Empress Elisabeth of Austria, famously known as Sisi, spent her early years as a Bavarian princess in Munich before becoming one of the most fascinating figures in European history. She is often referred to as “Sissi“ due to the beloved film series starring Romy Schneider, which brought her story to international audiences. Her beauty and elegance captivated the public and earned her a lasting reputation as an icon of immortal beauty.
- In the footsteps of Sisi
- Where did Sisi live across Europe?
- Life after marriage: Duty, tragedy, and rebellion
- The assassination of Empress Elisabeth
- Debunking the myths: Sisi’s beauty and nicknames
- The legacy of Empress Elisabeth in Film and Literature
Sisi was born on December 24, 1837, in a corner room of the Herzog-Max-Palais on Ludwigstraße 13 in Munich. She was the daughter of Duke Max Joseph in Bavaria and Princess Ludovika Wilhelmine, herself a member of the Bavarian royal family, and the daughter of King Maximilian I Joseph of Bavaria and his second wife, Caroline of Baden.
Unlike the typical aristocratic upbringing of the time, Sisi’s childhood was filled with outdoor activities such as horse riding and hiking rather than formal courtly education. This free-spirited lifestyle, however, was often frowned upon by the strict norms of high society.
In the summer months, she and her family resided at Possenhofen Castle on the shores of Starnberger See (Lake Starnberg). Today, traces of her legacy remain in Munich, such as Elisabethstraße and Elisabethmarkt at Elisabethplatz, named in her honor.
In the summer of 1853, the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph I met Sisi in Bad Ischl and fell deeply in love with her. Although he was originally expected to marry her elder sister Helene, the young emperor was captivated by Sisi's charm. By 1854, she left Munich for Vienna to become Empress of Austria.
Though she settled in Vienna, Sisi frequently returned to her beloved Munich. She had a special fondness for Bavarian beer, and in 1897, she secretly visited the newly built Hofbräuhaus, stating, “I will never leave Munich without stopping here.”
As an imperial guest, Sisi first stayed in the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten. Here, Dittmann's wave bath swing became available in 1889 as the latest trend in relaxation. This was a special, rounded tub that could be made to swing by shifting weights; the Empress of Austria is said to have enjoyed the wellness device so energetically that her bathwater overflowed into the rooms below. Reportedly embarrassed by the incident, she never stayed there again and from then on chose the Bayerischer Hof for her visits to Munich.
As Empress, she lived in various residences across Europe: in the imperial residence Hofburg Palace and the summer retreat Schönbrunn Palace, both at Vienna. In Greece she stayed in Achilleion Palace on Corfu, a palace she designed herself, inspired by Greek Mythology. Gödöllő Palace (Hungary) was her favored retreat, reflecting her love for Hungary.
Sisi’s childhood home was Possenhofen Castle on the shore of Lake Starnberg, where she spent some of her happiest years. She and her cousin King Ludwig II of Bavaria shared a close bond, often meeting at Rose Island on Lake Starnberg.
By the way: this is where scriptwriter Elena Hell did her research for the new series ‘Sisi’. We spoke to her about her work.
Married life proved restrictive for Sisi. The rigid Spanish court etiquette at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna felt suffocating. Her clothes, her meals, the devotions and which appointments she had to attend were prescribed in detail. Her mother-in-law, Archduchess Sophie of Austria, controlled many aspects of her life, including the upbringing of her children.
The firstborn daughter was Sophie (1855-1857) who tragically died young while traveling with Sisi. Her second daughter Gisela was born in 1856 and died in 1932. Crown Prince Rudolf (1858-1889) committed suicide in Mayerling, leaving Sisi devastated. Marie Valerie (1868-1924) was the child Sisi raised with the most personal care and affection.
The empress spent almost two years away from court due to a lung disease and returned as a self-confident woman. She organised her daily routine increasingly independently and devoted her time to writing poems and verses, her extensive beauty regime and sport. Her fourth and last child, Marie Valerie, was born in Hungary in 1868. Sisi adored the girl and, unlike her older children, a very intimate relationship developed. The death of her first daughter, Sophie, and the suicide of her son Rudolf in 1889 deeply affected Sisi and from then on she wore mainly black as an expression of her grief and withdrew from the public eye.
In September 1898, while staying at the Hotel Beau Rivage in Geneva, Sisi was assassinated by Italian anarchist Luigi Lucheni. As she walked along the promenade to board a steamship, Lucheni attacked her with a sharpened file, piercing her heart. The Empress, unaware of the severity of her wound, walked a few steps before collapsing. She was 60 years old at the time of her death.
One of the most persistent myths about Empress Elisabeth is the rumor of her bad teeth. Some claimed that she wore dentures and was seen cleaning them in public. However, documented dental records and her autopsy in 1898 confirm that she had good dentition, debunking this claim.
Throughout her life, Sisi was called by various names: Elise was used by her family in childhood. Sisi, Sissi, Sissy, Lisi, Liesl are all common variations used in letters and books. Zopfliesl was a nickname referencing her long braided hair.
Sisi’s life has been immortalized in numerous films and series, most famously the 1950s Sissi trilogy starring Romy Schneider. More recently, the RTL+ series “Sisi” and the Netflix series “The Empress” (2022) have revived interest in her story, offering a fresh take on her complex character.
For those eager to step into Sisi’s world, Bavaria offers several historical sites:
The Kaiserin Elisabeth Museum (Possenhofen Station) is showcasing artifacts from her life. A former hunting lodge that hosts annual Sisi exhibitionsis Unterwittelsbach Castle. Though privately owned, visitors can admire the exterior of Possenhofen Castle and imagine the Empress's childhood days by Lake Starnberg.
Sisi remains one of the most intriguing and beloved figures in European history. Her legacy as a free-spirited, rebellious, and enigmatic Empress continues to fascinate the world.
