Bad Gastein

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 tranquillity and adventure, surrounded by a breathtaking mountain landscape.

Brief information about Bad Gastein:

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

General information

Bad Gastein, once a glamorous meeting place for the elite, still exudes a unique atmosphere today. The place looks a little as if the centre of Vienna had been copied and rebuilt in the mountains. This place, embedded in the majestic peaks of the Hohe Tauern, combines historical charm with modern comfort. Its healing thermal springs have attracted people from all over the world for centuries.

Gastein waterfall

The waterfall in the centre of the village is a landmark that has been the subject of many painters and poets. The Gasteiner Ache falls in three stages over a total height of 341 metres. The air, negatively ionised by atomisation, is an important spa remedy in the village.

The story

The history of the town is characterised by glitz and glamour, but also by a touch of decay. One striking example is the former Grand Hotel de l'Europewhose magnificent ruins served as inspiration for the famous "Grand Budapest Hotel". These abandoned hotels tell stories from a bygone era when aristocrats 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 spa town. Some of the notable projects include:

Hotel Straubinger: The almost 180 year old Hotel Straubingera central building, was extensively renovated. Our report on the five-star hotel with 50 rooms, which reopened at the end of 2023 you can find here.

Bathing lock: Directly opposite the Hotel Straubinger is located in the historic Bath lockwhich was also renovated. The result is a four-star-plus establishment with 102 rooms. A striking feature of this project is a 35 metre high extension with 13 storeys and a swimming pool on the roof. We also visited the Badeschloss.

Other projects: In addition to these main projects, there are other renovation and new construction projects in Bad Gastein aimed at revitalising the historic centre of the spa town. These projects include the conversion of old buildings into bars, cafés, restaurants and modern hotel facilities.

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

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

In winter, the village is transformed into a snow-sure ski resort that has something to offer every type of winter sports enthusiast:

• Skiing and snowboarding: With access to four large ski areas, Bad Gastein offers slopes for every taste and every level. The modern lifts and well-prepared pistes guarantee skiing pleasure at its best. Right next to the centre of Bad Gastein is the Stubnerkogel cable car. Here is our report on the very nice Ski area with the Stubnerkogel suspension rope bridge.
• Cross-country skiing: There are numerous trails for cross-country skiers. These range from easy laps on the plain to more challenging routes in the mountain landscape. We have the very beautiful Böckstein" cross-country ski trail to which you walk along the Gasteiner Ache.
• Winter hiking and snowshoeing: A special experience is winter hiking on the cleared paths or snowshoeing through the unspoilt snowy landscape. We recommend the Kaiser-Wilhelm-Promenade, for example, which leads from the centre of Bad Gastein to Kötschachtal on a flat path for about half an hour.
  From the Kötschachtal valley we suggest the (Winter) hike to Prossau very close to my heart. A real winter wonderland when it snows.
• Tobogganing: Tobogganing is a fun alternative for families and friends. 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 floodlit 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 village, especially in the evening hours thanks to the floodlights.
• Ice skating and curling: Bad Gastein offers opportunities for ice skating in the town centre or on frozen lakes. Curling, a traditional winter sport, is also a popular activity.
• Spa and wellness: The thermal spas 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 relaxation. In Bad Gastein you will find the Felsentherme opposite the railway station.

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

Gastein in summer is a dream destination for all those who love nature and want to be active. The surrounding mountains offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities:

• Hiking: The Gastein Valley has an extensive network of hiking trails, which includes both leisurely walks and challenging mountain tours. Popular routes include the Gastein High Trail and the historic Gastein Legend Trail, which brings the local culture closer with exciting stories.
• Mountain biking: For cyclists, the surrounding area offers a wide variety of mountain bike trails. From easy tours along the Gasteiner Ache to challenging trails on the surrounding mountains.
• Climbing and mountaineeringThe region offers numerous climbing routes and via ferratas. The climbing park in Bad Gastein itself is a highlight for climbing enthusiasts.
• Paragliding: Adrenalin-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 recreation. 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 offers to provide a comprehensive relaxation experience.

Gastronomy

The local cuisine in Bad Gastein is a treat for gourmets. Regional specialities, combined with modern culinary trends, offer a wide range of taste experiences. From cosy alpine huts to upscale restaurants, the gastronomic scene in Bad Gastein leaves nothing to be desired.
Be on the lookout for the ski bonnet dishes, a delicious creation that combines the best of bonnet and hut dishes at an attractive, affordable price.
We ate very well at the Angelo

Accommodation

Everyone will find the right accommodation here - from luxurious hotels in Belle Époque style to cosy guesthouses and holiday flats. Many accommodations offer direct access to the ski areas and hiking trails as well as to the thermal baths and spa facilities.