Bad Gastein is an Austrian spa and ski town in the High Tauern mountains south of Salzburg. It’s known for the belle epoque hotels and villas built on its steep, forested slopes. The Wasserfallweg is a path offering views of the town’s central Gasteiner Waterfall plummeting to the valley floor. Gothic frescoes adorn St. Nicholas Church. The Gasteiner Museum chronicles the town's thermal springs and notable guests.
Winter (Dec–March) ❄️: Skiing, snowboarding, thermal spa relaxation
Summer (June–September) ☀️: Hiking, biking, wellness retreats, waterfall views
Autumn & Spring: Peaceful, ideal for spa-goers and nature lovers 🍂🌷
From Salzburg:
~1.5–2 hours by direct train
From Vienna:
~4–4.5 hours by train (via Salzburg)
From Innsbruck:
~3.5 hours by train
By Car: Gorgeous alpine drive through the Gastein Valley
Nearest Airport:
Salzburg Airport (SZG) – ~1.5 hours by car/train
Gastein Waterfall – Iconic waterfall rushing through the center of town 🌊
Felsentherme Spa – Thermal baths with panoramic mountain views ♨️
Gasteiner Heilstollen – Unique healing tunnel experience for health therapy
Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge – 140m high with jaw-dropping views 😲
Graukogel Mountain – Known for its ancient pine trees & healing hikes
Belle Époque architecture – Grand hotels and faded glamour in the town center 🏰
Kaiser Wilhelm Promenade – Scenic walk with views over the valley
Hiking trails – Hohe Tauern National Park nearby offers stunning routes
Gasteiner Museum – Dive into the spa town's glamorous and healing past
Stubnerkogelbahn – Cable car to the top for skiing or alpine views
Skiing/Snowboarding at the Gastein Valley resorts (part of Ski Amadé network) 🎿
Thermal spa day – Relax in indoor/outdoor pools and saunas
Hike alpine trails to mountain huts (Almhütten) with fresh food
Mountain biking or e-biking along scenic forest roads 🚴
Try a yoga retreat or wellness weekend 🧘♀️
Visit nearby towns like Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein
Snowshoeing, ice climbing, or paragliding for adventure seekers
Attend local music events or the Snow Jazz Festival (March)
Luxury:
Hotel Salzburger Hof – Elegant, central, with spa & amazing views
CESTA GRAND Aktivhotel & Spa – Spa-focused & peaceful
Mid-range:
Hotel Miramonte – Trendy Alpine boutique hotel with wellness focus
Hotel Elisabethpark – Historic, centrally located with a spa
Budget:
Euro Youth Hotel & Krone – Cozy hostel with mountain charm
Haus Lothringen – Affordable apartments with balconies
Must-try dishes:
Kasnocken – Cheesy dumplings with crispy onions 🧅🧀
Almjausenplatte – Mountain platter with meats, cheese & bread
Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy shredded pancakes
Rösti, Schnitzel, Goulash – Local favorites
Pair it all with a glass of Zweigelt (Austrian red wine) or Stiegl beer
Top restaurants & cafés:
Bellevue Alm – Rustic mountain hut with epic views (accessed by private chairlift)
Ginger n' Gin – Modern, Asian-Alpine fusion + great cocktails
Kraftwerk Café – Hip café with wellness food and artsy vibes
Hexenhäusl – Cosy Austrian cuisine in a wood cottage
Waldhaus Rudolfshöhe – Hidden gem with amazing views
Belle Époque glamour mixed with a boho revival – artists, writers, and creatives love this town
Strong wellness, slow-living, and eco-conscious vibes
Locals are proud of their Alpine heritage, folk music, and healing traditions
The town is peaceful yet vibrant with events, music festivals, and boutique hotels