Bad Gastein, Austria, is an alpine spa town renowned for its Belle Époque architecture, natural thermal springs, and a dramatic waterfall, offering a unique mix of winter sports, wellness, and outdoor activities.
The town provides various lively bars and restaurants, particularly known for its après-ski scene, with establishments like the Silver Bullet Bar offering opportunities to socialise with other tourists and backpackers.
Top 6 Things to do in Bad Gastein
Activities range from relaxing thermal spa experiences and exploring natural landmarks to thrilling mountain adventures and winter sports.
1. Relax at Felsentherme Thermal Spa
Immerse yourself in the healing thermal waters of Felsentherme. This spa, built into the natural rock, features a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, and relaxation areas, offering a rejuvenating experience with panoramic mountain views. It is an ideal way to unwind after a day of activities.
Cost: Adult day tickets typically range from €30.50 to €38.00.
Transport: Felsentherme is conveniently located and can be easily reached on foot from much of Bad Gastein's center. It is also directly accessible from the Bad Gastein train station.
2. Walk along the Gastein Waterfall
Discover the impressive Bad Gastein Waterfall, a landmark that cascades in three stages directly through the town center. Walking along the designated paths allows you to admire the powerful natural spectacle up close and enjoy the unique atmosphere created by the mist and sound of rushing water. It is a picturesque experience that has inspired artists for centuries.
Cost: Free.
Transport: The waterfall is a central feature of Bad Gastein and is easily accessible on foot from almost anywhere in the town.
3. Experience the Stubnerkogel Suspension Bridge and Panoramic Views
Take the Stubnerkogel cable car to the summit and venture across Europe's highest suspension bridge, which spans 140 meters at an altitude of 2,300 meters. This exhilarating walk offers breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Hohe Tauern mountain range. Beyond the bridge, explore viewing platforms like Glocknerblick, providing stunning vistas. The area also features the Felsenweg (Rock Path) for further exploration.
Cost: A pedestrian ticket for the Stubnerkogelbahn (cable car) typically costs around €30-€36 for adults. Online booking might offer slight discounts, and prices can drop to around €24 after 1 PM during winter.
Transport: Access the Stubnerkogelbahn cable car from the valley station in Bad Gastein. It is typically a walk of about 15 minutes uphill from the town center, or you can use local buses.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding in the Gastein Valley
During winter, Bad Gastein is a gateway to the expansive Gastein ski region, part of the Ski Amadé network. It offers approximately 200 km of slopes catering to various skill levels, from beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders. The modern lift systems provide efficient access to areas like Stubnerkogel, Graukogel, and Sportgastein.
Cost: An adult day ski pass for the Gastein Valley typically costs around €70.
Transport: Ski lifts are accessible from Bad Gastein itself, such as the Stubnerkogelbahn. A free ski bus service connects Bad Gastein with other ski areas and towns within the Gastein Valley.
5. Hiking the Alpine Trails
Explore numerous hiking trails ranging from gentle promenades to challenging mountain expeditions. Popular routes include the Gasteiner Höhenweg, offering panoramic views between Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, and the Stone Pine Trail on Graukogel, known for its ancient pine forests and unique art installations. Many trails lead to breathtaking viewpoints and tranquil natural settings.
Cost: Most hiking trails are free to access. If using cable cars to reach higher starting points (e.g., Stubnerkogel or Graukogel), a lift ticket is required, similar to pedestrian tickets for Stubnerkogel.
Transport: Many trails are accessible directly from the town center. For higher altitude trails, cable cars or local buses can transport you to the starting points.
6. Experience Tandem Paragliding
For an ultimate adrenaline rush and unparalleled aerial views, consider tandem paragliding. Launching from high mountain peaks like Stubnerkogel or Fulseck, you'll glide through the stunning alpine landscape with an experienced pilot, offering a unique bird's-eye perspective of the Gastein Valley and its majestic mountains. This activity is perfect for thrill-seekers.
Cost: The cable car ticket with equipment transport to the take-off point from Stubnerkogel typically costs €37.50 for adults. Tandem flights themselves are offered by various operators, and costs for the guided flight vary but are separate from the lift ticket.
Transport: Utilize the Stubnerkogel or Fulseck cable cars to reach the designated take-off points. The cable car allows for convenient transport of paragliding equipment.
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Our typical audience are those that want to see something new and get involved with authentic experiences of a country. Whether you are a backpacker, solo traveller, solo female traveller, straight or LGBTQ+ couple, family, you will find local and authentic experiences here.
