A historic spa town: Bad Gastein
Bad Gasteinnestled in the Salzburg Alps, is synonymous with breathtaking nature and healing springs. The town, which was already popular as a spa destination in the 19th century, fascinates visitors with its unique combination of Alpine landscape and historic Belle Époque architecture. The thermal springs have been known for centuries for their healing properties and attract visitors from all over the world.
Arrival at Badeschloss Hotel Est. 1791: A journey into the past
The Bath lock in Bad Gastein, opened in winter 2023, is an impressive example of the restoration of historic buildings. Originally built as a luxurious residence for the nobility and upper classes, the castle now shines in new splendour.
Originally built in 1791, it has welcomed many great personalities over the years. The hotel now offers 102 rooms and suites set in a historic Bath lock and in a modern new building tower. These rooms reflect the many facets of bathing culture.
Guests of the hotel can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings, be it the view of the wild nature or the historic Straubingerplatz with the Straubing Grand Hotel. A special highlight is the three-storey rooftop spa and the rooftop infinity outdoor pool with a view over the Gastein Valley. But more on that later.
The rooms: a combination of tradition and modernity
When we arrive, our room is already ready. Each of the rooms in the Bath lock is uniquely designed, blending historical elements with modern comfort. High-quality beds, modern bathrooms with rain showers and exclusive care products offer maximum comfort. We are housed in the historic part and have a view of the Straubinger Hotel and the Gastein Valley.
However, before we explore the hotel, we want to get an overview of Bad Gastein create.
Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade: a historical walk
We recommend a walk along the Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade. This promenade, named after Kaiser Wilhelm I, is a historic path lined with magnificent villas and hotels from the Belle Époque. The path leads past the village, through the forest and finally ends in the Kötschachtal valley.
However, if you want to enjoy a better view of the town, we recommend taking the path "over" the promenade, which is only about 100 metres to the right of the Bath lock begins.
The evening in the outdoor pool
We return to the Bath lock back and want to warm up after an icy walk. The real highlight of the Bath lock is his Exceptional outdoor pool. The pool, which is integrated into the natural rocky landscape, offers a heated refuge where you can enjoy the clear mountain air and the stars above the Alps. The combination of warm water and the cool evening air creates an almost magical experience.
The pool is open from 7.30 - 21.30.
Dinner at the Badeschloss
The Restaurant Auntie Heidi in the Bath lock offers a mix of regional and international dishes for dinner. Alpine soul food and modern interpretations of street food are served in different variations, including fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
We order an Auntie's Shepherds Pie and Auntie's Favourite Catch - a whole trout already sliced with almonds, grapes and orange. The mix sounds unusual, but it's really delicious. The portions are surprisingly generous, so we don't even have room for dessert.
The opening hours for dinner are from 18:00 to 21:30
The opening hours for dinner are from 18:00 to 21:30
A day on the slopes: skiing on the Stubnerkogel
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast with local specialities (which we'll tell you about later), we set off for the Stubnerkogel. The Ski hire right by the car park made it easy to find the right equipment. If you bring your own equipment, you can store it in the heated ski and bike room at the Bath lock accommodate.
The ski area of Bad Gastein impresses with its variety of pistes for all levels of difficulty. There is a very flat piste right next to the ski hire, which is perfect for children.
A must in Bad Gastein is the walk across the Suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel. This bridge, which is located at an altitude of 2,300 metres, is the highest of its kind in Europe and stretches over 140 metres - certainly not for the faint-hearted. Nevertheless, it should be on your to-do list. The reason: it offers a breathtaking view of the Alpine panorama. The suspension bridge is easy to reach from the Stubnerkogel mountain station.
Relaxation in the Badeschloss: wellness and sauna
After an exciting day on the slopes, the Bath lock the perfect environment for relaxation. The wellness facilities include various saunas, including a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and an organic/mountain herbal sauna. The panoramic sauna, which offers unrivalled views of the snow-capped peaks, is particularly noteworthy.
For all those who long for a comprehensive wellness experience, the Bath lock a variety of pampering offers. The spectrum of treatments available ranges from relaxing massages and revitalising peelings to nourishing body wraps and a variety of facial treatments tailored to the individual needs of each guest.
Conclusion and new beginning
After another night in the luxurious rooms of the Badeschloss, we fortify ourselves once again with a hearty breakfast. The breakfast offer in the Bath lock in Bad Gastein is versatile and healthy. It includes traditional breakfast favourites such as freshly baked bread rolls, local cheeses and organic yoghurt, fresh milk and plant-based alternatives. Handmade jams, honey, sustainably produced cold cuts and sausages are also part of the offer. For a particularly healthy start to the day, superfoods such as chia seeds, quinoa, nuts, dried fruit and other nutritious options are on offer.
We were big fans of the scrambled eggs with crispy bacon and the Bircher muesli, which we garnished with chia seeds and fresh fruit.
Our adventure in Bad Gastein is far from over. We continue our journey with a wealth of experiences that this charming town has to offer. For the next two days, we move our accommodation to the opposite side of Straubingerplatz. Continue to accompany us on our discovery tour and find out more in our detailed report about the Straubing Grand Hotel by Travel Charme.
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