Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein: Alpine wellness and adventure in the midst of magnificent nature

Bad Gastein is a tranquil spa town in the heart of the Austrian Alps, known for its healing thermal springs and impressive waterfalls. Here you will experience a pleasant mix of peace and adventure, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Short info:

• What is Bad Gastein? A historic spa town in the Alps.
• Where is it? In the Gastein Valley, Salzburg State, Austria.
• What is the name of the waterfall: The famous Gastein waterfall flows right through the town.
• Known for: Spas, skiing, hiking, Belle Époque architecture.
• Time required: Ideal for stays of a few days to a week.
• Height: About 1,000 meters above sea level.
• Population: About 4,000 inhabitants.

General

Once a glamorous meeting place for the elite, Bad Gastein still exudes a unique atmosphere today. It feels a little like the centre of Vienna has been copied and rebuilt in the mountains. Nestled in the majestic peaks of the Hohe Tauern, this town combines historic charm with modern comfort. Its healing thermal springs have attracted people from all over the world for centuries.

Gastein Waterfall

The waterfall in the middle of the town is considered a landmark and has been the subject of many painters and poets. The Gasteiner Ache falls from a total height of 341 m in three stages. The air is negatively ionized by atomization and is an important spa treatment in the town.

The story

The history of the place is characterized by glitz and glamour, but also by a touch of decay. A striking example is the former Grand Hotel de l'Europe, whose magnificent ruins served as inspiration for the famous "Grand Budapest Hotel". These abandoned hotels tell stories from a bygone era when nobles and artists sought refuge in Bad Gastein.

The city is being renovated

The centre is currently undergoing extensive renovations and new construction projects to revitalise historic buildings and hotels in the centre of the resort. Some of the notable projects include:

Hotel Straubinger: The almost 180-year-old Hotel Straubinger, a central building, has been extensively renovated. Our report on the five-star hotel with 50 rooms, which will reopen at the end of 2023 can be found here.

bathing castle: Directly opposite the Hotel Straubinger is the historic Badeschloss, which was also renovated. The result is a four-star-plus establishment with 102 rooms. A striking feature of this project is a 35-meter-high extension with 13 floors, with a swimming pool on the roof. We also visited the bathing castle.

Other projects: In addition to these main projects, there are other renovation and new construction projects in Bad Gastein that aim to revitalize the historic center of the spa town. These projects include the conversion of old buildings into bars, cafes, restaurants and modern hotel complexes.

These renovation and new construction measures are part of a larger effort to reposition Bad Gastein as an attractive travel destination and to preserve its historic charm.

Bad Gastein in winter: A snow paradise for skiers and more

In winter, the place turns into a snow-sure ski area that has something to offer for every type of winter sports enthusiast:

• Skiing and snowboarding: With access to four large ski areas, Bad Gastein offers slopes for every taste and level. The modern lifts and well-groomed slopes guarantee skiing fun at its finest. Right next to the center of Bad Gastein is the StubnerkogelbahnHere is our report on the very beautiful ski area with the Stubnerkogel suspension bridge.
• Cross-country skiing: There are numerous trails for cross-country skiers. These range from easy circuits on the plain to more challenging routes in the mountain landscape. We have the very beautiful "Böckstein" trail which you can reach along the Gasteiner Ache.
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing: A special experience is winter hiking on the cleared paths or snowshoe hiking through the untouched snow landscape. We recommend the Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade, for example, which takes you from the center of Bad Gastein to the Kötschach Valley in about half an hour on a flat path.
  From the Kötschachtal we present you the (Winter) hike to Prossau highly recommended. When it snows, it's a real winter wonderland.
• Tobogganing: A fun alternative for families and friends is tobogganing. There are several toboggan runs in and around Bad Gastein, which can be used both during the day and in the evening under floodlights. In Bad Gastein itself you will find the Bellevue Alm natural toboggan run. The illuminated natural toboggan run starts right next to the Bellevue Alm, at an altitude of 1260 metres above Bad Gastein. It stretches over 2.5 kilometres and leads down towards the town, particularly in the evenings thanks to the floodlights.
• Ice skating and curling: Bad Gastein offers opportunities for ice skating in the town center or on frozen lakes. Curling, a traditional winter sport, is also a popular activity.
• Thermal baths and wellness: The thermal baths in Bad Gastein are also a highlight in winter. After a day on the slopes, the warm thermal pools and sauna areas offer the perfect way to relax. In Bad Gastein you will find the Felsentherme opposite the train station.

Bad Gastein in summer: A paradise for nature and sports lovers

Gastein in summer is a dream destination for anyone who loves nature and wants to be active. The surrounding mountains offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities:

• Hike: The Gastein Valley has an extensive network of hiking trails, which includes both leisurely strolls and challenging mountain tours. Popular routes include the Gastein High Trail and the historic Gastein Legend Trail, which introduces the local culture with exciting stories.
• Mountain biking: For cyclists, the surrounding area offers a variety of mountain bike routes. From easy tours along the Gasteiner Ache to challenging trails on the surrounding mountains.
• climbing and mountaineering: The region offers numerous climbing routes and via ferratas. The climbing park in Bad Gastein itself is a highlight for climbing enthusiasts.
• Paragliding: Adrenaline seekers have the opportunity to experience Bad Gastein from the air. Tandem paragliding flights offer breathtaking views of the Alps.
• Thermal baths and wellness: After an active day in the mountains, the thermal baths of Bad Gastein offer relaxation and recuperation. The healing properties of the thermal water are ideal for regeneration.
• Golf: The 18-hole golf course invites you to swing your club amidst the Alpine scenery. The course is known for its idyllic location and offers challenges for players of all levels.

relaxation and wellness

In addition to sporting activities, Bad Gastein is also a centre for relaxation and wellness. The town's thermal springs have been known for centuries for their healing properties. Modern spa facilities combine these traditional healing methods with contemporary wellness offerings to provide a comprehensive relaxation experience.

gastronomy

The local cuisine in Bad Gastein is a delight for gourmets. Regional specialties combined with modern culinary trends offer a wide range of taste experiences. From cozy alpine huts to upscale restaurants, the gastronomic scene in Bad Gastein leaves nothing to be desired.
Look out for the Skihauben dishes, a delicious creation that combines the best of toque and hut dishes at an attractive, affordable price.
We ate very well, for example, in Angelo

accommodations

Here, everyone will find the right accommodation - from luxurious hotels in the Belle Époque style to cozy guest houses and holiday apartments. Many accommodations offer direct access to the ski areas and hiking trails as well as to the thermal baths and spa facilities.