Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.gasteinermuseum.com
;
Kaiser-Franz-Josef-Strasse 14, Grand Hotel de l'Europe; adult/child €6/free;
2.30-6.30pm Wed-Sun)
Tap into the source of Bad Gastein at this museum, which spells out
the town's history and the wonders of its thermal waters, from the bath-loving Romans to
the Romantic painters inspired by its waterfall. The collection spans everything from
Krampus
(devil) costumes to vintage tourist posters and 19th-century oil paintings of Bad
Gastein. English audioguides are available.
GASTEIN CARD
Pick up the free Gastein Card from your host for some great freebies, including guided hikes and bike tours, spa
concerts and history walks; the tourist office has full details. The card also yields substantial discounts on cable
cars, buses, spas and activities. The winter card offers similar reductions plus free use of all buses, the ice-skat-
ing rink, toboggan rental and guided ski safaris.
Activities
From mid-May to mid-September, the tourist office organises daily guided walks that
range from half-day hikes to herb trails and dairy visits.
Ski Amadé
(1-day ski pass adult/child €46/23.50)
The Gasteinertal's slopes and spas are a match made in
heaven in winter. The 220km of varied pistes challenge confident beginners and interme-
diates, with attractive wooded runs and some great carving opportunities. Mountain
transport is not brilliant, and reaching the slopes in neighbouring resorts can be time-con-
suming unless you have your own wheels.
The resort is part of the expansive Ski Amadé arena, which comprises 865km of
slopes, with skiing and snowboarding centred on
Stubnerkogel
(2246m) and
Graukogel
(2492m). Cross-country skiing is also big in Bad Gastein, with 90km of prepared
Loipe
(tracks) including a floodlit trail at
Böckstein
(3km south of Bad Gastein).
SKIING
Kaiser-Wilhem-Promenade
There's no need to exert yourself for a view in Bad Gastein. Simply follow this balcony
trail along Kaiserhofstrasse for deep views into the forest-cloaked, mountain-rimmed,
villa-studded Gastein Valley. It's an easy- going, 45-minute walk, with prime photo ops
WALKING TRAIL
