Bad Ischl

Bad Ischl is a town in Austria. It lies in the southern part of the state of Upper Austria, in the area known as the Salzkammergut. The town has a population of 14,115 (1.1.2004) and an area of 162.85 km². In this town lies Katrin Alpin Pasture.

During the Austro-Hungarian Empire the town was the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph. It is located 8 km from Vöcklabruck, the Gate of Salzkammergut.

On August 19, 1853 the engagement between Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Elisabeth of Bavaria took place at Esplanade No. 10, which is since 1989 used for Museum der Stadt Bad Ischl (1882 - 1982 was used for Hotel "Austria"). The Emperor Franz Joseph I built a villa named Villa Schratt in Bad Ischl for his mistress, Katharina Schratt.

Franz Lehár, known for his operettas died in Bad Ischl.