Short info:
- Where does the Kaiservilla and the Kaiserpark situated? In Bad Ischl. Coming from the city, the Kaiserpark is entered via the well-preserved Kaiserbrücke, which spans the Ischl river.
- Does the park cost admission? Yes, there are different combinations depending on what you want to see. Here you will find all information about opening hours and prices.
- What is there to see in the Kaiservilla? Here in the villa, Emperor Franz Josef signed the declaration of war on Serbia in 1914, from which the First World War developed
- Is the Kaiserpark worthwhile? Yes, it is really beautifully laid out and is ideal for walks.
Imperial villa (Kaiservilla
On August 18th, 2020 we visit the Kaiservilla. Today Emperor Franz Joseph would have been 190 years old. Emperor Franz Josef I spent no fewer than 82 summers in Ischl since 1849 and celebrated 81 birthdays there. Nevertheless, the rush of visitors is rather low, but maybe that is also due to the miserable weather. We get a place for a guided tour right away, because without it you cannot visit the villa. Right at the beginning the first big disappointment. Photographs are prohibited. There is actually a lot to tell about the villa, but it’s just not fun without photos.
Probably the most interesting detail: Here in the villa, Emperor Franz Josef signed the declaration of war on Serbia in 1914, from which the First World War developed. The desk at which this happened is on display here. The tour lasts 50 minutes, you can read more details about the Imperial Villa here.
Imperial Park
Unfortunately, it rained cats and dogs on our first visit, but luckily we will visit the park a second time in autumn. Here it is in all its glory.
Archduchess Sophie acquired the park in the summer of 1853, after the engagement of her son, Franz Joseph, which was celebrated in Bad Ischl, the Dr.Eltz house and a year later the associated grounds as a wedding present for the imperial couple. The court gardener began to lay out the imperial garden in a landscape style. The staffage buildings, the cottage, the Spiegellusthaus and the Gloriette were erected at prominent points in the park in the years 1855-60.
After World War I, the Imperial Villa park was opened to the public.
You can take a leisurely stroll on the sidewalks. Halfway up the ascent you reach the Gloriette (it was the engagement pavilion of the youngest daughter of the imperial couple). After a slight descent through the avenue of oaks, the marble palace (Marmorschlößl) can be reached. The cottage, built of red Untersberg marble, was Empress Elisabeth’s favorite place to stay