| Airport | MUC, SZG |
| Currency | EURO |
| Language | German (Deutsch) |
| Flights: Kayak | Expedia | Lodging: Hotels | AirBnB |
| Get Around: Car | Train | Tour: Expedia |
| Check Weather |
Introduction: Bad Gastein is an Austrian spa and ski town in the High Tauern mountains south of Salzburg. The city is close to many tourist attractions in the Eastern Alps and within driving distance to Salburg, Hallstatt and famous Pongau region with many castle exhbits.
Key Facts: Bad Gastein is surrounded by 24 peaks of the High Tauren mountains. It is easily accessible via train from Salzburg, Graz or Innsbruck as well as from the highway connecting Zell Am See, Badgastein and Salzburg. It is close to Austria’s highest peak, Grossglockner, and the famous scenic road through Eastern Alps.
Summary: The city is 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. The city was the setting for Wes Anderson’s film – The Grand Budapest Hotel. A popular tourist attraction is cable car ride to the Stubnerkogel mountain offering scenic views, suspension bridge and trails.
Get Around
Walking: Given its compact nature, much of Bad Gastein is easily explored on foot. Whether you’re wandering around the town or taking trails through the surrounding nature, walking is often the best way to soak in the ambiance.
Trains: Bad Gastein’s train station connects it to other parts of Austria and even international destinations. The scenic routes through the Alps make train travel both practical and beautiful.
Buses: Regional buses connect Bad Gastein to nearby towns and attractions. They’re especially useful if you’re venturing beyond the immediate area.
Cable Cars: A great way to access the mountains and hiking areas around Bad Gastein. Not just a mode of transport, the ride itself offers breathtaking views.
Driving: If you’re looking to explore the broader region or if you prefer the flexibility, renting a car might be a good option. However, always be prepared for mountainous roads and check weather conditions.
Speak
| Hello | Hallo (Allo) |
| Good Morning | Guten Morgen |
| Good Evening | Guten Abend |
| Yes | Ja |
| No | Nein |
| Goodbye | Verabschiedung |
| Thanks | Danke |
| Thank you very much | Vielen Dank |
| You are welcome | Gern geschehen |
| How are you? | Wie geht es dir? |
| I’m ok and you? | mir geht es gut und dir? |
| Please | Bitte |
| Excuse me | Verzeihung |
| Cheers | Prost |
| I would like a coffee. | ich hätte gerne einen Kaffee |
| to airport | zum Flughafen |
| to train station | zum Bahnhof |
| I need a taxi | ich brauche ein Taxi |
| I need a doctor | Ich brauche einen Arzt |
| how much? | wie viel? |
Stay
The famous hotels in Bad Gastein with their Belle Epoque style are all located between the train station (next to Stubnerkogel Cable car station) and the Wasserfall (waterfall). This includes the Bellevue and Hotel L’Europe featured in the movie the Grand Budapest hotel.
Further up the hills there are mountain resorts like the Bellevue Alm with a grand view of the town and the mountains. Some of the locations in this area maybe a steep climb up the hill so driving is a good option.
There are options for cheaper accommodation at nearby town of Bad Hof Gastein which is about 10 mins drive away.
Taste
Central Bad Gastein: The heart of the town, especially around the waterfall and Belle Époque hotels, offers a range of traditional Austrian restaurants and cafes. Many establishments boast stunning views of the surroundings, allowing you to savor both your meal and the scenery.
Stubnerkogel Base: Near the base of the Stubnerkogel mountain cable car, you’ll find several dining options ideal for a hearty meal before or after your mountain adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for classic Austrian dishes or international fare, there’s something to satiate your hunger.
Ski Areas & Mountain Huts: During the ski season, the slopes around Bad Gastein are dotted with mountain huts (“Almhütten”) offering warm meals, refreshing drinks, and cozy atmospheres. These huts are perfect for enjoying local delicacies like “Kaiserschmarrn” (shredded pancake) or “Goulashsuppe” (hearty goulash soup).
Visit
Gastein Waterfall: Right in the center of the town, this roaring waterfall is an iconic sight of Bad Gastein. The misty spray and the picturesque backdrop make it a favorite spot for visitors.
Felsenbad: Combining the therapeutic Gastein waters with modern spa facilities, this thermal bath, set amidst the rocks, offers relaxation with incredible views.
Stubnerkogel: Reachable by cable car, the top of this mountain provides panoramic views of the Alps. Don’t miss the suspension bridge for an added thrill!
Gasteiner Heilstollen: A unique health and therapy center located inside a mountain. It utilizes the natural radon-rich climate for various treatments.
Belle Époque Center: Reflecting the town’s golden era in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this center offers insights into the history and culture of the time.
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