Visit picturesque Bad Gastein to discover a captivating blend of adventure, relaxation and rejuvenation amid crisp mountain air. Enjoy first-rate skiing, summer hiking and lively festivals. Bad Gastein sits at an elevation of 3,000 feet (1,000 meters) in the St. Johann im Pongau district. It rose to fame in the 19th century, when members of the House of Habsburg and affluent Austrians came for medicinal spa treatments.
Arrive in winter, clip on your skis and explore Gastein Valley’s four ski areas, which feature 50 lifts and 129 miles (208 kilometers) of slopes. The Dorfgastein, Graukogel, Sportgastein and Stubnerkogel have runs suitable for all levels of skier and snowboarder. Admire the sweeping views from the Glocknerblick lookout. Take a deep breath while standing on the 460-foot (140-meter) long Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge.
When the snow melts, the valley becomes lush and green, setting the scene for superb hiking and mountain biking. Spot rare animal species, hike through wildflower meadows and gaze up at soaring peaks in Hohe Tauern National Park. Travel above Gasteiner Waterfall on a thrilling zip-line ride. Bathe in crystal clear water at Gastein Swimming Lake and set out on two wheels along the Gastein Valley Bike Path.
Retreat to the town’s spas after a busy day of activities. Alpentherme has six themed spas accompanied by panoramic mountain scenery. Indulge in radon therapy sessions at Gastein Heilstolen. Felsentherme combines wellness with family-friendly entertainment.
Appreciate the town’s belle epoque buildings, which sit perched on the valley slopes. Learn about local history at the Gasteiner Museum and peek inside the Gothic-style Nikolauskirche. Dine on schnitzel, among other traditional Austrian dishes, and freshly caught trout at cozy bars and restaurants.
Reach Bad Gastein by catching trains from major national cities such as Graz, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Vienna. Visit from August to October for the Gastein Harvest Festival, when the people of Gastein Valley dress in authentic folk attire and celebrate regional traditions at cattle parades, concerts, farmers markets and lamb roasts.
