Wien Museum Hermesvilla

The Herme’s Villa is a bit outside the normal tourist area in Vienna but is well worth the trip. It was a gift by Emperor Franz Joseph I to his wife, the famous Empress Elizabeth aka “Sisi,” in hopes of getting her to stay longer in Vienna rather than travel. It worked and the couple spent springtime here every year, often hunting and riding horseback. 

The villa was constructed on a former hunting ground for nobles which still stands today in a large and beautiful park that doubles as a native wildlife preserve. Here, visitors will find wild boar, fallow deer, mouflons, and red deer. The easiest to spot are the fallow deer near the Lainzer Tor.

Inside the villa is also a small museum run by the city, and on the ground floor is a cafe and restaurant. Visitors can also ask for a picnic, where staff will provide a basket and food.