Gardens and Parks
Garden and park facilities on Sisi’s Road
The historical places on Sisi’s road are not only impressive because of the architectural value of the buildings and monuments in which the Empress Elisabeth resided, but also due to the well-planned gardens with their exquisite landscape architecture. European garden culture comes to life on a journey along Sisi’s Road. The various design principles are a mirror of the centuries, from strict geometric designs to landscaped gardens as well as the romantic gardens of the 19th century. Contemporary design ideas also make the park facilities on Sisi’s road a truly unique experience.
Bavaria
The “Rose Island” on Lake Starnberg is especially splendid in the season when the roses are in bloom. Peter Joseph Lenné, one of the most prominent landscape architects of his time, designed the plans for this garden. The picturesque location, directly on the water with the majestic panorama of Alps as a backdrop, promises for an unforgettable experience.
The elegant park at the Castle Aichach in Unterwittelsbach is open for visitors all year round. It is a moated Castle, which originated in the middle ages. This castle was the favorite residence of Duke Max, Empress Sisi’s father.
Austria
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna is probably the most famous residence of the Habsburg dynasty. The palace park demonstrates the 18th century understanding of art with its geometrically designed gardens. The oldest menagerie in the world, the Schönbrunn Zoo, is still located in the palace gardens.
The park at Laxenburg Palace is one of the most important landscaped gardens in Europe. Majestic old trees, sprawling meadows and numerous neo-gothic decorative structures of the romantic historicism period, like the Franzensburg, invite visitors to relax with royal flair.
The Imperial Villa in Bad Ischl, a gift to Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Sisi, lies embedded in an idyllic landscaped garden. Pleasant lawns surrounded by stately solitary trees and wooded groups enhance a visit to the place where the imperial couple celebrated their marriage.
Esterhazy Castle in Eisenstadt is an impressive example of English garden landscaping in the early 19th century. The temple, grotto, waterfalls and ponds as well as the prestigiously designed orangery bear witness to days past.
Italy
The northernmost olive grove in Italy thrives in the sumptuous gardens of Trauttmansdorff Castle near Meran. In this garden complex, historical and contemporary designs await visitors. Botanical variety, diverse artist pavilions and an adventure course with exotic stations create an experience for all the senses!
The terrace shaped garden facilities at Miramare Castle leave a lasting impression because of the magnificent view of the Adriatic Sea. Along with the geometrically sectioned gardens, visitors can enjoy the exotic, Mediterranean flair.
Hungary
The building complex of the Castle Garden Bazaar was planned by Miklós Ybl to ensure a setting worthy of the royal residence for the royal gardens, which Queen Elisabeth liked so much, on the Danube side of the Castle Hill. The building complex inspired by Italian renaissance hanging gardens with its pergolas and fountains of its Neo-Renaissance Garden offers an impressive sight to this day. The Garden, which can be visited free of charge, has a stunning panorama over Budapest, inviting for a walk in every season.
The landscape design of the castle park Gödöllö draws visitors to relax or take a stroll. The park facility was completely revitalized in recent years. One part of the castle park is the “Pheasant Garden”, once Empress Sisi’s favorite spot.
The Lázár Riding Park in the idyllic rolling hills of Domonyvölgy with its horses, dressage exhibitions and carriage rides reminds visitors of Elisabeth’s enthusiasm for equestrian sports.
Greece
The Achilleion, the Empress Sisi’s residence on Corfu, reveals a strong mythological influence, as do the picturesque gardens. The Mediterranean foliage and the alternating view of the island and the Ionian Sea create an intrinsically exquisite garden landscape.
Switzerland
The Swiss Riviera on Lake Geneva is lined with beautiful gardens and lovely promenades. In Territet near Montreux, one encounters the rose gardens, which are most magnificent in the blooming season between June and September. Since 1902 a statue of Sisi is located there.
In Geneva a modern Sisi statue from 1998 graces a garden along the lake. The Park de la Perle du Lac on the shore of Lake Geneva is known for its extraordinary panorama. In the English garden, “Jardin Anglais”, one can admire the famous water jet, “Jet d’eau” and the enormous flower clock “Horloge Fleurie”, which was created in 1955 and is composed of more than 12,000 plants.