City hotel
Goldenes Schiff
Bad Ischl, Austria
Experience the charm of a former imperial city, sit in traditional Austrian coffee houses, and marvel at magnificent old villas, such as the Kaiservilla or the Leharvilla – the Stadthotel Goldenes Schiff in Bad Ischl is the ideal place for a few unforgettable dream days in the Salzkammergut! The hotel describes itself as a city, country, and river hotel, as it enjoys a prime location in the heart of Bad Ischl on the Traun River, surrounded by a magnificent mountain landscape. It is also the best starting point for excursions to the Salzkammergut's top sights.
This is the hotel
The Stadthotel Goldenes Schiff is a hotel steeped in history and tradition. Nevertheless, it is a very stylish, modern establishment, most recently tastefully renovated in 2020/2021. The hotel's history dates back to the 17th century. Since 1821, the building has been called the "Goldenes Schiff." At that time, the hotel served as an overnight accommodation for salt boatmen and Traun riders. The Traun River, which flows past the hotel, was used by the salt boatmen to transport the salt mined in Hallstatt and Bad Ischl to the saltworks in Ebensee. The boats, called "Zillen," were then pulled back by the Traun riders using horsepower. Salt was once called "white gold." This is where the name "Goldenes Schiff" came from.
The hotel has been expanded over generations and has been family-owned since 1932. The values that the owner strives to convey with this concept are evident when you stay at the hotel. It is a haven of peace amidst the hustle and bustle, yet also inspiring and stimulating. A place for individualists and people with a sense of modern design, style, and straightforwardness. Nevertheless, you feel informal, relaxed, and at ease in the hotel. Austria's Alpine cultural heritage is lovingly preserved and cultivated; it is the roots that are always remembered there. The hotel is culturally open, not least because Bad Ischl was chosen to call itself the European Capital of Culture in 2024.
The hotel offers various room categories, from single rooms to rooftop suites. I particularly like the newly designed rooms, which are decorated in a wonderful sage green color. They are exceptionally well done! I also find the "Trauntown" restaurant located in the hotel very stylish; more on that below. I was particularly impressed by the design elements that are intended to create a connection to the Traun River. The color of the water can be found, for example, in the fabrics, furniture, and wall panels. The interior plaster of the wellness area reflects the waves of the water, and the terrazzo floor and wall coverings are reminiscent of river pebbles. The Goldenes Schiff is a versatile hotel suitable for cultural holidays, city breaks, and, of course, hiking holidays and winter sports stays.
Here are some impressions:
Culinary
Of course, you can also eat well at the Goldenes Schiff! There's a large, stylish, open-plan breakfast area with various stations where you can help yourself to whatever you fancy. Everything is so spacious that I never experienced any crowds at breakfast during my stay. Here, too, the color scheme is based on the pleasant green tones that also defined the design of the rooms, such as the stunning sage or dark bottle green. Warm wooden elements and built-in furniture, as well as wall-to-ceiling black-and-white images, are complemented by stylish seating. Overall, it's a visually appealing breakfast area, and you feel very comfortable! There's everything your heart desires, such as delicious sausage and cheese specialties, fruit, freshly squeezed orange juice, and homemade smoothies. A great idea – you can enjoy freshly baked specialties here all the time and even watch them being baked: A large oven is integrated into the wall in the breakfast area, so the wonderful aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air! Of course, various egg dishes are offered, as well as a wide selection of healthy options. Outside guests are also welcome for breakfast/brunch. Some impressions of the breakfast area can be found in the photos and videos below.
The hotel's own restaurant, "Trauntown" is a cool meeting place in Bad Ischl. They call it a "Lokal mit Bar" During the salt transport era, the Traun riders would gather here for refreshments; today, it's a social gathering place for guests and locals. Whether simply chilling on the banks of the Traun River during the day, enjoying an aperitif after a long day, or dining and enjoying a few delicious drinks in the evening, the "Trauntown" concept is always the right place. "Enjoyment by the River" is the motto of the Trauntown logo, and so they offer a carefully curated, creative selection of signature drinks, aperitifs, cocktails, and long drinks. Of course, delicious coffee specialties are also available, as are first-class spirits, schnapps, and brandies. Well-selected wines round out the selection. I was also able to enjoy the Trauntown's delicious cuisine. The dishes fit well with the hotel's modern, casual style. The small menu includes trendy classics of fine dining and ranges from various snacks for those with a small appetite, to hearty dishes with a selection of bowls, pasta, pinsa or a steak, to tempting desserts and cheese variations.
Simply swipe through the gallery below!
About the rooms
At the Goldenes Schiff, every guest will find the perfect room, as we offer 13 different room categories. From classic double rooms starting at 20 square meters, to superior double rooms and superior plus double rooms of approximately 30 square meters, featuring a new, stylish design and sage green color scheme, there are a wide variety of options. I would classify the superior plus rooms as junior suites, as they are correspondingly spacious and feature a comfortable couch. I stayed in this category at the time; see photos below.
The 36-square-meter gallery room also has a cool design, featuring a sleeping gallery for children and a view of the church. This is a great option for families; a picture can be found below. There is a spacious family suite on the 5th floor of the hotel, measuring approximately 40 square meters, with views of the church and the town of Bad Ischl. The suite has a separate children's room with two single beds.
The Family Suite is also available with a Traun view, featuring a small balcony and panoramic views of the Traun River and the surrounding mountains. This suite features a separate additional bedroom with bunk beds. This also features the new design.
The Rooftop Suite Traunblick is certainly a suite with a WOW factor. At approximately 50 square meters, it is spacious and stylishly designed. It features a small kitchen, an open dining area, and a stunning roof terrace with unobstructed views of the city, the river, and the mountains. Large windows emphasize its penthouse feel. Naturally, this suite also features the same cool design. So high up, this suite can definitely be described as a "gorgeous hideaway"!
A 70-square-meter Rooftop Family Suite Traunblick is created by booking the previously described Rooftop Suite River View and the Superior Double Room City View together. The two rooms are then connected by a door, making them ideal for families.
Of course, the Goldenes Schiff also offers single rooms in two categories. Wi-Fi, a safe, air conditioning, a TV, a hairdryer, and more are standard amenities. Many rooms and suites feature walk-in showers and toilet seats with a shower function.
Highlights and what's gorgeous
For me, it's the overall package that impressed me so much that I can say the Goldenes Schiff is a "gorgeous hideaway."
You can explore the traditional spa town of Bad Ischl, which is strongly influenced by the imperial era, while enjoying a stylish yet modern stay at the Hotel Goldenes Schiff. After a hearty breakfast, it's just a few minutes to the Imperial Villa, where you can immerse yourself in the era of the monarchy. Afterwards, the cozy coffee houses invite you to linger before retreating to the hotel's wellness area. Thanks to the hotel's ideal location, numerous excursions are possible, such as to Lake Hallstatt or Lake Wolfgang.
The "Trauntown" restaurant is highly recommended, offering a dish to suit every taste with its beautifully curated menu. It's a sociable place where you can easily meet interesting guests and have entertaining conversations.
The hotel's interior design is impressive, and I particularly like the newly renovated rooms. The open-plan layout of my Superior Room offers breathtaking views of Bad Ischl, the Traun River, and the surrounding mountains—a room with such a view is definitely recommended.
Getting there and back is easy. Plenty of parking is available within two minutes, and you can quickly access the highways to get to your destinations. This gives you plenty of flexibility without having to limit yourself.
The "Traun-SPA" wellness area is spacious and modernly furnished for a city hotel. In the "Traunguss" area, guests can choose between a saltwater and herbal steam bath, as well as an indoor or garden sauna.
The "Traunufer" SPA lounge, overlooking the Traun River, offers daybeds for relaxing, reading, or napping. Massages can also be booked. The "Sportgarten" fitness room, with direct views of the SPA garden, is available from 8:00 a.m.
Here is a small impression of the Traun-SPA:
Why go there?
The Goldenes Schiff is the best base for exploring the Salzkammergut region. It offers a wide range of room categories, making it ideal for families, couples, and solo travelers. The hotel is a great choice for culture vultures and history buffs, especially since Bad Ischl/Salzkammergut is the 2024 European Capital of Culture. Music lovers will feel right at home – Bad Ischl hosts the Lehar Festival, Europe's largest operetta festival, in the summer, which is within walking distance of the hotel! It's also ideal for hiking and winter sports, as the Dachstein West ski region is about a 30-minute drive away. During Advent, romantic Christmas markets can be found in the surrounding area, such as at Lake Wolfgang.
Bad Ischl is also a spa town and offers numerous options for preventative and healing treatments, particularly for respiratory and musculoskeletal problems. The use of natural remedies such as salt, brine, sulfur, and saline mud has a long tradition dating back to imperial times.
Around the hotel
Bad Ischl is a charming town that is cosmopolitan yet also steeped in Alpine tradition. The townscape is characterized by historicist and Wilhelminian buildings. The town proudly calls itself the "Imperial City" in memory of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. Highlights in Bad Ischl include a visit to the impressive Imperial Villa, a stroll through the beautiful Villa Park, and admiring the Marmorschlössl (Marble Castle). I found the neoclassical Trinkhalle (pump hall) in the town center particularly worth seeing! There are several beautiful museums to visit. A long stroll through the town with its many small shops is definitely worth it.
The local mountain, Katrin, offers many beautiful hiking opportunities and is easily accessible by cable car. The Bad Ischl thermal spa is just a few minutes' walk from the hotel and is a place of pure relaxation, offering a variety of bathing and wellness options. Bad Ischl is very conveniently located, so you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing which lake to visit. Within about 30 minutes, you can reach Lake Wolfgang, Lake Attersee, Lake Mondsee, or Lake Traunsee.
Incidentally, Lake Hallstatt is just half an hour away, with the world-famous town of Hallstatt, one of the most beautiful lakeside towns in the world. So beautiful, in fact, that there's even a replica in China! Hallstatt is associated with salt mining; the enormous salt deposits were discovered 4,000 years ago. So it's no surprise that the world's oldest salt mine is located here. The salt mines are a magnet for visitors. Celtic grave finds, the stacked houses on the lakeshore, the church and cemetery with the ossuary, and other sights make Hallstatt a worthwhile destination. Hallstatt is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Hotel Goldenes Schiff is also conveniently located for excursions to the Dachstein region, the Totes Gebirge mountains, and Salzburg (approximately an hour's drive). Berchtesgaden National Park and Lake Königssee are also easily accessible.
A few impressions:
My tips
Of course, a visit to the Imperial Villa and the Marmorschlössl in Bad Ischl is a must! Don't miss the passionately guided tour of the villa. There are many fascinating details to admire.
A worthwhile hiking and excursion destination is the wildly romantic Rettenbach Valley and the Rettenbachalm, one of the largest low-lying alpine pastures in Europe. Another wonderful hiking spot is Mount Katrin, which is easily accessible by cable car. From there, the 7-Lakes View hike offers spectacular views of the surrounding lakes, including Lake Hallstatt, Lake Wolfgang, Lake Fuschl, and others.
I definitely recommend a trip to Lake Wolfgang. The Weisses Rössl on Lake Wolfgang is world-famous. You should see it at least once. A stroll through St. Wolfgang is definitely worth it!
Hallstatt is also a must-see. However, you should get there very early, as the town is very busy and parking is limited. A tip: Park your car in Obertraun and take a leisurely cruise to Hallstatt on the excursion boat. The best view of Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains is from the boat!
Experience Austrian coffee house tradition and the art of confectionery at the almost 200-year-old Zauner Confectionery. You'll be amazed, and it'll be hard to resist the selection of 250 cake creations and 60 varieties of chocolates!
Book
book directly with the hotel here
contact
City Hotel Goldenes Schiff
Edwin Gruber GmbH
Adalbert Stifter-Kai 3
4820 Bad Ischl Austria
+43 (0)6132-24241