Habsburger at the Danube

Of healing springs and aristocratic diversions

In the 19th century, it was fashionable for ladies of the world to spend a few weeks abroad every year for spa treatment. But why exactly did people go to the spa, and what did courtly women expect from it? And what do spas have to do with Habsburg passions? Much more than these might suggest at first glance …

Petőfi 200 and Veszprém, the European Capital of Culture 2023

Two Hungarian treasures, will be in the spotlight in 2023: on the one hand, the most famous poet and freedom fighter of Hungary, Sándor Petőfi, who was born 200 years ago on 01.01.1823, and on the other hand, the Hungarian city of Veszprém and its region, which, along with two other cities, Elefsina (Greece) and Timisoara (Romania), was named the European Capital of Culture 2023.

Places of Longing and Passions: A Habsburg Woman's Life in the 19th Century

On the distant horizon I see
A white sail gliding;
I want to go with you! …

Empress Elisabeth’s love of travel is almost legendary. In numerous poems she wrote off her inner restlessness, which led her – by ship or by train – to remote paradises as well as to numerous nearby imperial and royal places of longing.

Coronation City Bratislava

Bratislava, which the Slovaks once called Prešporok, the German Pressburg and the Hungarians Pozsony, became the coronation town after the Turkish occupation of Hungary, when the Turks also occupied the coronation town Székesfehérvár.

The High Life on the Route of Emperors and Kings, Part Two: From Vienna to Regensburg

Inspiring scenes of aristocratic life line the Danube, including from Vienna: The large monasteries feature imperial wings and historic castles are full of surprises.