The attractions in Bad Gastein & surroundings

The list of majesties who ennobled Bad Gastein to a spa town is almost endless; Emperor Franz Joseph I and Empress Sissi being at the top of the list of course. For members of the nobility, politicians and artists alike, a visit to Bad Gastein was a must, a question of etiquette.

Historical Stroll

During the historical stroll through Bad Gastein you will come across many important names and memorable events of the "Belle Epoque". As part of the activities programme for our guests, we offer a weekly "historic walk" through Bad Gastein.

Cultural functions and events

Bad Gastein's calendar of cultural events held in the modern Congress Centre boasts international flair.

Traditional processions and concerts

These mostly take place during the "Bauernherbst" (farmers' autumn) and give visitors an insight into the Gastein traditions..

Jazz concerts and events

A contrast programme for the younger generation. The Gastein Cultural Circle provides an extensive range of events in the Gastein valley all year round. Theatre, cabaret, film and literature are on the programme as well as a wide array of music ranging from classic to chansons and folk music.

Giant ice cave world

Experience the mountains from the inside. Discover the wonder of the world's biggest ice cave. You will see ice palaces of crystal clear beauty, which will take you to a wintry ice world even on hot summer days.

For more information click www.eisriesenwelt.at

Großglockner

Take a trip to Europe's most famous panorama road. Enter a world of ice and rock, go through fragrant mountain woodland and blooming Alpine meadows and feel the chill of arctic conditions at 2369 m altitude.
The Großglockner High Alpine Road is open from March to October.

For more information click www.grossglockner.at

"Salzwelten" Salzburg salt mines/Bad Dürrnberg

A trip to the "Salzwelten" salt mines will take you back in time to the age-old tradition of salt mining. Via the mine railway, miners' slide and raft, you will be taken to the very heart of the mountain, a mystical spot.
The salt mines Bad Dürrnberg are open year-round.

For more information click www.salzwelten.at

Kaprun/High mountain reservoirs

Unforgettable images and impressions! A ride in Europe's biggest open-top diagonal lift will take you to the breathtaking high mountain range. Enjoy the unlikely combination of high tech and nature. The Electricity and Ice Adventure World and the guided tours of the dam walls will round of your trip.
The Kaprun high mountain reservoirs are open frome June to October.

For more information click www.tauerntouristik.at

Liechtensteinklamm

Visit the legendary, world famous gorge in St. Johann. Situated in the heart of the Salzburg state, this is a worthwhile attraction. The Liechtensteinklamm is not just the most beautiful but also one of the deepest and longest gorges in the Alps.
The "Liechtensteinklamm" is open from May to September.

For more information click www.liechtensteinklamm.at

Salzburg

The Mozart and music festival city of Salzburg is just 100 km from Gastein.
Salzburg is a real baroque jewel. The historical centre and Schönbrunn castle were declared part of the World Cultural Heritage in 1997. Whatever your reason is to come to Salzburg, be it shopping and strolling around, a Mozart trip, a visit to the Music Festival, with its world famous musicians, actors and singers or if you want to visit the castles and Hellbronn water games or any of the many other attractions - you will find this city enchanting.

Cattle drive to and from the summer pastures

Each June the century-old tradition takes place: The farmers drive their herds up to the summer pastures from the Gastein valley. The cattle thrive on the full-flavoured alpine herbs and flowers and mountain air. The dairy products, which are made are especially delicious; discover some of the 55 alpine meadows in Gastein.

A special event in mid-September is the traditional herding down of the sheep in Sportgastein. A meadow hike is suddenly transformed into a festival, if you are lucky to chance upon the herding down of cattle. The animals are festively decorated as they make their way down from the summer mountain pastures back to the barn, where they spend the winter. At the farmers' markets delicacies from Gastein can be purchased. A tasty roast lamb is traditionally prepared at this time and should not be missed.

Harvest Festival

When the sun's rays start to lose their intensity and the woodland foliage is bursting with vibrant colours, then it's time to welcome the autumn!At the end of August the harvest festival begins with an exuberant opening. The local population from the valley adorn their surroundings with festive decorations and dress themselves in traditional costumes. Experience the colourful side of Gastein with its genuine traditions, maintained throughout centuries. Gather lots of new impressions at the Harvest Festival which lasts until the end of October!