Revolving Around the Beauty of Nature: Eyes – Austria
Stop: Bad Gastein
Perched dramatically in the Gastein Valley, Bad Gastein is a spa town that blends natural beauty, alpine adventure, and a unique architectural charm. Famous for its Belle Époque buildings clinging to steep hillsides and the roaring Gastein Waterfall that cascades through its center, the town feels like a place where elegance meets raw mountain energy. At an altitude of about 1,000 meters, it has long been celebrated as a health resort, drawing visitors from across Europe to its thermal springs and fresh alpine air.
The thermal waters of Bad Gastein, rich in radon and minerals, have been a cornerstone of its reputation since the 19th century, offering therapeutic benefits in both historic bathhouses and modern wellness centers. Yet beyond its healing reputation, the town is a year-round playground for nature lovers. In winter, Bad Gastein is part of the Ski Amadé region, boasting vast slopes and access to high-altitude skiing, while summer reveals endless opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring alpine pastures.
What sets Bad Gastein apart is the way it harmonizes grandeur with natural spectacle. The juxtaposition of ornate spa architecture, dramatic mountain scenery, and the ever-present rush of its waterfall creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Austria. Whether visited for wellness, adventure, or simple appreciation of its alpine setting, Bad Gastein is a destination that captures both the restorative power and dramatic beauty of the mountains.
#mytraveldiary