How did Sisi travel throughout Europe, North Africa and the Middle East? What were her favorite destinations? Which was her favorite island? What “souvenir” did she bring back from Greece? What was never allowed to be missing from her luggage?
Sisi found the royal seat of Vienna gloomy and oppressive. She preferred the mild climate of Madeira, the Mediterranean and, above all, her favorite island of Corfu. Sisi loved to travel, especially by ship and train. In addition to Europe, she also traveled to Asia Minor and North Africa. She also enjoyed spending time in Hungary , especially at Gödöllö Castle. In later years, she often spent winters on the Cote d’Azur, where she was also visited by Franz Joseph.
Luxury travel by train – in the Hofsalonwagon through Europe
Sisi loved traveling by train. Once it was very cold on the return journey from Merano and she complained about the lack of warmth in the carriage. The response was prompt. In 1873, the Austrian railroad company provided her with a set of coaches. This consisted of a saloon and sleeping car. Electric lighting, steam heating and a toilet were also provided.
The empress’s travels took her all over Europe. As a result, the carriage had to be adapted to the technical standards of all countries. After her death, the carriage was stored in the court carriage depot at Westbahnhof and was no longer used for reasons of piety. This court saloon carriage can now be viewed in the Technical Museum. There is a replica in the Sisi Museum.
How did a tattooed anchor end up on Elisabeth’s shoulder?
Tattoo in the shape of an anchor
Sisi loved to travel, especially by ship. In addition to Europe , she also traveled to Asia Minor and North Africa. She traveled as far as the Ottoman Empire to see the remains of ancient Troy.
She sailed through the Mediterranean on her yacht, especially to her favorite island of Corfu. She allegedly wanted to feel the forces of the sea up close and had herself tied to a chair on deck in the worst swells while the rest of the crew took cover.
Emperor Franz Joseph, who rather hated boat trips, visited them from time to time in the south of France, on the mainland, but never on an island.
In 1888, at the age of 51, Sisi had an anchor tattooed on her shoulder in a harbor bar, possibly to represent her longing for freedom and the sea. Franz Joseph was not exactly enthusiastic about it and regarded it as a “terrible surprise”.
A cocaine syringe in your luggage
In Sisi’s time, cocaine was not considered a drug, but was used as a medication. Sigmund Freud had already recommended cocaine as a stimulant after his own experiments. Cocaine was to be used for physical and mental exhaustion, melancholy and depression.
Sisi also took it mainly for menstrual and hormonal problems during the menopause. She therefore always carried a cocaine syringe and a small bottle in her first-aid kit . This provided relief and had an antispasmodic effect. Elisabeth always covered up her ailments to avoid the unloved duties of representation.
Tip from Sisi’s Amazing Journey: You will come across monuments to Sisi all over Europe , especially in her favorite places Corfu, Budapest, Madeira.
