Bad Gastein, situated in Austria’s Salzburg region, is an historic spa town and sporting centre. The town was first mentioned in 1230 in relation to the curative powers of the waters and over the centuries has attracted many interesting people who have come to rest, relax and enjoy this most idyllic of resorts. The town centre sits at an altitude of 1000 metres around the Gastein waterfall and the best places to stay in Bad Gastein are perfect spots for making the most of the many things to see and do.

The town is the beating heart of the Gasteinertal Valley and has roots dating back to Roman times.The area originally prospered due to gold and silver mining. This and the discovery of mineral springs led to further development. By the nineteenth century Bad Gastein had become a very fashionable resort as can be seen with the numerous Belle Epoque hotels covering its steep slopes. The town became a destination for royalty, aristocrats, artists and plutocrats. Wilhelm I was a regular visitor, Schubert composed here, Somerset Maugham wrote here…

The advent of the railway in 1905 opened the area up to mass tourism and in 1958 Bad Gastein held the World Ski Championships for the first time. Nowadays it is a year round holiday and sporting destination. There are lovely hiking trails in the Hohe Tauren National Park. Mountain biking is equally popular. The town has hosted the Gastein Ladies Tennis since 2007 and remains a popular fixture on the circuit. Winter sports and the waters attract as many as ever.

What not to miss

• The historical town dates back to the 13th century, hence there is timeless architecture
• The Bell Epoque hotels that date back to the 18th century
• The great ski area has drawn in royalty and aristocracy for the last century

The town retains its charm and ‘Fin de Siecle’ spirit and our pick the best places to stay in Bad Gastein range from luxury spa hotels to romantic hideaways with stunning views.

The best places to stay in Bad Gastein

For Great Value

• Haus Hirt is a ‘wellness’ hotel situated in a stunning position and commands spectacular views. The design is simple and contemporary with a light and tranquil feel. It is ideal for skiing, golf and yoga. A mountain delight.

For Families

• Hotel Alpenblick is a traditional family hotel with fantastic views. The rooms and suites are spacious and the cuisine hearty. Plus there's an outdoor pool and hot tubs for unwinding post exersion! Great value too.

For a Romantic break

• Hotel Miramonte is a spa focussed hotel in a tranquil and stunning spot with panoramic views, calming interiors and Ayurvedic treatments. It is a perfect romantic getaway - alpine indulgence!

For History and Elegance

• Villa Solitude - Dating back to 1838, this imposing alpine property is in the heart orf the town by the waterfall. The Lutter and Wegner restaurant is a local institution. The interiors are wood panelled and the bedrooms elegant. A smart and romantic choice.

For an all rounder

• Hotel Salzburgerhof - Bang in the middle of town this 145 bedroomed classic hotel has fantastic facilities. It is great for all ages with its games rooms, spa, indoor pool etc. Plus there's lively ‘apres ski’ in the bar and highly regarded Austrian cuisine in the restaurant.

For an apartment or chalet

• If you've decided that a self catering property would be more suitable for your holiday, then we recommend you visit our online booking partner Booking.com where they have a wide selection for all tastes and budgets.

Travel information

• The nearest airports to Bad Gastein are Salzburg (1.5 hours away) and Munich (2.5 hours away).
• In the winter, most people go to the resort to enjoy the snow and snowsports available. In the summer tourists tend to enjoy the hikinh and biking.
• If you plan to hire a car, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars for the best prices.

Still not sure?

• Browse through all our best places to stay in Bad Gastein
• Expand your search to include Bad Hofgastein
• Or contact a friendly guru for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Bad Gastein