Bad Gastein between the waterfall and the Belle Époque

Bad Gastein brings together a waterfall, thermal history, Belle Époque architecture and mountain scenery. If you are looking for a hotel in Bad Gastein, these themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip: Would you mainly like to learn about the town’s history, plan time at the thermal facilities or explore trails on Graukogel? Train connections are also a practical aspect to consider when planning your journey.

Waterfall, bridge and townscape

The Bad Gastein waterfall cascades down three tiers through the town centre, with a total drop of 341 metres. Its tiered form and course through the town make it a striking natural feature. The stone waterfall bridge in Bad Gastein was built in 1840 and extended in 1927. The townscape is also defined by its distinctive Belle Époque architecture. Different ways of exploring the town’s history come together here: the dates associated with a structure and an architectural style that shapes the character of the townscape.

Thermal water and spas

The thermal water in Bad Gastein flows from 17 springs. The total flow is around five million litres per day, and the temperature ranges from 44 to 47 °C. Felsentherme is located at an altitude of around 1,100 metres and is one of Austria’s highest-altitude spas. Covering 600 m², its eight different saunas and steam baths offer relaxation with views of the mountains. Facilities may change as a result of renovations; if these areas are important to you, check the current facilities before your visit.

Another option is the small radon thermal steam bath in the town centre. Radon therapy has been practised there since 1825. The springs and temperature define the thermal water; Felsentherme and the steam bath are two distinct facilities and points of interest for your trip.

Museum, local history and Böckstein

The Gastein Museum covers thermal water, the history of the spa, local customs and an art gallery. The museum’s two-hour guided tour visits a glacial mill, the historic town centre, the Thermal Springs Park, and the parish church and St Nicholas Church. Check the published weekly programme before your trip if you would like to take the tour.

Near Böckstein, within the municipality of Bad Gastein, the Gasteiner Heilstollen lies deep inside the Radhausberg. It is located in former gold mines; a special form of therapy is now offered there. This connection to the area adds the mines’ former use to the story of its thermal history. Bad Gastein hosted the 1958 World Ski Championships, which marked the town’s breakthrough as a winter sports destination.

Mountain scenery and activities

Stone pines grow on Graukogel, some of which are more than 300 years old. The stone pine trail is a 1.5-kilometre circular route that starts and ends at the Graukogel lift’s mountain station. Hiking information is seasonal; check the latest details before setting out. Flying Waters is a 300-metre ride on rollers along a cable stretched across a gorge in Bad Gastein. For planning your trip, the two activities differ in format: the stone pine trail is a 1.5-kilometre circular route on Graukogel, while Flying Waters is a 300-metre ride across the gorge.

Getting there by train

Bad Gastein station has direct services every hour from Salzburg, Vienna, Munich, Frankfurt, Graz, Zagreb and other cities. Timetables and service frequencies may change, so check the latest connections before travelling. A direct covered walkway connects the station with Felsentherme and the Stubnerkogelbahn valley station. Access routes may change during construction work, so it is a good idea to check the current route before using it.

Discover more destinations: Böckstein, Mühlbach Am Hochkönig, Niedernfritz, Tenneck, Werfenweng, Palfen, Wimm, Werfen.

Back to the main travel overview: Sankt Johann Im Pongau.