 6.2 °C | 43.1 °F average yearly temperature and 1821 mm | 71.7 inch average yearly precipitation.

A number of things affect Bad Ischl’s climate and weather. As one ascends the town’s 468 m | 1535 ft above sea level, the temperature drops. At 47.7° N, Bad Ischl’s latitude also causes considerable seasonal fluctuations in solar radiation and daylight hours. More precipitation and cloud cover are also produced on the northern side of the mountains by the barrier that the Alps provide for moist air masses.

Spring (March–May): A steady rise in temperature and sunlight hours, a decline in snowfall. There is 462 mm | 18.2 inch of average precipitation and 5.5 °C | 41.9 °F average temperature. Outdoor activities and taking in the blossoming of trees and flowers are best enjoyed in the spring.
June through August is summer, the wettest and warmest time of year. Rainfall averages 601 mm | 23.7 inch and temperature 15.3 °C | 59.5 °F. Popular for spa facilities and cultural events, summer is also known for its frequent thunderstorms and downpours.
Autumn (September–November): More fog and mist, less temperature and sunlight hours. Precipitation averages 399 mm | 15.7 inch and temperature averages 7.1 °C | 44.8 °F. A wonderful season to visit is autumn, when the mountains and foliage change color, there are harvest celebrations, and traditional food.
Winter, or December through February, is the coldest and snowiest time of year. Average precipitation is 359 mm | 14.1 inch and average temperature is -3.3 °C | 26.1 °F. Winter sports, Christmas markets, and cozier settings are all best enjoyed in the winter.

Bad Ischl Travel Guide

Demographics Of Bad Ischl

As of 2018, the population of the Upper Austrian town of Bad Ischl was 14,133. There are 87 inhabitants per square kilometer in the 162.8 square kilometer town. For Upper Austria and Austria overall, this population density is lower than normal.

Population of Bad Ischl has been falling over time. The population fell by 8.7% since 1975 and by 2.4% since 2000. Negative net migration—that is, more people are leaving the town than coming in—and negative natural growth—that is, more deaths than births—can be blamed for this fall. Given the issues Bad Ischl is facing, like aging, depopulation, and urbanization, this tendency is predicted to persist.

Bad Ischl’s age distribution is more senior-heavy than the national average. 15.9% of people are children and teenagers; 54.6% are adults 20–64; and 29.5% are seniors 65 and over. The town’s appeal as a health resort and retirement community is reflected in this larger percentage of older citizens. It also brings social and economic issues, though, including the requirement for greater social services, pensions, and healthcare.

With a sex ratio of 87.4 men per 100 females, Bad Ischl has a higher female population than male one. Within the older population, this gender disparity is particularly noticeable. Ninety-three percent of the residents of the town are citizens of Austria. German, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Turkish communities are the greatest among those born abroad. The town’s population speaks German as their first language, making for a low degree of cultural variety. The most often held religious affiliations are Muslim, Protestant, and Roman Catholic.

History Of Bad Ischl

As well as its natural beauty and therapeutic waters, Bad Ischl is well-known for its historical and cultural legacy. The town’s lengthy and varied history begins in antiquity and includes the emergence and collapse of empires, the growth of salt mining and trade, and the advancement of the arts and sciences.

Celtic tribes called Bad Ischl home between the eighth and fifth centuries BC, during the Hallstatt and La Tène eras. Ischl’s name, which emphasizes the importance of the river and its tributaries to the locals, comes from the Celtic word iska, which means water. The area was included as the province of Noricum to the Roman Empire in the fourth century BC. There are still markers of Roman occupation in the region, like gravestones and inscription stones.

Germanic tribes moved out of the inner Salzkammergut after the Roman Empire fell. Nevertheless, later Slavs and Bavarians who embraced Christianity brought by missionaries settled in the region. Owing to a number of causes, including Hungarian incursions and the expansion of the Holy Roman Empire, the area saw phases of recovery and collapse.

A big part of Bad Ischl’s economic success was the salt trade. Among the oldest and most prolific in Europe, the Salzkammergut’s salt mines provide an important commodity for tax payment, trade, and food preservation. A legal system called Salzburger Recht controlled the salt trade and gave merchants and workers in the industry rights and benefits. Built throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, the early spas drew royalty, clergy, and commoners looking for the water’s therapeutic qualities.

Bad Ischl was the Austrian imperial family Habsburgs’ vacation home in the 19th and 20th centuries. This was the town’s heyday, when Emperor Franz Joseph I made it his favorite getaway. Renowned musicians like Johann Strauss, Franz Lehár, and Johannes Brahms began to congregate in the town. Reputation of Bad Ischl as a cultural center and health resort kept rising.

Best Time To Visit Bad Ischl

Popular as a holiday spot, Bad Ischl may grow busy and costs might rise in the summer. To guarantee your place, it is a good idea to reserve lodging and transportation ahead. Popular sites include the Katrin Cable Car and the Lehar-Museum may have lengthier lines and wait times during this period.

Go in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn for a more sedate and reasonably priced visit. There’s still good weather and less people in the town, so you may take advantage of more room and bargains. These are also the occasions when hotels and trips have better prices.

Bad Ischl’s low season is winter, when it’s chilly and dreary. Still, it might be a terrific time to go if you like winter sports and activities or just want to take in the warm and joyous environment. Generally speaking, prices are lowest and there are less people.

Every month in Bad Ischl provides different activities and sights. In January, unwind in the Salzkammergut Thermal Spa and go skiing on Mount Katrin. Winter activities can be continued and the Austrian carnival, Fasching, celebrated in February, which is a chilly and snowy month. March brings a leisurely stroll around the town, historical sites like the Kaiser Villa, and Konditorei Zauner serving regional delicacies.

Warm and bright June weather is ideal for outdoor pursuits and water sports in the surrounding lakes. At the height of summer, July brings with it additional events and festivals, such as the Lehár Festival and National Day festivities, as well as more crowds and greater costs. Another well-liked month to come is August, which falls on the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph I and is marked with festivities and trips to the Imperial Park.

How To Get To Bad Ischl

There are several of easy ways to go to Bad Ischl. Should you want to fly, Salzburg Airport and Linz Airport are the closest airports. One may get to Bad Ischl from these airports by taxi, shuttle, or rental car. About 60 kilometers separate Salzburg Airport from Linz Airport, which is roughly 90 km distant and takes about 50 minutes to drive. An other, while more expensive, but maybe longer route to Bad Ischl from the airports is to take a bus or rail.

Should you would rather use a bus, Bad Ischl is well-served by several Postbus lines. Routes connect Bad Ischl to Salzburg, Gmunden, St. Wolfgang, and Hallstatt. Bus tickets may be bought at the ticket office or from the driver; the bus terminal is close to the train station. Routes 507, Route 555, Line 546, and Line 548 are a few of the primary bus routes that service Bad Ischl.

Bad Ischl is situated on the Salzkammergutbahn, a tranquil and picturesque rail line. Near the spa center, in the heart of the city, lies the rail station. Rail connections to Bad Ischl are excellent; you may change trains in Attnang-Puchheim or take direct trains from Salzburg, Linz, Graz, and Vienna. On the ÖBB website, one may check schedules and prices.

Should you would rather drive, Salzburg may be accessed by the Wolfgangsee Straße B 158, which leads to Bad Ischl on the Salzkammergutstraße B 145. Though the lakes and mountains are picturesque when driving to Bad Ischl, traffic can be heavy on the weekends and at busy times of year. Use of Austria’s highways requires a current vignette, or toll sticker.

Food & Drinks In Bad Ischl

The picturesque natural beauty and rich historical and cultural legacy of Bad Ischl, a small town in Austria’s Salzkammergut area, are well-known features. Apart from its seductive charm, Bad Ischl provides foodies a sanctuary with a wide variety of delicacies to suit every palate.

Brasserie 3 Prinzen is one great restaurant in Bad Ischl. It’s a little brew pub that offers delicious foreign food. Savoury burgers and tender steaks to cool salads and delectable pasta, this restaurant has a large selection of food to suit every palate. Beer connoisseurs will find Brasserie 3 Prinzen to have an outstanding assortment of both domestic and foreign brews. The attentive and competent service only improves the whole eating experience, and the setting is laid back and friendly. Adding even another level of pleasure to their stay are live music and events on certain evenings. Nestled next to the Lehar Theater, Brasserie 3 Prinzen is open Tuesday through Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Cafe Ramsauer is a place you really should not miss whether you have a sweet taste or would like a filling breakfast or lunch. Being one of the oldest and most well-known cafes in Bad Ischl, it was founded in 1866. Great pastries, cakes, and chocolates made with the best ingredients and with the utmost care are the specialty of Cafe Ramsauer. Indulge in a large assortment of hot and cold drinks as well.

Apart from these exceptional restaurants, Bad Ischl offers additional excellent eateries that are well worth visiting. Since 1832, the fabled pastry store and café Konditorei Zauner has been providing fine pastries, cakes and coffee. It’s a well-liked place for breakfast and lunch as well, serving up classic Austrian fare like strudel, goulash, and schnitzel. Along with a patio that overlooks the river, the café features exquisite furnishings and chandeliers. History buffs and sweet tooths both should make time to visit Konditorei Zauner.

Attractions & Landmarks In Bad Ischl

Upper Austrian town of Bad Ischl is awash in cultural diversity and historical depth. Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth used to spend their summers at the Kaiser-Villa, one of its most well-known sites. Among the important historical occurrences that this aristocratic home saw was the outbreak of World War I. Discover its opulent hallways, royal apartments, and private chapel, all encircled by the splendor of the neighboring parks.

A further noteworthy feature is the Gothic gem Pfarre St. Wolfgang, which stands above the lovely Wolfgangsee. The town’s patron saint, St. Wolfgang, is relics and Michael Pacher’s magnificent wooden altar are kept in this fourteenth century church.

Formerly Franz Lehar’s residence, the Lehar-Villa has been converted into a museum honoring his life and work. Among personal mementos, musical works, and expansive vistas of the Traun river, visitors may fully experience the world of this master.

Perched amid the ancient stables of the imperial estate, the Kaiservilla Museum provides a historical tour of Bad Ischl. Displaying a variety of artifacts from royal clothing to treasured recollections, exhibitions highlight the town’s importance in the Habsburg monarchy.

Renowned for its food, Zauner dates back to 1832. Because of its wonderful goods, this pastry shop and café has won over palates from all around. Delightful pastries and rich chocolates are only a couple of the treats that allow guests to experience Bad Ischl’s culinary heritage.

The possibilities for Bad Ischl are much beyond what these attractions can provide. Immersion in the harmonic glory of history, culture, and natural beauty that Bad Ischl has to offer is possible whether one explores salt mines, indulges in hot baths, or takes a leisurely boat trip on the lake.

Bad Ischl Travel Guide

Museums in Bad Ischl

Several museums in Bad Ischl, an old spa town in Upper Austria, highlight the natural and cultural legacy of the area. Once Empress Elisabeth of Austria’s summer residence, the Marmorschlössl – Sisi’s Cottage houses paintings, photos, and personal items. Rare examples are among the varied collection of vehicles, motorbikes, aircraft, and helicopters at FahrzeugMuseum. Dedicated to Franz Lehár, Lehar-Villa holds his original papers, scores, and personal things.

Highlighting well-known historical personalities, Museum Der Stadt Bad Ischl charts the town’s development from a salt mining center to a spa and cultural hotspot. Situated on a former military airfield, the Fahrzeug Technik Luftfahrt Museum offers views into Austria’s history and present through aircraft and aviation technology.

First built in 1834 as a Biedermeier-style estate by Viennese notary Josef August Eltz, the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl served as the summer residence of Austria’s Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth. Franz Joseph’s mother Archduchess Sophie gave the house to him as a wedding present. The State Music School and Photo Museum of the State of Upper Austria are housed in buildings adjacent to the Kaiservilla complex, which also include a park, kitchen building, old gardener’s home, marble castle and villa.

Established in 1989 following the purchase of the site by the city of Bad Ischl in 1982, the Stadtmuseum Bad Ischl provides guests with a tour through the rich history of the city. Former home of well-known composer Franz Lehár, the Lehár Villa provides insight into his life and creations as well as the local cultural legacy.

The technical developments in a range of mobility domains—from military to civilian, from bicycles to jet planes—are on display at the Museum of Vehicles, Technology and Aviation Bad Ischl, Austria. Twice year, the 5,000 square meter museum holds a historical car parts fair. In addition, it provides a limited range of exquisitely painted and constructed automobile models that may be used as teaching aids by pupils and schools. Private initiative launched the museum in 1990, and it has since drawn an increasing number of guests.

Churches and Cathedrals In Bad Ischl

Several eminent churches and cathedrals may be found in Bad Ischl. The major parish church, Pfarrkirche St. Nikolaus, was constructed in the Baroque style in the 18th century by Empress Maria Theresa and has an amazing organ by Anton Bruckner. Offering tranquilly and expansive vistas is the 17th-century pilgrimage site Kalvarienbergkirche. Showcasing Gothic architecture, Pfarre St. Wolfgang is situated in the neighboring town of St. Wolfgang and dates back to the tenth century. Evangelische Friedenskirche is a neo-Gothic Protestant church in Bad Ischl from the 19th century that is a representation of diplomatic and ecumenical ties. It has frequent services and events.

Roman Catholic parish church Stadtpfarrkirche St. Nikolaus has a 72-meter-tall tower and can hold up to 3,000 people. On its front are the years “1769” and a statement naming Empress Maria Theresa as the main donor. With paintings decorating different interior areas, the church is divided into four bays by vault belts held up by large pillars. Serving about 1350 Protestant Christians in the area, the Evangelical Parish Church of Bad Ischl, also referred to as the Church of Peace, was converted from a granary to a church between 1876 and 1881.

Known by another name, the Calvary Church, Kalvarienbergkirche is an amazing example of early 18th-century baroque ecclesiastical art and architecture. Its continuing existence in the area highlights its cultural value and lasting influence.

Constructed between 1957 and 1958, the Pfandl parish church is a masterwork of contemporary architecture. In the ground level of its five-story, 35-meter tower is a baptismal chapel. Lydia Roppolt created nine stained-glass windows in the church that show moments from Mary’s life. Three altars, the main one honoring St. Mary and the side altars venerated the Heart of Jesus and St. Christopher, represent many facets of Christian religion. Light-colored Italian marble makes up the presbytery floor, and the Roppolt family generously provided a beautiful artwork of a Madonna and Child with a halo and mandorla.

Bad Ischl Travel Guide

Things To Do In Bad Ischl

Rich history, cultural legacy, and spa tradition are well-known in Bad Ischl. It is a starting point to the Salzkammergut region, one of the most stunning and varied in all of Europe. Once the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph I, the Imperial Villa and the Emperor Franz Joseph I Museum are open to visitors. Natural splendor of the town provides chances for relaxation at Kaiserpark, which is surrounded by lush vegetation and colorful flowers. For those seeking further adventure, Katrin Mountain provides breathtaking hikes and expansive views of the surrounding area.

Cycling, golfing, spa and wellbeing, and nearby spas and wellness facilities are just a few of the outdoor pursuits Bad Ischl has to offer. While the Katrin Mountain Bike Trail, a 15-kilometer path that ascends and descends the Kater Mountains in the Salzkammergut Alps, links Bad Ischl with other cities, the Ischler Cycle Path is a 28-kilometer route. A 10-kilometer path known as the Rettenbachalm Mountain Bike Trail winds through the nature reserve, which is home to endangered and uncommon species like edelweiss, golden eagles and alpine salamanders.

Golfers may take lessons or hire equipment at the top courses in Bad Ischl, or just take in the breathtaking surroundings. Nestled in the heart of the Salzkammergut area next to Lake Wolfgang, the 18-hole course is among the oldest and most prominent in Austria. The 2006-opened 9-hole course offers a laid-back alternative with spacious fairways, immaculate greens, and no water hazards.

Kurhaus Bad Ischl, Villa Seilern Vital Resort and Salzbaron Hotel are just a few of the spa and wellness facilities in Bad Ischl. These facilities offer massages, beauty treatments, fitness advice, and relaxation among other services and treatments. The town’s commitment to health enables tourists to really indulge themselves while on holiday.

Festivals & Events In Bad Ischl

Once the summer home of Emperor Franz Joseph I and his wife Elisabeth, popularly known as Sisi, Bad Ischl. Today’s tourists may take in the surrounding mountains and lakes’ breathtaking landscape together with the imperial flair. Every year the town puts on a number of festivals and events that highlight regional customs, music, art, and food.

Popularly celebrated is the life and creations of operetta composer Franz Lehár, who wrote works like The Merry Widow and The Land of Smiles. Worldwide artists and tourists are drawn to the festival, which includes performances, concerts, talks, and exhibitions.

A further occasion celebrating the town’s royal past is the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph I. For the anniversary, the municipality plans events and rituals including a historical military march, a liturgy at the parish church, and a Salinen band concert. Additional activities include the September jogging event Kaiserlauf and the guided tour around the town center that honors the locations connected to the emperor and his family, known as the Kaiser stroll.

Bad Ischl celebrates a number of holidays throughout the year. These include the Easter Market, which features regional handicrafts, food, and festive décor; and the Christmas markets, which feature homemade gifts, hot mulled wine or punch, and traditional fare like stollen, gingerbread, and roasted chestnuts.

A terrific chance to learn about regional traditions and customs is the Liachtbratlmontag, a public holiday observed on the first Monday after October 15. Year-round, the town puts on a number of music events with a variety of genres and styles.

Bad Ischl Travel Guide

Top 10 Hotels In Bad Ischl

Visitors may select from a number of hotels and lodging options in Bad Ischl. A 4-star hotel that combines a contemporary annex building with a traditional villa is the Villa Seilern Vital Resort. Together with a restaurant, bar, and garden, this hotel has a sizable spa area. There are balconies with views of the town from the roomy, tasteful accommodations. Situated directly close to Kurpark, the hotel is ten minutes’ walk from the Imperial Villa.

Nestled in the heart of Bad Ischl, the Boutiquehotel Hubertushof is another 4-star establishment in the neighbourhood. Steps from the Imperial Villa, this hotel is situated to a park. It has a patio, a restaurant, a café and a wellness area. With hardwood furniture and flooring, the rooms are elegant and comfortable. Furthermore nearby to the hotel are the Katrin Cable Car and the Lehar Villa.

A another 4-star hotel situated close to the Traun River in the heart of Bad Ischl is the Stadthotel Goldenes Schiff. Free admission is provided to the Salzkammerguttherme Thermal Spa by this hotel. Along with a bar and lounge, it has a restaurant. Views of the mountains or river from the contemporary, cozy apartments. Conveniently situated, the hotel is close to the Kurpark and the railway station.

A more conventional experience may be had at the family-run Hotel Goldener Ochs, which is situated in the heart of Bad Ischl next to the Imperial Villa and Kurpark. In addition to its restaurant, wine cellar, and garden, this hotel has a spa. There are hardwood furniture and flowery textiles in the cheerful, traditional rooms. Furthermore nearby to the hotel are the Katrin Cable Car and the Lehar Villa.

Situated in the centre of Bad Ischl and directly attached to the Salzkammerguttherme Thermal Spa is the 4-star superior hotel EurothermenResort Bad Ischl – Hotel Royal 4-Sterne Superior. This establishment has a restaurant, a bar, a sun patio and a spa area. There are balconies and expansive, opulent views from the rooms. Five minutes’ walk separates the hotel from the Imperial Villa and Kurpark.