Bad Gastein is a spa town in Austria, situated in the middle of the National Park Hohe Tauern, at 1,000 meters (3,280 ft.) above sea level. It hosted the 1958 World Championships in alpine skiing. It is located at the head of the Gastein valley, within the state of Salzburg, in which Salzburg is the major city. The name “Bad” means “spa”, reflecting the town’s history as a resort.
The town is popular for winter sports, summer hiking, and its healing water treatments. During the past few years, Bad Gastein renovated its “Felsentherme” and Congress Center. In December, Bad Gastein also hosts the snowboard WM and boardercross. Most of the Gastein Valley contains moderate to good skiing/snowboarding, with plenty of chairlifts and gondolas. Many establishments on the slope offer warmth, food, and strong drink.
The local Heilstollen (literally ‘healing tunnel’) thermal spring water earned the town its early fame. Theophratus Parcelsus (1493-1541) studied the spring water to discover its secrets. Marie Curie (1867-1934) and Heinrich Mache (1876-1954) helped to discover that it contained radon and as a result radon therapy began in the town.
Radon inhalation therapy at Gasteiner-Heilstollen began as a result of further investigation into the anecdotal experiences of silver miners who noticed improvements in symptoms from various ailments including arthritis. Ankylosing spondylitis (also known as Bechterew’s disease), in particular, has seen positive results from treatment at the Heilstollen.
However, there is very little empirical evidence of any benefit to inhaling radon. For example, one of the few studies to test the efficacy of spa treatments for Ankylosing spondylitis found no statistically significant difference between a group that spent three weeks at Bad Gastein and a group that spent three weeks at a different spa without radon inhalation therapy.
Bad Gastein good transport links with connections to other parts of Austria via road, rail and identifiable cycle routes. It is a stop along a major railroad line connecting many Austrian cities along a single circuit; the cities include Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Graz. Because it is on a main railway thoroughfare, it is easily accessible by the frequent Eurocity and Intercity trains going along this route.
A road also passes right through the Gastein Valley. Through traffic is simple from the northern entrance to the Valley toward the Dorfgastein side of the Valley. However, going south toward Mallnitz requires rolling your car onto a train for a short trip through the train tunnel.
The small city of Bad Gastein once was a famous resort, visited by Kings and the rich and famous. Some of the persons who frequented Bad Gastein in the past are the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) and German Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia Wilhelm. From the sixties of the 20th century on the resort lost some its former notoriety.
In the midst of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Bad Gastein basks in fresh mountain air and a fog-free setting at 1,000 metres above sea level. Its very characteristic appearance, with beautiful buildings dating back to the “Belle Époque”, blends harmoniously into its natural surroundings.
This is a spa town of world renown with a very special flair: relaxation and recreation in pure mountain air, combined with an ideal high-altitude climate and Gastein’s thermal waters, guarantee you a vacation that is certain to exceed your highest expectations!
In Bad Gastein, you will find an optimal array of opportunities for a holiday together with family or friends, even if your interests happen to vary greatly. With a sensational selection of recreational and activity programmes, this particular holiday spot is lengths ahead of the field. Sports and recreational activities supplement the spa and wellness amenities at the world-famous springs and Healing Galleries of the Felsentherme.
Bad Gastein has vibrant pagan traditions that have been slightly assimilated into Roman Catholic tradition. For more information see Paganism in the Eastern Alps. One example is the Krampus, now one of the Companions of Saint Nicholas.
The Krampus is an elemental, horned and demonic character, playfully re-enacted by bands of male revelers during December and also once every four years during a Perchten event or Perchtenlauf. The Perchtenlauf happens every four years at Bad Gastein.
Always-reliable snow conditions, attractive ski runs, cross-country trails featuring all levels of difficulty and much more, are what make Gastein’s winter paradise so exceptional. And when the Gastein Valley is transformed into a summertime paradise, you will discover glorious hiking paths, attractive running and Nordic Walking trails, cycling and mountain-bike tours and more, both in and around the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Also when it comes to Bad Gastein’s hotels and lodging establishments, it is fair to say they promise you a right-royal experience! Whether at a simple bed-and-breakfast or a top hotel, Bad Gastein’s hosts will pamper you with heartfelt hospitality and all the skills at their disposal.
Leave a Reply