Imperial Bad Ischl
Here you can find interesting facts about the imperial family in Bad Ischl and the annual celebrations surrounding the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph I on 18 August.
The Emperor's beloved Ischl
Emperor Franz Joseph I has spent no less than 82 summers in Ischl since 1849 and celebrated 81 birthdays there. But even before the town became Franz Joseph's summer residence in the 19th century, several emperors and other members of the family stayed here.
Engagement in Bad Ischl
Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth in Bavaria celebrated their engagement in today's Bad Ischl town museum. Franz Joseph saw his cousin for the first time in Bad Ischl, fell in love with her immediately and shortly afterwards the engagement was celebrated.
The Habsburg family in Bad Ischl
Emperor Frederick III elevated Ischl to a market town in 1466, while Emperor Maximilian I confirmed the granting of a coat of arms in 1514. Emperor Ferdinand I opened the underground mining of the Ischl salt mine in 1563.
The imperial days
Where else could the birthday of Franz Joseph I be celebrated more worthily than in Bad Ischl, His Majesty's favourite summer residence?
With lots of charm, a little nostalgia and a healthy pinch of ironic entertainment, the imperial town serves up a colourful cocktail of hospitable festive cheer around the birthday of Emperor Franz Joseph I.
Numerous traditional clubs, bands, regimental delegations, rifle companies and much more mingle with the well-wishers every year.