"Bad Ischl" Top 5 Page for this destination Bad Ischl by acemj

Bad Ischl Travel Guide: 50 reviews and 107 photos

Bad Ischl was originally known as the center of the Salzkammergut region's salt processing industry, but in the nineteenth century local doctor Josef Grotz discovered the soothing and even medicinal powers of the saltwater baths and voila! a spa town was born. When Grotz shared this knowledge with the Viennese doctor of the emperor, it wasn't long before royalty and celebrities began making Bad Ischl a popular retreat from Vienna and the rest of Austria. Emperor Franz Josef I along with many famous 19th century composers spent the majority of their summers here.

Today, the town remains a pleasant place with a very sophisticated air about it. You're as likely to see well dressed locals sipping coffee out of elegant cups and listening to classical music as you are to pass by a spa. I was here in the summer of 2004 and while my visit was only a single afternoon, I somehow managed to squeeze in the fancy cups and the music. Next time, I'm getting a massage!

The town is also a transportation hub of the region, so it's very likely that if you are spending any significant time in the Salzkammergut, you'll find yourself here.

Last visit to Bad Ischl: Jun 2004
Intro Updated May 22, 2005
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Reviews (15)

Dr. Franz von Wirer Favorites (5)

The first person to use the salt baths in the area for medicinal purposes was Dr. Josef Götz. When he told Dr. Franz von... more travel advice

Internet access/info Favorites (5)

Since the main tourist information place was closed (after 12pm on Sundays) I ended up at this alternative place that... more travel advice

Spa life Things to Do (8)

I wish I had had more time in Bad Ischl so that I could have pampered myself at the Kaiser Therme, an exclusive spa... more travel advice

Congress and Theater House Things to Do (8)

Inside this impressive buidling, you'll find a very modern conference and meeting facility making it the primary... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Transportation hub

Restaurants (1)
Famous coffeehouse

Travelogues (1)

Written May 22, 2005

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Comments (12)

BillNJ Jun 13, 2008 at 3:38 PM Report Abuse

Great tips and photos! Bad Ischl looks like a great place to visit. Best from New Jersey, Bill
Manara Feb 13, 2007 at 12:04 PM Report Abuse

Thank you for all the interesting tips! I hope to visit Bad Ischl soon, se they will help a lot.
matcrazy1 Sep 22, 2006 at 8:44 AM Report Abuse

Good page and interesting place. I think I visited this regular summer-residence of the Austrian emperors long time ago.
travelthrough Aug 30, 2006 at 7:02 AM Report Abuse

everything closes early on the weekend in Austria - its a lazy people :) I am just wondering about the notable "elegance of ppl" in Bad Ischl...... great photos, are you professional?
lmkluque Jul 2, 2005 at 9:23 AM Report Abuse

Great few hours you spent Mark! Strange that the Tourist Info place closed early on the weekend. No?
Bwana_Brown Jun 16, 2005 at 8:42 AM Report Abuse

This looks like a great little spot to stroll and admire all the architectural works of art! Maybe that personal physician was onto something with these Spas, after all, the Emperor lived to be 80+ years old! A very nice page Mark.
dr.firas Jun 2, 2005 at 7:06 AM Report Abuse

You waked a busy friend with your sweet comment on my Lago di love page :-))) Thanks Marky :-D Wonderful page here, yes I'm so happy these days and finally despite the busy hard life here... Hugssss see you soon my friend
bugalugs May 30, 2005 at 7:00 AM Report Abuse

I have heard of the Merry Widow but didnt know who had written it, and Lehar's villa looks such a lovely building
globetrott May 28, 2005 at 10:12 AM Report Abuse

an interesting page about the regular summer-residence of the Austrian emperors !
travelife May 26, 2005 at 7:04 PM Report Abuse

Nice to see you in page-building again! Nice page!