Kaiserbummel – the Kaiser’s Birthday
On August 17th, 2010, the Kaiser would have celebrated his 180th Birthday. As every year, Bad Ischl was decked out in 2.5 km of red carpet and welcomed locals and tourists to celebrate and sample specialities of the region. The Kaiser nostalgia was out in full force, with a few people in fancy dress as the Kaiser and Princess Sissi. For the most part, the locals were dressed in the traditional dress and enjoyed the music, food and festivities. The local Church holds a mass in memory of the late Kaiser, with participants dressed in period costume.
In addition, there were local bands with folk music as well as jazz bands and other kinds of music. The food stalls provided the usual fare of schnitzel, sausages, sauerkraut, strudel and were really delicious! The Kaiser villa hosts a private party for young, fashionable people every year and it is given over to a clubbing event.
Batzenhäusl, St Gilgen – a new culinary discovery
Batzenhäusl is a former toll-house located on the edge of St Gilgen. The building is very atmospheric and you can almost feel the history in this 400 year old building. The food is high quality and the price does not break the bank. We had an excellent 2 course meal with wine for ca. 20 Euros / person. The style of food is lighter than most Austrian restaurants and the menu is imaginative and the food well presented. I would not advise sitting outside in the Summer as it is on the main road.
To reach it from Bad Goisern, drive direction Bad Ischl and then onto St Gilgen, on arrival at St Gilgen drive direction Mondsee and you will see the restaurant opposite a small yellow castle on the mountain opposite. Reservations are recommended.
Batzenhäusl OG
Winkl 10
A 5340 St. Gilgen
Tel.: + 43 6227 23 56
