A ski resort where skiing is not obligatory
Romantic landscapes, sunsets over the majestic Habsburg villas, and snow-capped mountains, along with thermal lakes and swimming pools boasting incredible views, define the charm of Bad Gastein beyond its ski slopes.
Situated just 80 minutes south of Salzburg Airport, the town offers a unique atmosphere, as highlighted by the website independent.co.uk.
Notably, visitors can ascend Stubnerkogel, reaching an altitude of 2,246 meters, via a cable car from the Bad Gastein railway station. Alternatively, one can traverse a 140-meter suspension bridge suspended 28 meters above the ground, providing breathtaking panoramic vistas.
After the stroll, visitors can indulge in swimming at the Alpentherme thermal springs in Bad Hofgastein. This extensive complex comprises indoor and outdoor thermal pools, bubbling jets, and cold plunge pools. Similarly, in Bad Hofstein, near the train station, the Felsentherme thermal baths offer a comparable atmosphere.
"The unexpected brutalist architecture of Felsentherme, along with the less convenient pool locations compared to Alpentherme, was notable. However, being situated right in the city makes them accessible, albeit requiring a 20-minute bus ride to Bad Hofgastein," shared travel columnist Mary Novakovich.
Visitors can also avail themselves of radon gas treatments, known to alleviate certain ailments, especially with three or four treatments spread across the week, at the Gastein Heilstollen, or treatment gallery, located deep within an underground chamber.
Exploring the city is another delightful option. Bad Gastein's hilly streets boast exquisite Belle Epoque architecture, originally designed to accommodate visiting nobility in the 19th century. While rooftop pools often fall short of expectations, the outdoor infinity pool at the Grand Hotel Straubinger in the heart of Bad Gastein lives up to its promise, offering views that even include the Hotel de l'Europe, rumored to have inspired Wes Anderson's film "The Grand Budapest Hotel."
Travel Tips
The nearest airport is Salzburg, accessible via Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Jet2. Trains from the city center connect to Bad Gastein.
Where to Stay
The Grand Hotel Straubinger, centrally located in Bad Gastein overlooking the waterfall and Straubingerplatz, boasts an extensive spa center featuring a rooftop infinity pool with stunning views and various saunas. Guests at the hotel receive a Gastein Card, entitling them to free public transportation and forest swimming.
