The Kaiserbründl - probably the most beautiful men's sauna in the world, which was already a meeting place for gay men in imperial times - is also a fixture on the scene. One of the most famous guests at the time was none other than Archduke Ludwig Viktor (1842-1919), also known as “Luziwuzi”, the gay brother of Emperor Franz Joseph, who also had a penchant for women's clothing. According to legend, the archduke once got himself slapped in the Kaiserbründl, then still called the Centralbad, because he apparently got too close to an officer. The rather conservative Emperor Franz Joseph then “banished” the Archduke to Klessheim Palace in Salzburg, where he remained until the end of his life.
If you would like to delve deeper into Vienna's gay history, the regular “historical gay city walks” take you to the “gayest places” in Vienna and you can immerse yourself in the city's eventful history. Enjoy a few days either alone or as a couple here with us in Vienna, the gay and lesbian hotspot of Austria. From trendy cafés to leather clubs, from women's cafés to men's saunas, Vienna is different and will inspire you with its charm! City guides and information brochures with just the right addresses are available for you at the hotel reception. You can also find out more in advance and download the Gay & Lesbian Guide Vienna here.