Rolling into day three, our little trio decided to downshift our European adventure. While my husband and I were quite smitten with the scenic beauty of Bad Gastein, Zak, our slumber-loving teenager, was wrestling with his internal clock that seemed to be doing the time warp. So, we decided to take a breather and offer Zak a much-needed day off.
Mornings in our suite at the MONDI Hotel Bellevue Gastein were nothing short of magical. With a cup of coffee in hand, I found myself wandering from one window to another, my eyes feasting on the stunning views of the Bad Gastein mountainscape. My camera was on a photo frenzy, particularly with the sight of the Wes Anderson Grand Budapest-inspired hotel. Framed perfectly in my kitchen window, it stood like a majestic, centuries-old grand dame of the Alps.
Bad Gastein (I will talk a little more about later), a former gold mining town, now serves as a winter sports paradise and a summer health retreat. It’s known for its Belle Époque architecture, thermal waters, and the spectacular Gastein Waterfall. Our home for the week, the MONDI Hotel Bellevue, melded into this picturesque town, offering us the warmth of a home and the luxury of a resort.
In the afternoon, with Zak comfortably nestled in his world of dreams, my husband and I set off to conquer the Gastein Mountains. With a water bottle in hand, filled from the natural water stations that dotted the town, we marched uphill to the Stubnerkogel cable car station. Known as the ‘mountain for all‘, Stubnerkogel offered panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern (High Tauern) range and adventures like suspension bridges and rock trails.
Stubnerkogel, an ever-popular mountain for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, is a spectacle to behold. This mountain range in Gastein Valley isn’t just famous for its ski slopes, but it’s also a summer haven that comes alive with a rainbow of wildflowers, trails waiting to be conquered, and panoramic views that would leave even the most seasoned of travelers awestruck.
We rode the cable car up the mountainside, our hearts fluttering in tune with the humming of the engine. Up there, the world seemed to unfurl beneath us, rolling hills meeting the cerulean sky, a postcard picture coming alive!
Our first encounter atop Stubnerkogel was with the shorter suspension bridge, a 16-meter marvel that swayed slightly in the spring breeze, compared to it’s 140-meter sister on the opposite side of the station, this also commands views on it’s own. The bridge leads to a viewing platform with a jaw-dropping 360-degree view of the Hohe Tauern mountains – it felt as if we had stumbled into a scene straight out of a fantasy movie. It was an exhilarating walk, with every step making us feel like we were literally walking on air.
Next, we sauntered towards the several observation decks scattered around Stubnerkogel. They are like the mountain’s crowning jewels, offering stunning views of the Gastein Valley and beyond. Each deck is a testament to the glorious spectacle that nature is, with some spots letting you soak in the panorama of the Hohe Tauern National Park, while others offer the perfect backdrop of the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain -which I will talk about later.
In the summer, Stubnerkogel transforms into a playground for adventurers and tranquility seekers alike. Hikers find solace in the numerous trails that snake through the mountainside, each path unveiling another facet of the region’s abundant beauty. From gentle walks to challenging treks, there’s something for everyone. And for those seeking a slower pace, a leisurely picnic amidst the wildflowers, with the sound of mountain streams playing a gentle symphony, makes for an ideal summer’s day.
A few hours later, on a sweet high from our mountainous adventure, we stumbled upon a charming haven called Café Christl. This quaint café welcomed us with the comforting aroma of coffee and the promise of a flaky, delicious strudel. We happily surrendered, immersing ourselves in this homey ambience.
On our way back, we meandered through the charming streets of Bad Gastein. The town, tucked away in the Hohe Tauern National Park, is an architectural wonder. An eclectic mix of Belle Époque buildings dot the town, lending it an air of old-world charm and grandeur. Yet it’s the natural beauty that truly makes Bad Gastein a gem in Austria’s crown.
At the heart of it all, the town’s crowning glory, is the majestic Bad Gastein Waterfall. This natural spectacle, an impressive 341 meters tall, thunders through the center of the town, splitting it into two. It’s not just the visual spectacle that the waterfall offers; it’s the rhythm, the constant, thunderous, yet oddly therapeutic roar of the water that courses down the mountain and through the town, creating a soothing symphony that echoes through the streets of Bad Gastein.
The waterfall, fed by thermal springs, has made Bad Gastein a prominent spa town since the Biedermeier period. The thermal waters here have been praised for their healing properties, drawing visitors from all over the world. Imagine a place where you can spend your days hiking through picturesque trails, skiing down powdery slopes, or simply bathing in therapeutic waters – that’s the allure of Bad Gastein.
As we stood there, watching the cascades, the hypnotic rhythm of the falls enveloped the quiet evening. The water, tumbling down in a radiant spray of droplets, shimmered in the evening light, while its ceaseless roar served as a reminder of nature’s unending music. It was a perfect serenade to end our day in this historic town.
Back at the resort, it was ‘Chef Mom‘ in action. While Zak devoured his steak with gusto, my husband and I treated ourselves to a flavorful pasta dinner. It was a different kind of adventure to end our day, one that played out not in the sprawling landscapes of Europe but within the cozy confines of our resort suite.
So, this was our ‘slow day’, a day of simple pleasures, a day that was as refreshing as the clear, alpine water we sipped. Until next time, as Zak would say between his snores, “Keep adventuring… or just catch some Zzz’s!” Remember, in travel, as in life, it’s perfectly okay to hit pause and just soak in the moment. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my kitchen window and the spectacular view it offers!
All Around The World 