Price per person from

689

CHF

Sisi - an imperial train tour

The films starring Romy Schneider made the Austrian empress world-famous. The perfect trip for all romantics and nostalgics to immerse themselves in the fascinating era of Empress Sisi.

Empress Elisabeth, the charismatic Sisi, is one of the most remarkable women of the 19th century. She was a modern personality who broke with the conventions of her time with her unusual views and independence. As a young woman, she married the Habsburg Emperor Franz Joseph I and quickly became Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary.

After her wedding, Sisi moved to the magnificent capital city of Vienna, where numerous places commemorate her life. Visit the impressive residences, Schönbrunn Palace and the Hofburg, both rich in history and Sisi's charm. The Imperial Carriage Museum awaits you in Schönbrunn Palace Park, where, in addition to representative carriages, a separate area is dedicated to the Empress. In the Hofburg, you will discover numerous exhibits documenting the life of the legendary empress, including the original furniture from the famous Sisi films, which you can admire in the Imperial Furniture Collection - one of the largest museums of domestic culture in the world.

Their passionate love story began in Bad Ischl, where Sisi and the young emperor met in 1853. Visit the former salt manufacturer's house, now the museum of the town of Bad Ischl, where their engagement took place. This enchanting place was a retreat for Sisi, where she could spend happy, carefree days with her family. The “Marmorschlössl” was built in the imperial park, an idyllic retreat that served Sisi and Franz Joseph for private moments.

A short trip to Lake Fuschl takes you to the filming location of the legendary Sisi films. The impressive Fuschl Palace is now a hotel and houses a small but fine Sisi Museum.

Let yourself be carried away by the fascination of Empress Elisabeth and experience the magnificent places that shaped her life. This journey through history offers you a unique insight into the life of an extraordinary woman - an unforgettable adventure awaits you!

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Highlights

Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna was the magnificent residence of Empress Elisabeth, known as Sisi, and served her as a place for official occasions as well as private retreats. Here she could enjoy the magnificent gardens and impressive architecture while mastering the strict protocol of imperial life.
The Hofburg Palace in Vienna is not only the former residence of the Habsburgs, but also houses the fascinating Sisi Museum, which is dedicated to her life and personality. In the magnificent rooms of the Hofburg, visitors can admire numerous exhibits that provide an insight into Sisi's extraordinary life and her unique role in Austria's history.
Laxenburg Palace, just a few kilometers from Vienna, was once a popular retreat for Sisi and the Habsburgs. Surrounded by a picturesque park and idyllic lakes, the palace offers a romantic backdrop that is perfect for relaxing walks. Here Sisi could enjoy the peace and beauty of nature and relax from the strict imperial protocol. Visit the magnificent rooms and experience the fascinating history of this charming palace!
Esterházy Palace in Eisenstadt is an impressive Baroque building and was the residence of the influential Esterházy family. During her time as empress, Sisi visited the palace regularly and particularly appreciated the Haydn Hall, where the famous composer Joseph Haydn performed his works.
The Imperial Palace Bad Ischl was the summer residence of Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph, where they spent unforgettable moments in the picturesque surroundings. The adjoining Imperial Park with its idyllic paths and beautiful gardens invites you to take relaxing walks and was a popular retreat for the imperial couple, who could enjoy happy hours here away from the strict protocol.
The Marmorschlössl in Bad Ischl is a charming hideaway that was used by Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph as a private retreat. Surrounded by picturesque gardens and idyllic paths, it offers a peaceful atmosphere in which Sisi could spend undisturbed moments with her family. Today, visitors can explore the stylish interiors and romantic surroundings, which bring the history of the imperial family to life.
Lake Fuschl, picturesquely nestled between rolling hills and dense forests, is a favourite destination for those seeking relaxation and nature lovers. The crystal-clear water is ideal for swimming, sailing and fishing, while the surrounding hiking and cycling trails offer impressive views of the Alpine landscape. Lake Fuschl is also famous as the location for the legendary Sisi films and Fuschl Castle, which now houses a hotel, offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the glamorous world of Sisi.

Travel itinerary

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Travel details

Travel programm

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1

Day 1: Arrival in Vienna (8h)

Arrival in Vienna by 2nd class train from your Swiss home (journey from Zurich approx. 8 hours). Free time for initial sightseeing and overnight stay in Vienna.
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Day 2: Vienna

Full day at leisure to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Austrian empress. The Sisi Ticket gives you access to 3 imperial houses. The ticket is valid for 1 year, the visits are possible on three different days. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace

In the palace you are a guest in the living quarters of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth and can marvel at the most expensive and valuable rooms from the 18th century. The palace, the imperial summer residence, has over 1000 rooms. Palace tour with audio guide, 40 rooms/50 minutes.

Hofburg Palace Vienna

There is no other place where the myth of Sisi is more tangible than here! The Hofburg was the venue for the brilliant imperial wedding ceremony and later also the couple's silver wedding anniversary. Tour of the Imperial Apartments, the Sisi Museum and the Silver Collection with audio guide.
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Day 3: Vienna

Another eventful day awaits you. We recommend a visit to Laxenburg Palace and/or Esterházy Palace. Overnight stay in Vienna.

Laxenburg Palace

You can reach Laxenburg Palace in approx. 40' by public bus. Sisi spent her honeymoon with Franz Joseph in the imperial residence on the outskirts of Vienna. Sisi also gave birth to two of her children here. The extensive grounds are a botanical work of art, and the palace complex was already a favorite spring and summer residence of the Habsburgs in the 14th century. The centerpiece is Franzensburg Castle, a faithful replica of a knight's fortress.
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Day 4: Vienna - Attnang-Puchheim - Bad Ischl (3h30)

Train journey from Vienna to Bad Ischl with a change in Attnang-Puchheim. We recommend a visit to the Kaiservilla, which was the original location for the Sisi films, and the Marmorschlössl with its photo museum. Overnight stay in Bad Ischl.

Imperial Villa + Imperial Park

Bad Ischl played a major role for Sisi, who felt more at ease in the relaxed atmosphere of the Imperial Villa than in Vienna, where life was dominated by protocol. Even at this time, Emperor Franz Joseph I allowed visits to the imperial villa during his absence. This tradition has been maintained and the imperial villa and park are open to the public during the summer months.

Marble castle

The marble cottage was Sisi's favorite place to stay. Hidden in dense forest and unspoiled nature, it is only a lake away from the Imperial Villa and the surrounding mountains. Sisi used the Marmorschlössl as a playhouse and tea house. Today, the cottage houses a photography museum.
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Day 5: Bad Ischl - Lake Fuschl - Bad Ischl (2h)

Today we recommend a visit to the City Museum on the Esplanade. This is where the engagement of Franz Joseph I and Sisi took place. Afterwards, take the public bus from Bad Ischl to Lake Fuschl, famous as the location for the Sisi films. Fuschl Castle is now a hotel and houses a small Sisi museum. Overnight stay in Bad Ischl.
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6

Travel home by 2nd class train to your Swiss place of residence (journey to Zurich approx. 8h50).

Impressions

Travel responsibly

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Sustainable transport for your holidays
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Services

Included in the price

2nd class rail journey from your place of residence in Switzerland - Vienna - Bad Ischl - place of residence, based on half-fare travelcard
3 nights in Vienna, 3* hotel, standard double room with private bathroom, breakfast
2 nights in Bad Ischl, 3* hotel, standard double room with private bathroom, breakfast
Vienna Card 72 hours
Sisi Ticket Vienna

Not included in the price

Surcharge for 1st class rail travel, Half-Fare travelcard basisSupplement for rail travel in 2nd class, full fare
Supplement for rail travel in 1st class, full fare
Entrance fees for other activities
Additional activities + services
Additional nights in Vienna/Bad Ischl
Surcharge for single room
Surcharge for 4* and 5* hotels
Surcharge for higher room categories
Some hotels may charge CHF 2.- to CHF 7.- for local visitor's tax per person/night

Sisi - an imperial train tour

Highlights