Monday, June 2, 2008

Training at the Emperors Gardens



Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna, the former summer residence of the imperial family, is considered one of the most beautiful baroque palaces in Europe. The Habsburgs resided here the better part of the year in numerous rooms for the large imperial family in addition to representational rooms. Emperor Franz Joseph, who later married the enchanting Sisi and reigned from 1848 to 1916, was born here in 1830. Around 1838, the Schönbrunnerbad was first mentioned in a letter from Franz Josef to his brother Maximilian. Today, it is quite likely one of the most stunning settings for a public pool featuring a splendid 50m sized pool. For those not used to working out in a 50 meter pool, this comes close to an open water swim :)

It was not the first time that I was able to swim at this amazing pool last week while on business in Vienna, but it always fascinates me to walk up the stairs from the amazing gardens to the pool setting in the baroque gardens. While in Vienna, there is just no better spot to swim, or run in fact, as the garden is also one of the cities most favorite running spots.

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