A historic spa town: Bad Gastein
Bad Gastein, nestled in the Salzburg Alps, is synonymous with breathtaking nature and healing springs. The place, which was already popular as a spa destination in the 19th century, fascinates with a unique combination of alpine landscape and historic Belle Époque architecture. The thermal springs have been known for their healing properties for centuries and attract visitors from all over the world.
Arrival at the Badeschloss Hotel Est. 1791: A journey into the past
The Badeschloss 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 class, the castle now shines in new splendor.
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 Badeschloss and in a modern new tower. These rooms reflect the diverse 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 Straubinger Grand HotelA special highlight is the three-story 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 Badeschloss is uniquely designed, combining historical elements with modern comfort. High-quality beds, modern bathrooms with rain showers and exclusive care products offer the highest level of comfort. We are located in the historical part and have a view of the Straubinger Hotel and the Gastein Valley.
Before we explore the hotel, let’s 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 town, through the forest and finally ends in the Kötschach valley.
If you want to enjoy a better view of the town, we recommend the path “above” the promenade, which is only about 100 metres to the right of the Badeschloss begins.
The evening in the outdoor pool
We return to the Badeschloss back and want to warm ourselves after an icy walk. The real highlight of the bathing castle is his exceptional outdoor pool. The pool, integrated into the natural rocky landscape, offers a heated refuge in which to enjoy the clear mountain air and the stars over the Alps. The combination of warm water and the cool evening air creates an almost magical experience.
The pool is open from 7:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Dinner at the Badeschloss
The Restaurant Auntie Heidi in the Badeschloss offers a mix of regional and international dishes for dinner. Alpine soul food and modern interpreted street food are served in various variations, including fish, meat, vegetarian and vegan options.
We order an Auntie's Shepherds Pie and Auntie's Favorite Catch - a whole trout already sliced with almonds, grapes and orange. The mixture sounds unusual, but it is really delicious. The portions are surprisingly generous, so we don't even have room for dessert.
Dinner opening hours are from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Dinner opening hours are from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
A day on the slopes: skiing on the Stubnerkogel
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast with local specialties (which we will tell you about later), we set off for the Stubnerkogel. ski rental directly at the parking lot made it easy to find the right equipment. Those who bring their own equipment can store it in the heated ski and bike room of the Badeschloss accommodate.
The ski area of Bad Gastein impresses with its variety of slopes for all levels of difficulty. Right next to the ski rental shop there is a very flat slope that is perfect for children.
A must in Bad Gastein is the walk over the suspension bridge on the StubnerkogelThis bridge, which is located at an altitude of 2,300 meters, is the highest of its kind in Europe and stretches over 140 meters - 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 easily accessible from the Stubnerkogel mountain station.
Relaxation in the bathing castle: wellness and sauna
After an exciting day on the slopes, the Badeschloss the perfect environment for relaxation. The wellness facilities include various saunas, including a Finnish sauna, a steam bath and an organic/mountain herbal sauna. Of particular note is the panoramic sauna, which offers an incomparable view of the snow-capped peaks.
For all those who long for a comprehensive wellness experience, the Badeschloss a variety of pampering offers. The spectrum of available treatments ranges from relaxing massages and revitalizing peelings to nourishing body wraps and a variety of facial treatments that are tailored to the individual needs of each guest.
conclusion and new beginning
After another night in the luxurious rooms of the spa castle, we strengthen ourselves once again with a rich breakfast. The breakfast offer in the Badeschloss in Bad Gastein is varied and healthy. It includes traditional breakfast favorites such as freshly baked rolls, local cheeses and organic yogurt, 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 offered.
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. With a wealth of experiences that this charming place has to offer, we continue our journey. For the next two days, we will be moving our quarters to the opposite side of Straubingerplatz. Join us on our journey of discovery and find out more in our detailed report on the Straubinger Grand Hotel.