Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein is an Austrian resort that operates year-round and is very popular. It’s great because visitors can not only ski, but also improve their well-being thanks to the thermal springs.

In Bad Gastein, travelers benefit from excellent infrastructure, including saunas and baths, a riding arena, indoor tennis courts, squash courts, a shooting range, and ice rinks.

More than a dozen bars operate in the resort, with the most popular and famous one being «Gatz».

Bad Gastein offers leisure and attractions. If you’re planning a family holiday, make sure to visit the Felsenbad sports and wellness complex. You’ll find more attractions at the Congress Center.   

The center of Bad Gastein attracts shopping lovers, as many stores are concentrated here. The resort center is also interesting for excursion fans — you can visit the Bad Gastein waterfall, the Health Gallery, where you can try panning for gold yourself.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Gastein Museum, operating since the 1930s. Many interesting exhibits await you there.

Where to stay in Bad Gastein

- Town Center (Zentrum) & waterfall area — close to shops, cafés, the Gastein Museum and starting points for walks; classic Belle Époque vibes.

- Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Straße / promenade — for easy strolls, view hotels and quick access to restaurants; ideal if you want everything “on foot”.

- Train station area (Bahnhof) & transport links — practical for arrival/departure by rail and regional connections; great if you plan day trips around the valley.

- Böckstein — quieter and more “local”, good for relaxing and starting hiking routes; close to nature and thermal areas.

- Angertal / ski-area access — ideal in winter for those who want skiing and fast ski-bus links; convenient if you want to be closer to the slopes.

Bad Gastein Guide

Local SIM / internet: in Austria, prepaid SIMs (A1, Magenta, Drei) are easy to find in supermarkets and retail points. For a weekend or a week-long trip, 10–20 GB bundles are typically enough, with an indicative price around 10–20 € (depending on offer and season).

Transfers & transport: arriving by train is convenient (Bad Gastein has a railway station), and from nearby airports (e.g., Salzburg) you can combine train + regional connections. Local buses operate in town, plus ski buses in winter; taxis are available, and the center is easy to explore on foot (note the hilly terrain).

Center & shopping streets: the central area concentrates shops, cafés and key points of interest; it’s a good pick if you want shopping and evenings out.

Tourist zones / slopes & relaxation: Stubnerkogel (views and slopes), Schlossalm–Angertal (ski connections), Graukogel (calmer vibe), Sportgastein (good snow and alpine scenery), Felsenbad (sports & wellness complex), Health Gallery (a signature local experience).

Safety & health

Clinics / hospitals: for emergencies and hospital care, one important regional option is Kardinal Schwarzenberg Klinikum (Schwarzach im Pongau). For consultations and local assistance, there are practices and medical centers in the Gastein Valley, useful for minor issues or quick guidance.

Emergency number: in Austria you can call 112 for emergencies (EU-wide), or local services depending on the situation.

Key highlights for a great holiday

- Snow & activities — a ski resort that also shines for wellness: saunas, baths, ice rinks, and plenty of leisure options.

- Budget — prices can vary a lot between peak season and quieter periods; booking early helps, especially in winter.

- Atmosphere — a mix of alpine vibes, a center with shopping and bars, plus family-friendly relaxation spots (like Felsenbad).

- Food & drink — Austrian classics (schnitzel, goulash soup, desserts) plus après-ski places for laid-back evenings.

Season & weather

January — full winter and ski vibes; air around -2…4°C, while thermal pools are typically 32…36°C.

February — reliable snow and slightly longer days; air -2…6°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

March — spring skiing with more sun; air 0…10°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

April — transition season, quieter; air 4…14°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

May — lush green scenery and trails reopening; air 8…18°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

June — early summer, great for hikes; air 12…22°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

July — summer peak for nature and activities; air 14…24°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

August — warm days, sometimes mountain showers; air 14…24°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

September — mild autumn and beautiful landscapes; air 10…20°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

October — cooler, calm atmosphere; air 6…14°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

November — off-season, perfect for spa time; air 1…8°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

December — winter season begins, markets and après-ski; air -2…5°C, thermal water 32…36°C.

Sights & fun

- Heritage & culture — the Bad Gastein waterfall, historic buildings and Belle Époque charm, the Gastein Museum, and events at the Congress Center.

- Nature — alpine viewpoints, valley trails, routes to panoramas and forest areas; ideal for fresh air and photos.

- “Beach-like” relaxation, but in the mountains — Felsenbad, the Health Gallery, bath and sauna areas; perfect when you want a break from skiing or hiking.

- Landmarks & fun — cable cars to panoramic areas (e.g., Stubnerkogel), ice rinks, après-ski, and evenings in bars (including «Gatz»).

Active things to do

- Skiing & snowboarding — varied slopes around Bad Gastein, with options for beginners and advanced riders.

- Hiking & trekking — in summer and autumn, panoramic routes in the Gastein Valley, from easy walks to more demanding trails.

- Ice skating — a great option for winter evenings or days when you want something different from skiing.

- Horse riding — the resort’s riding arena is a very good option for outdoor-activity lovers.

- Tennis / squash / sport shooting — a diverse sports infrastructure, especially useful on changeable-weather days.