Sissi in Merano: Following the Empress through History, Nature and Timeless Charm

Elisabeth of Bavaria, better known as Sissi, was not only Empress of Austria and Queen of Hungary, but also a woman with a restless heart and a free spirit. It was precisely this spirit that led her, in 1870, to seek refuge and peace in Merano, where she left an indelible mark on the city’s history and soul.

Sissi’s First Visit to South Tyrol

On October 16, 1870, Sissi arrived for the first time in Merano together with her daughters Gisela and Marie Valerie, thanks to the newly built Brenner railway. The chosen destination for her stay was Trauttmansdorff Castle, a splendid residence surrounded by greenery and overlooking one of the most beautiful panoramas in South Tyrol.

During the months spent in Merano, the health of young Marie Valerie improved visibly. This event was so significant that it transformed Merano into a renowned spa town, famous throughout Europe for its mild and restorative climate. The Empress stayed at Trauttmansdorff Castle for seven months, and Emperor Franz Joseph visited her four times during that period.

The Empress’s Return and the Pain of Mourning

In September 1889, eight months after the tragic death of her son Rudolf at Mayerling, Sissi returned to Merano. By then she was known as “the woman in black”, and during that stay she rarely left the castle, consumed by grief and melancholy.

Sissi’s Throne: An Eternal Tribute

In 1908, to commemorate the imperial couple’s visit, Baron von Deuster — then owner of the castle — commissioned a magnificent white marble throne three metres long, decorated with the figures of Sissi and Franz Joseph. Originally placed beneath an ancient chestnut tree, the Empress’s favourite spot for quiet contemplation, the throne now stands on the panoramic terrace of Trauttmansdorff Castle, reached via a scenic staircase of marble and slate.

The Sissi Trail: A Walk through History and Nature

A lover of nature and solitude, Sissi used to walk for hours around the castle grounds, following paths that still bear her mark today. From these walks was born the famous “Sissi Trail”, an enchanting route connecting Trauttmansdorff Castle with the centre of Merano, passing through gardens, woods and breathtaking viewpoints.

A journey that allows you to follow, step by step, in the footsteps of Europe’s most romantic empress.