The lush green valleys and mountain massif of the Hohe Tauern national park form the area of most outstanding natural beauty in Austria. No other resort in Austria offers more attractions; there is a lake and a golf course (there are another 12 courses within an hour’s ride), summer skiing, tennis, riding, footpaths and a wide range of cultural attractions such as concerts, museums and the interesting local history. The hot springs provide fantastic outdoor baths. Bad Gastein is a world famous health resort, where people have come for centuries. You will enjoy the crisp alpine air, delicious food in a wonderful atmosphere under a sun that shines just as persistently as in the Mediterranean.
The resort of Bad Gastein has been well- known as a first class health resort since the Middle Ages. The water from the underground wells is said to have a relaxing and invigorating effect. Every day five million litres of water with temperatures of up to 45° C are pumped into the different spa buildings from the hot springs, and you can take a thermal bath at the Salzburger Hof. Near the Salzburger Hof lies "Felsentherme" with its large pools. Here you sit on benches in the warm pools and let yourself be massaged by underwater jets or the artificial waterfall.
Many people who come to Bad Gastein are surprised to find that there is such easy access to the countryside as well as the numerous footpaths. There are plenty of easy and medium, well-maintained footpaths. They are of various lengths, from a couple of kilometres up to over ten kilometres, passing through beautiful alpine landscapes of flowery meadows and shady forests. You can always find a café or an inn along the footpaths, where you can stop off for a snack or a refreshing drink.
For those who wish to go up to higher altitudes there are delightful guided walking tours in the high alpine terrain. As soon as the snow melts you can go off along marked paths at over 2 000 metres’ altitude. On several mountains there are lifts that will take you to the top in a matter of minutes. Many of the guided walks are along mountain crests with breathtaking views of high mountain peaks. With a pair of strong hiking boots, a hiking staff (which can be borrowed from the hotel) and a proper map, you can embark on an exciting adventure.
Bad Gastein and Salzburger Land is a paradise for golf lovers. In addition to Bad Gastein’s Keith Preston-designed 18-hole course at the Golf Club Gastein (GCG, founded in 1960) there are twelve courses to play, all in areas of stunning natural beauty.
You can get around the Gasteiner valley very easily on a bicycle. Along the miles of cycle paths you avoid the traffic and go safely across the meadows instead, along the Gasteiner river or up into the mountain. Various types of bicycle can be hired at the Hotel Salzburger Hof or from the nearest bicycle shop. Helmets and rucksacks can also he hired. For the more advanced mountain biker there is downhill biking in Dorfgastein.
Enjoy the crisp, clear alpine air of the mountains and valleys from the saddle of an Island horse, followed by a traditional Glühwein, or whatever else takes your fancy.
From a small village of Grüner Baum you can go by horse and carriage into the lovely Kötschach valley. The magnificent landscape offers a fantastic view of steep-sided mountains and glaciers. After an hour’s ride through the cooling woods you reach the end of the valley where you can have lunch or a cup of coffee at the Prossau restaurant before you return.
Hotel Salzburger Hof, Bad Gastein. Tel: +43 6434 2037-0. Email: hotel@salzburgerhof.com.