Bad ischl holidays

Once a week, Bad Ischl comes alive with vibrant market stalls piled high with fresh produce, artisanal cheeses and regional wines. Wander through the bustling square, sampling the local flavours and specialties as you go. And for your everyday essentials, the local supermarket Billa has all the staples, from milk and bread to toothpaste.

There’s a mix of shops lining the streets, from souvenir and local craft stores to outlet shops and clothing boutiques. For something uniquely local, Salzwelten is the place to pick up salt-themed souvenirs, celebrating the town’s famous salt heritage. Or SISSIKUS is a boutique shop by the river selling coffee, trendy gifts and local gin.

You’ll find a couple of high-end boutiques dotted around the town from jewellery and top-quality scarfs to traditional clothing like Dirndls and Lederhosen.

For a slower-paced evening, take a gentle stroll through the town’s spa park, Kurpark, or simply soak up the peaceful atmosphere as the town lights twinkle along the river.

Evenings in Bad Ischl are usually quiet, but the riverside restaurants hum with a lively buzz. For a touch of culture after dark, catch a show at the historic Lehártheater or a live classical concert in one of the town’s elegant venues – you’ll find everything from piano recitals to full chamber orchestras.

Cafés, inns and riverside restaurants fill the streets of Bad Ischl. Pick from a Monarchy-style café serving fresh pastries, an Austrian Käsekrainer for a quick bite to eat or a sunny terrace for a leisurely meal with a view.

Make sure to swing by Grand Café & Restaurant Zauner – the historic architecture alone is worth it. Grab a box of chocolates, indulge in an afternoon pastry, or tuck into a leisurely meal on the riverside terrace. And don’t miss trying an Ischler, a tiny cookie that’s been delighting sweet-tooths since the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Set in the elegant Hotel Villa Seilern, this stylish spot serves creative Austrian dishes with a modern twist. Think seasonal dishes, local ingredients and a sleek indoor dining room with a peaceful garden patio just steps from the town centre of Bad Ischl.

Step into the old town’s cosy inns and taverns and dig into comforting Austrian classics. From crispy schnitzel and warming goulash to soft, pillowy dumplings, Gasthof Wes’n is just the spot. With its rustic décor and generous portions, you’ll get a true taste of Bad Ischl’s culinary roots and rich local flavours.

Bad Ischl is well connected by bus, so a day trip or two are on the cards. Bus 150 links you with Salzburg, stopping at scenic spots along Lake Wolfgang, including Strobl and St. Gilgen. While buses 541 and 542 run through the Gosau Valley to Lake Gosau and the Gosaukammbahn cable car.

Jump on the Katrin cable car you’ll be whisked up to 1,400m in just 15 minutes. This charming 4-seater, that’s been travelling up and down the mountain since1959, really delivers on the scenic views over Bad Ischl and the surrounding mountains. And with the local summer card you’ll get a discount, making it an easy and scenic way to reach the heights.

The train station sits right in the town centre, making travel to neighbouring towns super easy. Regular trains connect to Salzburg, or head to Hallstatt, a nearby lakeside town, which you can reach by a short ferry over to the village centre.

Bad Ischl is made for wandering. Its pedestrianised centre features narrow, flat streets and charming alleys, perfect for a leisurely stroll. The Sole Esplanade invites riverside walks, while the historic streets and squares are lined with cafés, shops and elegant architecture.

This easy, one-hour walk starts in Bad Ischl’s town centre and follows the Sole Esplanade along the river to the Katrin cable car station and back. The route is mostly flat, with benches and cafés dotted along the way. You’ll pass elegant villas, boutique shops and views of the surrounding hills before looping back into town.

Starting at the Katrin cable car valley station, this scenic trail climbs steadily through forested slopes to the Katrin summit at 1,400m. The hike takes about 2.5 hours to the top or a 5 hour round trip. And you’re rewarded with sweeping views of Bad Ischl and the Salzkammergut lakes. Stop at a mountain hut near the top for a well-earned drink or slice of cake before heading back down on foot or by gondola.