Gastein Valley

Gastein – the “Valley of Health” – is made to give new energy to body, mind and soul. Whether a classic spa stay, a varied summer vacation with hiking, biking and cultural enjoyment or perfect winter and skiing fun – Gastein is worth a trip at any time of year.

Healthy in Gastein

Gastein has long been known as an Alpine health region. In addition to the approvedf, highly effective therapeutic measures in classical medicine, today it is also about preventive measures and maintaining health. Gastein’s remedies are the healing gallery „Heilstollen”, which is unique in the world, the radon thermal water and the steam bath. The most effective component of all the remedies is the noble gas radon, in its unique combination with warmth and the altitude.

Families can enjoy the pleasantly warm thermal water at the Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein. It offers fun and relaxation for young and old on 32,000 square metres. Since July 2017, the facility has also included – and this is truly unique – two thermal water bathing lakes. The larger of the two lakes has an area of 1,300 square metres. In summer, it offers plenty of space for swimming, stand-up paddling or yoga classes on the shore. The smaller lake is ideal for relaxation after a visit to the sauna with a view.

The Felsentherme in Bad Gastein offers its guests four thermal areas. What they all have in common is the breathtaking view of the Gastein mountains – the Hohe Tauern. The Felsentherme was opened as Austria’s first public thermal spa in 1968. Carved directly into the rock, it is still considered an architectural highlight and an insider tip among spa fans.

A stay in the radon-containing air in the Heilstollen is entirely devoted to therapy, cure and health maintenance. In the search for gold, this effective, natural remedy was discovered rather by chance. People from almost all over the world appreciate the Gastein Heilstollen for the treatment of chronic diseases of the musculoskeletal system as well as respiratory and skin diseases.

Those who want to treat themselves to something extra are in good hands at the Gastein Yoga Days. After all, we know that yoga is healthy, yoga in the great outdoors is even healthier and yoga in the mountains is simply beautiful. The “Yoga Spring Gastein – Breathe the Mountains” and the “Yoga Autumn Gastein – Source of Inspiration” prove this year after year.

Active in Gastein

Gastein is a holiday paradise for mountain lovers – whether winter sports enthusiasts or summer visitors. In summer, Gastein is the ideal starting point for hikes of all kinds. More than 600 kilometres of marked hiking trails – from family-friendly to high alpine – lead to untouched high landscapes, imposing glacier regions in the Hohe Tauern National Park or gold-digger trails from ancient times.

Special mountain experiences, not only for children, are promised by the magical Gastein mountains – from the spectacular suspension bridge to via ferratas of varying degrees of difficulty to the barefoot trail, there really is something for everyone.

Those who prefer a more athletic approach will find attractive trail running routes in Gastein. It is no coincidence that the region is the venue for the adidas INFINITE TRAILS trail running event.

Bikers will find the right conditions in the Gastein Valley, as will golf enthusiasts.

In winter, you are spoilt for choice in Gastein, because after all, there are four different ski areas here. Whether you are a classic skier or prefer to strap on your snowboard, whether the allure of freeriding beckons you or you prefer to trudge through the deep snow-covered landscape on snowshoes – Gastein has it all to offer – and much more.

Four extensive ski areas up to 2,700m, plus deep snow and mogul pistes, carving and freeride routes offer variety in Gastein. Around 50 cable cars and lifts and 200 kilometres of perfectly groomed and snow-sure pistes make the valley one of the most attractive ski areas in the country. A true dream for freeriders is Sportgastein. The optimal altitude and large-scale snow-making facilities guarantee special snow reliability from the end of November to the end of April.

And after a varied and active day of sports, you can relax in one of the Gastein thermal baths – because what could be better than relaxing your tired muscles in warm water?

And the best thing is: if you book one of the “Ski amadé – made my day” packages, you get to enjoy all the Gastein specialities and highlights to the full.

Art, culture and tradition

Gastein has always been regarded as a meeting place for people involved in art and culture – and this has not changed to this day. Modern art festivals, atmospheric concerts and traditional customs go hand in hand here.

As part of the international art and culture festival “sommer.frische.kunst“, young artists from all over Europe – painters, photographers and visual artists – spend the summer in Bad Gastein to work. The works created during this time are exhibited at the end of the season in a collective exhibition in the old hydroelectric power station next to the Bad Gastein waterfall.

Of course, a classical spa resort cannot do without spa music. This tradition has been revived since summer 2018 with the commitment of the Salzburg Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Elisabeth Fuchs. The varied programme is truly something to behold.

But tradition is not neglected either – for example at the numerous events in the Salzburg harvest festival – the Salzburger Bauernherbst.