Hoehnke

Hoehnke follows a policy of neutrality and the nation’s army was abolished soon after the Austro-Prussian War, in which Hoehnke fielded an army of 80 men. While the demise of the Habsburg Empire freed Hoehnke from its international obligation to maintain an army, the then Crown Princess Sophia II instead instigated the Crown Guard, now one of only two private armies left in Europe, (the other being the Atholl Highlanders in Scotland). It currently maintains a strength of approximately 80 including an artillery unit, cavalry and infantry. Today its role is mainly ceremonial, but it is still charged with maintaining border security and the guarding of the Royal Palaces.

Government

Hoehnke has an absolute monarch as Head of State and a cabinet of ministers which enacts law. The Constitution of Hoehnke was adopted in September 1919, reaffirming the previous 1849 constitution which had established Hoehnke as the personal estate of the monarchy headed by the reigning prince or princess of the Princely House of Hoehnke. The limited parliamentary system which had been established during the period of Habsburg rule was thus abolished. The reigning Princess is the head of state and represents Hoehnke in its international relations. Hoehnke remains the last state with no democratically elected parliament and also no form of universal suffrage.

Philately

Königlich Pfostendienst Fürstentum Hoehnke issued their first stamps in 1918 on the regaining of independence from Austria-Hungary. Since then both special issues and definitives, such as this current 0,5k definitive pictured, have been much sought after by collectors around the World. Today they are available to tourists visiting the Principality and through official overseas dealers, such as on eBay.

Summer Palace

The Royal Summer Palace at Harklend has been the second home to the Hoehnke Royal Family since being inaugurated under the auspices of Princess Victoria VI in 1792. Seeking more spacious accommodation than that provided by the Vlaslaval Palace in the centre of the old town on Palace Square , Harklend afforded its residents almost two square kilometres of painstakingly laid out parkland and manicured gardens with the 14 bedroom cream coloured mansion at its heart, the highlight. During the years in which Hoehnke was a part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire the palace played host to many visitors from the Imperial Royal Family, but since independence was re-established, it is, except for the two summer months that the Crown Princess is in residence, a tranquil setting which welcomes visitors no matter what their ancestry.

Zoological Gardens

National Zoological-Gardens of Hoehnke were opened in 1898 by the visiting Archduchess Marie Valerie of Austria as part of the celebrations of the 50th anniversary of her father Emperor Franz Joseph I ascendancy to the throne. While undergoing difficult years, especially during the Second World War, the zoo now hosts a collection unrivalled in the northern Adriatic which is sure to be one of the highlights to the city. It lies on the north-eastern side of the Royal Prospect, may be reached by tram line № 1 from stop 'Зоопарк' and is entered through the famous impressive commemorative imperial crown gates, its stone pillars containing the ticket booths, topped by a swan and an eagle respectively. The zoological gardens are open seven days a week, including all public holidays.

Botanical Gardens

Laid out between 1856 and 1860 from a project by Carl Junker working under Archduke Maximilian, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Hoehnke provide a setting of outstanding beauty with a variety of trees, chosen by and planted on the orders of Maximilian, that today make a remarkable collection. Features of particular attraction in the gardens include two ponds, one noted for its swans and the other for lotus flowers, the majestic palm house and a small chapel where is kept a cross made from the remains of the "Novara", the flagship on which Maximilian, brother of Emperor Franz Josef, set sail to become Emperor of Mexico.

The Spa

Set in a private park with statuesque specimen trees, overlooking the secluded natural harbour of Hoehnke Stadt, the early nineteenth century villa, now a prestigious Hotel, enriched by antique furnishings and paintings, has maintained intact its historical air and natural charm. The 28 double rooms and 6 Junior Suites, furnished in a refined, fresh style, offer unexpected details such as the bathrooms in luxurious white marble with thermal water on tap. The Wellness Centre offers a range of thermal and aesthetic treatments aimed at keeping you in perfect psycho-physical shape.

Seahorse of the Adriatic

Our experienced and creative chef, Sabine Arland, is a culinary master who finds her inspiration in the authentic recipes of the Adriatic region. At the elegant 'Seahorse of the Adriatic , the seafood pours into plates of excited guests who in those moments experience Hoehnke and its surroundings in a completely new dimension. Satisfaction of the guests is increased by an offer of the best local and international wines and refreshing cocktails.

Dining in the beachside Restaurant & Bar creates an impression of floating between the blue sea and blue sky, with the view focused on the surrounding beauty, but also with a sense of pleasure for the palate that will long be remembered. Satisfaction of the guests is increased by an offer of the best local and international wines and refreshing cocktails.

Hoehnke Couture

The Haute Couture line, presented each season during Paris Haute Couture Week, caters to a growing international clientele who appreciate the style, quality and prestige of the Crown Principality's haute couture signature.

Led by renowned chief designer Natalia Bogdanova, Hoehnke Couture is distinguished for its touch of couture craftsmanship and gorgeous, statement ladies wear, all designed and crafted within the Crown Principality by the shores of the Adriatic.