[DEUTSCH]   [ENGLISH]

Some places whisper stories – in Bad Ischl, the mountains speak clearly. With its imperial past, operetta nostalgia and literary soul, this little town has a charisma all its own. The Goldener Ochs, or Ochs 1791 for short, is at its heart – a gracious host, a quiet listener and a keeper of traditions that still make sense today.

Here, Sisi and Franz Joseph once got engaged. Romy Schneider once wandered the streets in a film version of the past. And today, between cocktail glasses and classic melodies, guests discover that not everything has to be taken too seriously. Especially not in the Arthur Schnitzler Bar – where cultural wit meets salon-style comfort and you’re more than welcome to take centre stage.

Historic? Absolutely. Dusty? Not a chance. The rooms in the main house are a love letter to the past – but with colour, wit and a refreshingly modern twist. Local artist Rebecca Bernau brings a playful take on dirndl patterns to the walls, while vintage armchairs and international design pieces sit comfortably side by side on polished timber floors.

Looking for something extra special? Step into the newly restored Traunvilla: twelve unique rooms with river views, artful details and the kind of quiet character that’s hard to come by. Best enjoyed at sunset, with the pastel Esplanade reflected in the green waters of the Traun and the mountains glowing gold in the background. Pure magic.

After that, it’s time for a fluffy robe and a gentle descent into the wellness zone: Finnish pine sauna, bio sauna, Kneipp baths and a wonderfully warm spring-fed pool. Prefer to move? The light-filled fitness conservatory offers scenic motivation.

And don’t miss the hotel’s very own brine inhalation gallery – a nod to Bad Ischl’s heritage as a world-famous spa town. Salt air, alpine calm, total recharge.

At the Goldener Ochs, the kitchen takes no shortcuts. This is regional Austrian cuisine in its truest form – think golden schnitzel, slow-simmered veal stew, freshly caught lake fish and all the sweet temptations you’d expect from a proper Austrian inn. “We don’t do shortcuts,” says the Schweiger family proudly. “No ready-made mixes, no fuss – just good ingredients, fresh technique and everything made from scratch.”

The Goldener Ochs restaurant is one of the oldest in town, with cosy historic dining rooms and a summer terrace right by the river – open to locals and guests alike. Breakfast is served in the sunlit winter garden, and if you’ve booked half-board, your table will be waiting every evening with a hearty three-course dinner. Prefer à la carte? As a hotel guest, you’ll enjoy a little extra treat: a friendly discount on all dishes.

AND AFTER DINNER? Time for a drink – or perhaps a character or two. In the Arthur Schnitzler Bar, Fräulein Else arrives spritzed, Leutnant Gustl shaken. This is where Viennese literary culture is served with a twist – quite literally. Books and cocktails share the stage, and wit is always on the menu. It’s not just the drinks that delight: freshly roasted coffee by Hrovat’s, old stable vaults turned into a moody salon, and the slightly rebellious flair of a bygone era make this bar a true hidden gem. A favourite spot? Absolutely.

Bad Ischl is where alpine meets elegant. The perfect base for a blend of nature, culture and old-school summer charm – with a gentle twist of winter magic.

IN WINTER, things are soft, serene and just the way we like them – away from the crowds, close to the snow. The Goldener Ochs offers great off-season rates from January, with quiet walks, spa time and scenic views included.

Want a little adventure? Hop on the nostalgic four-seater Katrin cable car just 25 minutes from the hotel. No skis allowed – but snowshoes, sleds and sunshine await at 1,400 metres. A favourite for ski touring, sledding with little ones or simply basking in a deck chair on the Katrin Alm.

Just 30 minutes away, the Postalm Plateau delivers full-on winter variety: small-scale skiing, scenic cross-country trails, snowshoe hikes, toboggan runs and even husky sled rides – all framed by wide-open alpine meadows and cosy huts serving steaming dumplings and mulled wine.

IN SUMMER, Bad Ischl is perfectly placed for lakeside hopping. Within 15 minutes in any direction, you’ll find crystal-clear Alpine lakes – for swimming, paddling, drifting or simply staring into the blue.

Or join the 7-Lake Panorama Hike on the Katrin: three summits, four valleys, and seven shimmering lakes within view – all in a leisurely 2.5-hour round trip. Yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds.

STILL CURIOUS? TRY THIS:

• A slow stroll along the Esplanade, with glimpses of the Kaiservilla and the soft murmur of the river
• A spa day at the EurothermenResort Bad Ischl – salt water, steam and serious relaxation
• A night of operetta at the Lehár Theatre – or the famous Ischl Operetta Weeks
• A wander through the historic town centre, followed by coffee and cake at the legendary Zauner café – where the past is sweet and the cream is thick

Published: 01.04.2022 | Last Updated: 23.06.2025