The former summer home of Emperor Franz Josef I, Bad Ischl has been a fashionable spa resort since the 19th century. Today, visitors can enjoy a massage at one of the resorts or warm up in one of the many thermal spas or saunas. Another highlight of the town is Kaiser Villa, a beautiful neoclassical structure that served as the summer residence of the royal family for many years. Visitors looking for a bit of nature can take a cable car to the top of majestic Mount Katrin or stroll up to the wooden lookout tower on the southern side of the town.