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Empress Elisabeth
The following options can be mixed and matched according to
individual choice, either as half-day, full-day or evening programs
(see also Events):
Contact me!
Heiligenkreuz
The Cistercian monastery founded in the Vienna Woods in 1133 by
Leopold III of Babenberg is still a monastery today. Worth a visit
are the wonderful medieval cloister with chapter hall; the funeral
chapel; the fountain house and the Romanesque/Gothic church. In
2007 Mary Vetsera’s copper coffin was discovered here in the
monastery and was handed over to the Carmelites at Mayerling,
where it can be seen today .We can visit the nearby Heiligenkreuz
Cemetery where Mary Vetsera was finally laid to rest after the
shocking desecration of her grave.
Laxenburg
Elisabeth spent her lonely honeymoon in the so-called Blue Court
of this spacious complex that played an important part in the
beginning of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria, and it was also at
Laxenburg that her son Rudolf was born and christened.
Sightseeing from the outside only.
Bad Ischl (and Fuschl)
The spa town of Bad Ischl lies amid the mountainous scenery of
the stunning Salzkammergut. The very first meeting between the
15-year-old Bavarian Princess Elisabeth and the 23-year-old
Emperor Franz Joseph took place here in 1853. The official
engagement was sealed only a few days later in the parish church.
Franz Joseph regularly spent his summers at the Emperor’s villa in
Bad Ischl. Elizabeth loved sport, and often hiked on her “magic
mountain” the Jainzen, at the foot of which the villa is nestled.
Sisi’s favorite daughter, Marie Valerie, married here, and in his
later years Franz Joseph visited his “friend” the actress Katharina
Schratt every morning in her villa. For fear that one day she might
spoil his favorite Guglhupf cake, she always had a spare one to
hand, baked from her personal recipe by the famous bakers and
confectioners Zauner. Visitors can still sample an original Schratt
Guglhupf at Zauner today.
A tour of the interior of the villa may find you being guided by a
great-grandchild of Elizabeth – if you’re lucky! A stroll in the town
to the parish church and a visit to Zauner are also on the itinerary.
As an extension to the program we can undertake an excursion to
Fuschl, about 30 km away. In the Sissi films Schloss Fuschl served
as Elisabeth’s family residence for both indoor and outdoor shots
and the surrounding area for various nature scenes.
Wachau
A whole day’s tour of the Wachau (World Heritage Site!) can be
put together from two to three of the following suggestions:
Cruise
Sisi’s bridal journey was for the most part by ship along the
Danube. The corresponding scenes of the “Sissi” films were shot in
the world famous Wachau, with its breathtaking scenery. We can
follow Sisi’s trail by ship and see, just as she did, Schloss
Schönbühel, Dürnstein and other sights from the water.
Dürnstein
Take in the view of the pretty village dominated by the castle
where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. Here we visit (from
the outside) the picturesque town hall and the baroque church
which is still used for weddings. In addition, see the wonderful
renaissance sgraffito facades and the mixture of old and new guild
signs over the shop entrances. In addition, Dürnstein has
unbelievably beautiful views over the Wachau and the Danube.
Stift Melk
This architecturally overpowering baroque Benedictine monastery
has no direct connection to Sisi, although it does have links to the
Habsburgs. However, it is hard to imagine coming to the Wachau
and not seeing this imposing landmark. Visit the imperial
apartments including the dining room, the balcony, the library, the
church and if possible the garden, and learn the history of the
Benedictines.
Maria Taferl
A famous and impressive place of pilgrimage high above the
Wachau – with a fantastic view! In the treasure chamber of the
baroque church discover votive offerings which provide touching
evidence of human destiny. Fragments of Elisabeth’s wedding dress
are also displayed – find out how they got there!
Schloss Artstetten
The private castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife
Sophie. Franz Ferdinand became the heir to the Austrian throne
after the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf, but before he could
accede to the throne the couple were shot and killed in Sarajevo –
setting in motion a fatal chain of events which led to World War I.
Personal details of their lives, together with the historical facts and
the details of the events which took place during the transportation
of their bodies will leave us deeply moved. The reason why they
are both buried here and not in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna gives
pause for thought. The castle is now occupied by Franz Ferdinand
and Sophie’s great-granddaughter, Princess Anita Hohenberg and
her family.
If you wish, it is also possible to go for wine, schnapps or liqueur
tastings at a variety of venues in the Wachau . Elegant and classy or
rustic and quaint – it’s your choice!
For further ideas please see Events.
Schönbrunn Palace
Imperial Tour (around 20 rooms, concentrating mainly on
Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth) in the imperial
summer residence of Schönbrunn. View the shared bedroom of Sisi
and Franz Joseph, her dressing room and salon; her weighing
scales and hear stories of her favorite hairdresser; Franz Joseph’s
work room with its many pictures of Sisi, the room where he died,
his bathroom etc. Scenes for the well-known “Sissi” films were
filmed in the Great Gallery and the Carousel Room, as well as by
the Neptune fountain.
Grand Tour (around 40 rooms, added on to the Imperial Tour):
including Empress Maria Theresia’s bedroom, the room where
Franz Joseph was born or the room where the last emperor of
Austria, Karl I formally surrendered the affairs of state.
Wagenburg (Imperial Carriage Museum)
The former winter riding school now houses a museum for
carriages from the imperial era. As well as the magnificent golden
coronation coach you can also discover the carriages used by Sisi
and Franz Joseph, a child’s coach belonging to Crown Prince
Rudolf or a hunting carriage from his adult years.
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
The Sisi Museum and the Imperial Appartments display many
objects personal to Sisi: the famous statue which shows her actual
dimensions and unbelievably tiny waist, her exercise equipment,
her bathroom with its original bath tub. At the end of the tour, a
fully laid table displays the lavishness of imperial mealtimes and
gives us a picture of the strict Spanish court etiquette.
Silberkammer (Imperial Silver Collection)
Magnificent table decorations, cooking utensils, table and kitchen
linen, and innumerable dinner services and accoutrements allow us
a glimpse of the richness of the imperial table displays. Here you
can find the dinner service that was used at Sisi’s wedding, her
travel china, a dinner service used at Bad Ischl and much more.
Kaisergruft/Kapuzinergruft (Imperial or
Capuchin Crypt)
Elizabeth’s last resting place following her murder in Geneva, as
well as that of the Emperor Franz Joseph and their son Crown
Prince Rudolf (interred after the tragedy at Mayerling). In addition,
there are approx. 150 other emperors, kings and members of the
imperial family laid to rest in the crypt. Hear about the embalming
of the corpses, the burying of heart and entrails at other locations
and the burial ceremony of the “poor sinners”.
Augustinerkirche (Church oft he Augustinian
Friars)
This is the church where Sisi and Franz Joseph were married. For
Sisi the austere court wedding ceremony removed all trace of
romance from the proceedings. The 16-year-old girl was totally
crushed by the experience. The “heart crypt” of the Habsburgs is
also here (not always available for tours). Hear many interesting
facts and discover why brides still wear white…
Spanish Riding School
See the training of the Lipizzaner horses and/or visit the stables of
the Spanish Riding School and the riding hall (Sisi was one of the
most accomplished riders ever). In this institution the highest level
of horsemanship has been maintained for nearly 500 years.
Monument to Empress Elizabeth
Sisi’s monument in the splendid Volksgarten was unveiled after her
death in the presence of Franz Joseph. We can only wonder – what
were his feelings?
Café Demel
This former court purveyor was a favorite haunt of Elizabeth’s – to
this day the candied violets she was so fond of can still be sampled
here. Enjoy a typical Viennese coffee (perhaps a “melange”)
accompanied by a slice of Sachertorte or another variety of
delicious cake. The décor of this classy traditional café takes us
back in time to imperial Vienna. Also worth a visit: the on-site
chocolate and marzipan museum.
Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection)
As one of the biggest furniture museums in the world this
collection offers a unique insight into imperial housing traditions
from the renaissance onwards. You will find many mementos of
Elisabeth and Franz Joseph and can also visit the permanent exhibit
“The Sissi Films – Imperial Furniture for the Sets”. The original
pieces of furniture used for the Sissi trilogy are exhibited together
with the relevant excerpts from the films.
Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)
This monumental structure, the first one completed on the Ring
Boulevard, opened in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s “Don
Giovanni”. On January 1, 1892 the opera “Ritter Pásmán” by
Johann Strauss was premiered here. The tour includes the
auditorium, the vestibule, the interval rooms, Empress Elizabeth’s
tea salon and if possible even the stage of this world- renowned
opera house. Hear about the Opera Ball, the glittering high point of
the internationally famous Viennese carnival season. It has become
a tradition that Johann Strauss’ operetta “Die Fledermaus” is
performed at the state opera on New Year’s Eve.
Hermes Villa
The former imperial hunting grounds, the Lainzer Tiergarten, are
surrounded by a 22-kilometer-long wall. In the middle of the
grounds stands the Hermes Villa, which Franz Joseph built for his
wife and equipped with the most modern technical advancements
of the time. Visit Sisi’s living quarters, adorned with works by
artists like Gustav Klimt and Hans Makart. On the walk from the
parking area to the villa learn about the cruel “toughening up”
methods to which the small Crown Prince Rudolf was subjected by
his tutors, before the vigorous intervention of his mother.
Mayerling
Mayerling is situated in the delightfully scenic Vienna Woods and
is the unlikely setting for one of the greatest tragedies of the
Habsburg dynasty. It is here that Crown Prince Rudolf chose to end
his life along with his 17-year-old lover, Mary Vetsera. The
background to the tragedy and also the speculation surrounding it
are discussed in detail.
In the former Mayerling hunting lodge, today a Carmelite convent,
we visit the church which was established on the site of Rudolf’s
bedroom. There is a small museum, where not only the original
carpet from Rudolf’s bedroom can be seen, but also Mary Vetsera’s
copper coffin. During the occupation of Austria after World War II
the coffin was desecrated by grave robbers.
Empress Elisabeth
The following options can be mixed and matched according to
individual choice, either as half-day, full-day or evening programs
(see also Events):
Contact me!
Heiligenkreuz
The Cistercian monastery founded in the Vienna Woods in 1133 by
Leopold III of Babenberg is still a monastery today. Worth a visit
are the wonderful medieval cloister with chapter hall; the funeral
chapel; the fountain house and the Romanesque/Gothic church. In
2007 Mary Vetsera’s copper coffin was discovered here in the
monastery and was handed over to the Carmelites at Mayerling,
where it can be seen today .We can visit the nearby Heiligenkreuz
Cemetery where Mary Vetsera was finally laid to rest after the
shocking desecration of her grave.
Laxenburg
Elisabeth spent her lonely honeymoon in the so-called Blue Court
of this spacious complex that played an important part in the
beginning of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria, and it was also at
Laxenburg that her son Rudolf was born and christened.
Sightseeing from the outside only.
Bad Ischl (and Fuschl)
The spa town of Bad Ischl lies amid the mountainous scenery of
the stunning Salzkammergut. The very first meeting between the
15-year-old Bavarian Princess Elisabeth and the 23-year-old
Emperor Franz Joseph took place here in 1853. The official
engagement was sealed only a few days later in the parish church.
Franz Joseph regularly spent his summers at the Emperor’s villa in
Bad Ischl. Elizabeth loved sport, and often hiked on her “magic
mountain” the Jainzen, at the foot of which the villa is nestled.
Sisi’s favorite daughter, Marie Valerie, married here, and in his
later years Franz Joseph visited his “friend” the actress Katharina
Schratt every morning in her villa. For fear that one day she might
spoil his favorite Guglhupf cake, she always had a spare one to
hand, baked from her personal recipe by the famous bakers and
confectioners Zauner. Visitors can still sample an original Schratt
Guglhupf at Zauner today.
A tour of the interior of the villa may find you being guided by a
great-grandchild of Elizabeth – if you’re lucky! A stroll in the town
to the parish church and a visit to Zauner are also on the itinerary.
As an extension to the program we can undertake an excursion to
Fuschl, about 30 km away. In the Sissi films Schloss Fuschl served
as Elisabeth’s family residence for both indoor and outdoor shots
and the surrounding area for various nature scenes.
Wachau
A whole day’s tour of the Wachau (World Heritage Site!) can be
put together from two to three of the following suggestions:
Cruise
Sisi’s bridal journey was for the most part by ship along the
Danube. The corresponding scenes of the “Sissi” films were shot in
the world famous Wachau, with its breathtaking scenery. We can
follow Sisi’s trail by ship and see, just as she did, Schloss
Schönbühel, Dürnstein and other sights from the water.
Dürnstein
Take in the view of the pretty village dominated by the castle
where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. Here we visit (from
the outside) the picturesque town hall and the baroque church
which is still used for weddings. In addition, see the wonderful
renaissance sgraffito facades and the mixture of old and new guild
signs over the shop entrances. In addition, Dürnstein has
unbelievably beautiful views over the Wachau and the Danube.
Stift Melk
This architecturally overpowering baroque Benedictine monastery
has no direct connection to Sisi, although it does have links to the
Habsburgs. However, it is hard to imagine coming to the Wachau
and not seeing this imposing landmark. Visit the imperial
apartments including the dining room, the balcony, the library, the
church and if possible the garden, and learn the history of the
Benedictines.
Maria Taferl
A famous and impressive place of pilgrimage high above the
Wachau – with a fantastic view! In the treasure chamber of the
baroque church discover votive offerings which provide touching
evidence of human destiny. Fragments of Elisabeth’s wedding dress
are also displayed – find out how they got there!
Schloss Artstetten
The private castle of Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife
Sophie. Franz Ferdinand became the heir to the Austrian throne
after the suicide of Crown Prince Rudolf, but before he could
accede to the throne the couple were shot and killed in Sarajevo –
setting in motion a fatal chain of events which led to World War I.
Personal details of their lives, together with the historical facts and
the details of the events which took place during the transportation
of their bodies will leave us deeply moved. The reason why they
are both buried here and not in the Imperial Crypt in Vienna gives
pause for thought. The castle is now occupied by Franz Ferdinand
and Sophie’s great-granddaughter, Princess Anita Hohenberg and
her family.
If you wish, it is also possible to go for wine, schnapps or liqueur
tastings at a variety of venues in the Wachau . Elegant and classy or
rustic and quaint – it’s your choice!
For further ideas please see Events.
Schönbrunn Palace
Imperial Tour (around 20 rooms, concentrating mainly on
Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elizabeth) in the imperial
summer residence of Schönbrunn. View the shared bedroom of Sisi
and Franz Joseph, her dressing room and salon; her weighing
scales and hear stories of her favorite hairdresser; Franz Joseph’s
work room with its many pictures of Sisi, the room where he died,
his bathroom etc. Scenes for the well-known “Sissi” films were
filmed in the Great Gallery and the Carousel Room, as well as by
the Neptune fountain.
Grand Tour (around 40 rooms, added on to the Imperial Tour):
including Empress Maria Theresia’s bedroom, the room where
Franz Joseph was born or the room where the last emperor of
Austria, Karl I formally surrendered the affairs of state.
Wagenburg (Imperial Carriage Museum)
The former winter riding school now houses a museum for
carriages from the imperial era. As well as the magnificent golden
coronation coach you can also discover the carriages used by Sisi
and Franz Joseph, a child’s coach belonging to Crown Prince
Rudolf or a hunting carriage from his adult years.
Hofburg (Imperial Palace)
The Sisi Museum and the Imperial Appartments display many
objects personal to Sisi: the famous statue which shows her actual
dimensions and unbelievably tiny waist, her exercise equipment,
her bathroom with its original bath tub. At the end of the tour, a
fully laid table displays the lavishness of imperial mealtimes and
gives us a picture of the strict Spanish court etiquette.
Silberkammer (Imperial Silver Collection)
Magnificent table decorations, cooking utensils, table and kitchen
linen, and innumerable dinner services and accoutrements allow us
a glimpse of the richness of the imperial table displays. Here you
can find the dinner service that was used at Sisi’s wedding, her
travel china, a dinner service used at Bad Ischl and much more.
Kaisergruft/Kapuzinergruft (Imperial or
Capuchin Crypt)
Elizabeth’s last resting place following her murder in Geneva, as
well as that of the Emperor Franz Joseph and their son Crown
Prince Rudolf (interred after the tragedy at Mayerling). In addition,
there are approx. 150 other emperors, kings and members of the
imperial family laid to rest in the crypt. Hear about the embalming
of the corpses, the burying of heart and entrails at other locations
and the burial ceremony of the “poor sinners”.
Augustinerkirche (Church oft he Augustinian
Friars)
This is the church where Sisi and Franz Joseph were married. For
Sisi the austere court wedding ceremony removed all trace of
romance from the proceedings. The 16-year-old girl was totally
crushed by the experience. The “heart crypt” of the Habsburgs is
also here (not always available for tours). Hear many interesting
facts and discover why brides still wear white…
Spanish Riding School
See the training of the Lipizzaner horses and/or visit the stables of
the Spanish Riding School and the riding hall (Sisi was one of the
most accomplished riders ever). In this institution the highest level
of horsemanship has been maintained for nearly 500 years.
Monument to Empress Elizabeth
Sisi’s monument in the splendid Volksgarten was unveiled after her
death in the presence of Franz Joseph. We can only wonder – what
were his feelings?
Café Demel
This former court purveyor was a favorite haunt of Elizabeth’s – to
this day the candied violets she was so fond of can still be sampled
here. Enjoy a typical Viennese coffee (perhaps a “melange”)
accompanied by a slice of Sachertorte or another variety of
delicious cake. The décor of this classy traditional café takes us
back in time to imperial Vienna. Also worth a visit: the on-site
chocolate and marzipan museum.
Hofmobiliendepot (Imperial Furniture Collection)
As one of the biggest furniture museums in the world this
collection offers a unique insight into imperial housing traditions
from the renaissance onwards. You will find many mementos of
Elisabeth and Franz Joseph and can also visit the permanent exhibit
“The Sissi Films – Imperial Furniture for the Sets”. The original
pieces of furniture used for the Sissi trilogy are exhibited together
with the relevant excerpts from the films.
Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera)
This monumental structure, the first one completed on the Ring
Boulevard, opened in 1869 with a performance of Mozart’s “Don
Giovanni”. On January 1, 1892 the opera “Ritter Pásmán” by
Johann Strauss was premiered here. The tour includes the
auditorium, the vestibule, the interval rooms, Empress Elizabeth’s
tea salon and if possible even the stage of this world- renowned
opera house. Hear about the Opera Ball, the glittering high point of
the internationally famous Viennese carnival season. It has become
a tradition that Johann Strauss’ operetta “Die Fledermaus” is
performed at the state opera on New Year’s Eve.
Hermes Villa
The former imperial hunting grounds, the Lainzer Tiergarten, are
surrounded by a 22-kilometer-long wall. In the middle of the
grounds stands the Hermes Villa, which Franz Joseph built for his
wife and equipped with the most modern technical advancements
of the time. Visit Sisi’s living quarters, adorned with works by
artists like Gustav Klimt and Hans Makart. On the walk from the
parking area to the villa learn about the cruel “toughening up”
methods to which the small Crown Prince Rudolf was subjected by
his tutors, before the vigorous intervention of his mother.
Mayerling
Mayerling is situated in the delightfully scenic Vienna Woods and
is the unlikely setting for one of the greatest tragedies of the
Habsburg dynasty. It is here that Crown Prince Rudolf chose to end
his life along with his 17-year-old lover, Mary Vetsera. The
background to the tragedy and also the speculation surrounding it
are discussed in detail.
In the former Mayerling hunting lodge, today a Carmelite convent,
we visit the church which was established on the site of Rudolf’s
bedroom. There is a small museum, where not only the original
carpet from Rudolf’s bedroom can be seen, but also Mary Vetsera’s
copper coffin. During the occupation of Austria after World War II
the coffin was desecrated by grave robbers.
