In the Footsteps of the Empress

Corfu

Madeira

Merano

England

Bad Ischl

Lake Starnberg

Travel stories: In Sisi's footsteps

Corfu: The Empress’s favorite island

Witnesses of a bygone era

The Greek island of Corfu enchants visitors with its rugged mountains and lush, emerald landscapes. It’s no surprise that this idyllic island in the Ionian Sea was the Empress’s favorite. Sisi was captivated by Corfu’s vibrant flora, gentle climate, and rich Greek culture—an enthusiasm shared by many active travelers today. The Achilleion Palace, which she built here, became her personal retreat, far from the constraints of the Viennese court. While the palace’s interior is currently closed for renovations, the splendid gardens that surround it are well worth a visit. Hibiscus shrubs, palm trees, and cypresses grace these grounds, and a white marble statue of Sisi stands as an enduring tribute to the Empress.

Achilleion Palace, a neoclassical building with white columns and balustrades, surrounded by cypress trees and Mediterranean vegetation under blue sky.

From the coast to a UNESCO World Heritage Site

With every step deeper into Corfu’s wild beauty, it becomes clear why this island was such a source of longing for the Empress. Long before her time, Greeks, Romans, Britons, and French left their mark here—reflected in Corfu’s vibrant culture, colorful roofs, and winding medieval lanes. Exploring Corfu on a hiking tour is the perfect way to take in its remarkable diversity. One especially scenic route leads from Corfu Town through the picturesque Ropa Valley to Liapades, on to Agios Georgios Pagon and Sokraki. The journey comes to a grand finale at historic Old Perithia and the charming coastal village of Kassiopi in the island’s northeast. There’s plenty of time for refreshing dips in turquoise waters and relaxed strolls through tiny mountain villages. Corfu Town itself, a treasure of Venetian architecture with its old harbor and lively town hall square, has rightly earned its UNESCO World Heritage status—making it an absolute must-see.

Hikers on the stony coast of Agia Ekaterin, mountain panorama in the background

Corfu

8 Days

White marble statue of a woman in 19th-century dress at Achilleion Palace, with elaborate hairstyle and detailed clothing against green foliage.

Madeira: A haven for retreat and self-discovery

Healing among exotic blossoms and the gentle sea breeze

When Sisi suffered from a persistent cough in 1860, an experienced pulmonary specialist advised her to seek extended rest by the sea. At that time, the Atlantic island of Madeira was a much-loved retreat among nobles seeking to restore their health. There, Sisi fell in love with the island’s dazzling floral splendor, the endless blue of the Atlantic, and the peace far from the rigid rituals of the royal court. Still a young Empress, she had felt trapped by strict etiquette—yet on Madeira, she could finally breathe freely again. After her five-month stay, she returned transformed: a confident woman who stood up for her own interests and, above all, could never be kept from traveling again.

Madeira's Calheta Coast with a View of Funchal

Around Madeira

8 Days

Colorful flowers frame a coastal view of Porto da Cruz in Madeira with a dramatic cliff, village, and blue ocean under a clear sky.

Of dramatic sea cliffs, misty forests, and charming fishing villages

Exploring Madeira’s rich natural beauty on hiking trails makes it easy to see why this Atlantic island was among the Empress’s favorite destinations. The northern coast is defined by soaring cliffs, mystical misty forests, and the island’s highest peaks. The Walking Holidays hiking tour leads from the easternmost headland along coastal paths to Porto da Cruz, then up to Pico Ruivo. The Levada do Rei winds through jungle-like vegetation, finally reaching the dramatic cliffs of the island’s west. For those who wish to discover the island’s full diversity, the Around Madeira tour is the perfect choice. Starting in the fishing village of Porto da Cruz, you dive into the wild north coast, wander across the Paul da Serra plateau through shady laurel forests, explore the Levada Nova in Calheta, and soak in the vibrant capital. If Sisi herself were still alive, you’d most likely find her indulging in a relaxed hiking tour on Madeira's East Coast. No matter which tour you choose, Madeira’s year-round floral splendor, gentle climate, and impressive mountain scenery make it a destination you’ll want to return to time and again—just as the Empress once did.

A hiker with a wonderful view of the sea

Madeira wild North Coast

8 Days

Madeira East Coast

7 Days

Two women hiking on mountain trail near Pico Ruivo, Madeira. Yellow flowers line the path with dramatic mountain peaks and clouds below.

Bronze statue of Empress Sissi in turquoise ball gown standing in a tropical garden with palm trees and green lawn under blue sky in Madeira.

Female hiker with blue backpack walking on narrow coastal trail in Madeira, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean with lush green vegetation.

White church with clock tower in São Vicente, Madeira, surrounded by purple agapanthus flowers with green mountains in the background.

Female hiker with trekking poles on coastal path in Madeira, surrounded by lush green vegetation with ocean view in background.

Merano: A spa town with Mediterranean flair

Why Sisi Shaped Merano as a spa town

In 1870, Elisabeth sought a place with gentle climate and pure air to help her youngest daughter, Marie Valerie, recover in a healthy environment. At that time, the little town of Merano was considered the perfect spa retreat, so Sisi traveled there with Marie Valerie and her older sister Gisela. The three spent about eight months at Trauttmansdorff Castle. The quick recovery of her daughter soon made Merano famous far beyond Tyrol’s borders and established its reputation as a leading spa destination. The Empress was especially fond of walking from the castle down to the Passirio promenade. The “Sisi Trail,” still well known today, follows ten stops that continue to be linked to her remarkable story.

Aerial view of Trauttmansdorff Castle with terraced botanical gardens in South Tyrol, surrounded by mountains and valley settlements.

Where the Alps meet Mediterranean charm

Merano is a starting or finishing point for many hiking tours in the Eurohike Walking Holidays portfolio. Following the Via Claudia Augusta, you walk in the footsteps of the Romans from Lake Resia all the way to Merano. One varied tour leads from Merano along waterway trails to Kaltern, then into the Brenta Dolomites, and finally to Italy’s largest lake. Spectacular panoramic paths open up the mountain world around the Texel Group on the Merano High Mountain Trail—the largest nature park in South Tyrol. For those seeking a challenge, the Alpine Crossing along the long-distance E5 trail beckons: starting in Oberstdorf, the route leads through the Tyrolean Alps and the Passeier Valley before arriving in Merano, where hikers are greeted by a memorable finale—a unique blend of Alpine and Mediterranean flair and a vibrant piazza, perfect for winding down with a glass of wine or an aperitif.

Panoramic view of terraced vineyards in Algund near Oberplars, South Tyrol, with traditional houses and forested mountains in the background.

Many paths lead to Merano

Female hiker with blue backpack sitting on rocky outcrop overlooking green valley in South Tyrol with mountains and blue sky.

England: Where the passion for horseback riding was born

A sense of freedom in the saddle

Elisabeth’s enthusiasm for England was sparked by her sister Maria Sophia, the former Queen of Naples and Sicily. In 1874, she recommended that the Empress spend a summer on the Isle of Wight. There, Elisabeth visited Queen Victoria at Osborne House, which is still open to visitors today. Alongside her youngest daughter, Archduchess Marie Valerie, Elisabeth pursued her passion for horseback riding and traditional fox hunting in England. Her fascination for the country and its way of life soon brought her back—just two years later, she returned and rented Easton Neston House near Northampton. Whether Elisabeth went hiking there remains a matter of speculation.

Osborne House, a grand Italianate palace with tower and curved facade, surrounded by formal gardens with manicured lawns and flower beds.

From Shakespeare’s homeland to the North Cliffs

The coastal and inland trails are nothing short of spectacular. A tour to the rolling hills of the Cotswolds and in the footsteps of William Shakespeare takes you right to the heart of Old England. Your journey begins with a visit to Stratford-upon-Avon—the birthplace and resting place of the famed playwright—where you can also explore his cottage. Hiking to the Mogul Palace reveals a slice of India right in England, and the charming village of Broadway enchants with its tearooms, galleries, and inviting pubs.

For those captivated by sweeping sea views, the South West Coast Path in Cornwall is a hidden gem. This southwest corner of Britain features a route brimming with contrasts. The North Cliffs rise with towering bluffs and rugged headlands, while the bay at Porthcurno shimmers with turquoise waters and the coastal town of Penzance delights with its postcard-perfect beaches.

Traditional stone houses on the footpath in the Cotswolds

Cotswolds & Shakespeare

7 Days

Cornwall's coastal beauty

8 Days

Traditional houses along the hiking trail in the Cotswolds

Bad Ischl: Where a duchess becomes an Empress

A summer residence with imperial charm

Bad Ischl played a special role in the Empress's life. It was here, in 1853, that the 15-year-old Elisabeth first met the young Emperor Franz Joseph. The two fell in love and became engaged on August 19, 1853, in the Salzfertiger-Haus—today’s Bad Ischl city museum. As a young girl, Sisi arrived in this spa town at the heart of the Salzkammergut and soon left as the future Empress of Austria. Later, her daughter Marie Valerie also celebrated her wedding in Bad Ischl. In the Imperial Park, it is said that Elisabeth's last meeting with Franz Joseph took place before her tragic death in Geneva.

Yellow neoclassical Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl with columned entrance, surrounded by manicured gardens and visitors, against forested mountains.

Experience the magic of the Salzkammergut

You can still visit the Kaiservilla today, the imperial couple’s beloved summer residence—perhaps during a stop on the Eurohike Walking Holidays tour Lake Walking in Austria's Salzkammergut. This route takes you from the picture-perfect Lake Wolfgang to Bad Ischl and onward to Lake Hallstatt. If you’re up for a few more climbs, we highly recommend the Ten Lakes Trekking tour from Walking Holidays. The sweeping views from Schafberg and Schober peaks are well worth the effort, while the stunning lakes of the Salzkammergut invite you to take refreshing swimming breaks along the way. And as a gentle contrast to the summit hikes, this tour includes a stroll along the Sisi Trail to Lake Nussensee and into Bad Ischl.

Ten Lakes Trekking Tour

10 Days

View of Lake Wolfgang with flower meadow and St. Gilgen in the foreground and the mountain panorama in the background

Lake Walking in Austria’s Salzkammergut

8 Days

Hiking break with a view of the Attersee panorama

Schafbergbahn and view of the Salzkammergut

Hiker with a view of the Salzkammergut lakes

Hiker with blue backpack walking on grassy path beside turquoise lake in Salzkammergut, with mountains and trees under blue sky.

Aerial view of turquoise Wolfgangsee surrounded by green meadows and forested mountains. Rocky outcrop in foreground, Alpine peaks in distance.

Childhood days on Lake Starnberg

Where the Empress danced and played

Just a few kilometers from Sisi’s birthplace, Munich, Possenhofen Castle stands on the western shore of Lake Starnberg. For Elisabeth, this summer residence of the ducal family was so much more than just a castle: it was the setting for a carefree childhood spent with her siblings. The former park, now known as the “Paradies,” is open to all as a popular spot for relaxation and swimming. Even as Empress, Elisabeth was drawn back time and again to this place of longing—records show she returned 24 times. During her visits, she stayed at what is now the Golfhotel Kaiserin Elisabeth in Feldafing.

White Possenhofen Castle with red roof and green shutters, surrounded by manicured lawn and trees under a cloudy sky.

Sisi’s childhood home on Lake Starnberg

A visit to Lake Starnberg can be easily combined with a short hiking tour to Garmisch. From Bernried, you travel through Kochel and Wallgau all the way to Garmisch, with breathtaking views of the Zugspitze—Germany’s highest peak—accompanying you at every turn. Bavarian hospitality and traditional local delicacies make this journey a true highlight, not only for its landscapes but also for its culinary delights.