Bad Gastein holidays

When it comes to al fresco swim spots, the Gastein Valley serves up a natural bathing lake and a lido with grassy lawns, sundecks and snacks and cool drinks on hand. Pack your towel and swimming costume and make splash at one of these top spots.

Summer sun and alpine views – this bathing lake is your Insta-ready outdoor swim spot. It isn’t just a looker either. Sunbathing lawns and a diving board add an extra dimension to your day.

If you’re after water-themed fun for little ones, this lido has all the answers. We’re talking flumes, fountains and shallow splash pools for the smallest water babies. Add in lawns, a play area and volleyball, not to mention a restaurant, and you’re all set for the day.

Budget buys aren’t what Bad Gastein is known for. However, if holiday essentials are what you’re after, then the EuroSpar supermarket is on hand with snacks, suncream and so much more.

If you’re after souvenirs, local specialities or outdoor essentials, Bad Gastein has a shop to fit the bill. Gschäftl is on Grillparzerstraße and specialises in trinkets and crafts typical to the area. After a new pair of walking poles or any other gear for your next hike? Try Hervis Bad Gastein, a popular chain that’s sure to have what you need.

For high-end spends, try Zapf Collection Habsburg. This trendy clothing store sells modern designs with an alpine edge – perfect if you’re looking for a stylish new outfit or accessory to celebrate your Austrian escape.

Prefer peaceful evenings? Start things with a soothing soak at the Felsentherme spa, followed by a romantic dinner – with its film-set worthy looks, Gasthaus Jägerhäusl is a top pick every time. Then round things off with a moonlit stroll to see the Bad Gastein waterfall glowing against the night sky.

In Bad Gastein, a summer night out starts with terrace drinks as the mountains glow pink at sunset. Try Residenz Bar & Café for a stylish aperitif or Silver Bullet Bar for a livelier buzz. If you’re in the mood for foot-tapping tunes, Eden’s Irish Pub has regular live music – and of course, always plenty of Guiness on tap.

In Bad Gastein, it’s all about hearty Austrian classics and alpine comfort food. Expect golden schnitzel, rich beef stews and cheesy dumplings. Traditional favourites like käsespätzle (think mac’n’cheese) are the perfect fuel for mountain walks, while apfelstrudel and the fluffy pancake dish called kaiserschmarrn are sweet treats perfect for any time of day.

If you’re after a true taste of the region, this place delivers every time. Expect all the local classics, from schnitzel to goulash, all served in a rustic stone restaurant that’s been welcoming guests since 1924. It doesn’t get more authentic than this.

As well the house speciality, fresh brown trout caught from the restaurant’s own fishing area, you can take your pick from wood-fired pizzas, Mediterranean picks, with veggie options too. And fab food is only the start: on some days, there’s even live music on the stage opposite.

For a laid-back lunches, coffee stops and sweet treats, try SISI in the centre of Bad Gastein. Inside, it blends café, bistro and bar vibes with Italian-inspired pasta, local favourites like fondue and sweet strudel, plus coffee and drinks, all served in a relaxed, low-key setting.

Buses are one of the best ways to explore further afield. Local services connect the town with nearby villages like Bad Hofgastein, Dorfgastein, and Sportgastein. They run regularly through the summer, stopping near hotels, lifts and other must-see sights. And the best bit? The Guest Mobility Ticket includes these buses, so you can travel freely around the valley without extra cost.

The Stubnerkogelbahn, Graukogelbahn, Fulseck and Schlossalmbahn lifts will get you up to panoramic viewpoints and walking trails, all without straining the leg muscles. Don’t forget to show your Gastein Summer Card to get a discount on your ticket.

Bad Gastein’s railway station has regular regional and intercity connections to Salzburg, Zell am See, and beyond.

Bad Gastein is a town built on the side of steeply sloping gorge. Grand old buildings fit for royalty line the pedestrian-friendly streets. Climb winding streets and staircases to explore it all at your own pace. As you go, you’ll pass cafés, shops and spas, not to mention the tumbling spray of the central waterfall.

Bad Gastein is a spectacular base for summer walking. Explore dramatic gorges, pine-scented forest trails and alpine meadows bursting with wildflowers – all at a relaxed pace. Cable cars whisk you effortlessly to higher terrain, and the tourist board’s nifty interactive map makes finding the perfect trail a breeze.

This scenic, well-trodden trail links the spa towns of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein along the historic Gasteiner Höhenweg – a mountain-flank path built in the 1930s at a steady 1,000 metres. The route winds through alpine meadows, past restored mills and traditional farmhouses, before reaching its showstopping centrepiece: the Gadaunerer Gorge, voted Austria's most beautiful spot in 2024. A rock-carved tunnel leads you right through the gorge, with waterfalls crashing just metres away.

This central, easy trail follows the town’s dramatic three-tiered waterfall – ticking off lots of must-see sights along the way. Starting near the historic 1840s stone bridge, the route passes misty viewpoints and stylish old buidlings. It keeps a gentle gradient the whole way, and, with info boards at regular intervals, you’ll even finish having learnt a little about the town, too.