Bad Gastein is an Alpine spa and ski resort at the foot of the Hohe Tauern in Austria. It is known primarily for excellent conditions for recreation both in summer and in the winter months
The village is located at an altitude of just over 1000 m above sea level, in the Alpine valley and surrounded by over 3000 m above sea level mountain peaks. In the lower parts of the mountains there are coniferous forests, while in the valley there are many beautiful meadows that also serve as walking areas.
The area around Bad Gastein was already known in Roman times because of the hot springs here. Currently, it is one of the largest thermal spas in Austria, with an additional asset being the presence of radioactive waters. The resort developed especially at the turn of the century, gaining beautiful buildings in the belle epoque style. To this day, many sanatoriums and holiday homes have the form of the final period of operation of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy. In the old walls that create the atmosphere of the spa, however, modern therapeutic equipment was placed, and the rooms here have a very high standard.
Bad Gastein is also sometimes called the Alpine Monte Carlo. All this because of the rich nightlife and numerous festivals that take place here. The most famous is Somme Frische Kunst, during which the whole city turns into a big stage.
In addition to the attractions typical of the health resorts around Bad Gastein also allow people who like hiking to spend time. There are plenty of routes of varying difficulty, and lifts and cable cars operating in the summer give you the opportunity to enter the surrounding peaks and arrange hiking without the need for strenuous approaches.
In winter, however, the entire area becomes a ski center with numerous slopes and resorts that have a total of over 200 km of ski runs for both beginners and advanced skiers.
