The Hermes Villa is located in the Lainz Game Reserve and was once gifted by Emperor Franz Joseph as a "Palace of Dreams" to Empress Elisabeth, also known as Sisi, in order to keep her in Vienna more often. Carl von Hasenauer, a well-known architect of Vienna's Ringstrasse, built the romantic little palace from 1882 to 1886. The name of the Hermes Villa is derived from the statue of Hermes, which stands in the palace garden. Today, the lavishly furnished building is considered to be an outstanding example of late-romantic villa construction and was designed by the best artists of Historicism, including Gustav Klimt and Franz Matsch.

Tip: Free admission on the first Sunday of every month.

On the ground floor of the villa, there is an exhibition on the history of the house and its occupants, with personal objects of Franz Joseph and Elisabeth, as well as original furniture that conveys a sense of the imperial lifestyle of the time. The huge bed of state in the Empress's bedroom dates from the time of Maria Theresa.

© WienTourismus/Gregor Hofbauer

In the restaurant "Hermes", visitors can enjoy gastronomic specialties with a focus on Viennese cuisine and game dishes. The restaurant offers neo-rustic accents with hunting motifs.

Visit the Hermes Villa and experience the history of the house and its occupants, as well as the magnificent architecture and delightful gardens in the Lainz Game Reserve.