Hermesvilla

The Hermesvilla was given to Empress Sissi by her husband, the last Emperor Francis Joseph in the hope of persuading his wife - a keen traveler - to spend more time in Vienna. She actually really disliked Vienna, and preferred Budapest instead.

It took over five years to build the villa, a model for many romantic country houses devised for the haute bourgeoisie. The villa took its name from the statue of 'Hermes as Guardian' standing in the garden.

You can visit an impressive exhibition on the history of the house arranged on the first floor - photographs, plans and documents, above all the still existent parts of the original furnishings, and many personal items belonging to the emperor and empress. It will give you a great impression about the imperial lifestyle away from official court etiquette. Empress Sissi's bedroom is equally sensational! There is the huge royal bed, exquisite murals depicting motifs from Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream', her gym where she performed her physical exercises furnished in bright colors.

On the top floor, you will find highlights of the Wien Museum's internationally famous fashion collection, one of the most comprehensive throughout Europe!

All in all, a great excursion outside of Vienna which you will definitely enjoy! There are lots of grounds to wander around and picnic on during the warm, lovely spring and summer months.

And THE perfect place in the neighborhood to go if you want to rest and fill your hungry belly is the Hermesvilla Restaurant. Apart from its uniquely quiet location, the gourmet dishes or appetizers served will definitely meet any gourmet's tastes. But this isn't only a place for food connoisseurs, also day trippers, hikers and visitors are more than welcome! Here you can taste Austrian specialities such as the typical Grießnockerlsuppe, the Schinkenrahmfleckerl, the Schnitzel or Krautfleckerl. If you are an early morning person, don't despair! The menu offers delicious Breakfasts and cakes! If you come during specific seasons (e.g. hunting season, during fall) you will be able to taste delicacies such as the wild pork of the Viennese woods.

Definitely worth visiting if you want to go on a weekend trip a little outside the city center, if you choose a day of good weather, you will also be able to sit in the outside garden!