Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at the statue of
Kaiser Wilhelm
, who gave Bad Gastein's curative waters the royal seal of ap-
proval by coming here 20 times in the late 19th century.
Stubnerkogel & Graukogel
Both Stubnerkogel and Graukogel are excellent for summertime walking, with high-alti-
tude trails traversing alpine pastures and craggy peaks, and taking you up to authentic
mountain huts. The two-section
Stubnerkogelbahn
cable car is near Bad Gastein's train sta-
tion and the
Graukogelbahn
cable car 300m northeast of the centre; both cost €22.50 return.
WALKING
Sport Schober
SKIING
8am-6pm)
Rents skis for €21, snowboards
(
32 68;
www.sport-schober.at
; Stubnerkogelstrasse 21;
for €25 and cross-country sets for €12 per day.
DON'T MISS
TAKING THE WATERS
Bad Gastein is famous for its radon-laced waters, which trickle down from the mountains, heat up to temperat-
ures of 44°C to 47°C around 2000m underground, then gush forth at 18 different springs in the area. Renowned
since Roman times for their healing properties and described by 16th-century physician Paracelsus as 'God's
own composita', the therapeutic waters are said to boost potency, alleviate rheumatism and respiratory ailments,
stop inflammation, stimulate circulation and (phew!) stabilise the immune system. Strauss and Empress Elisa-
beth (Sisi) both put the waters' benefits to the test; the empress was so impressed that she penned a poem in
1886 beginning: 'Only sick bones I thought of bringing, where mystically your hot water springs…'
The product of 3000 years of geological forces, the radon is absorbed through the skin and retained in the
body for nearly three hours. Vapour tunnels burrowed deep in the rock and emitting radon gases are used for
more intensive treatments.
3hr/day ticket adult €20.50/24, child €11.50/15; 9am-9pm), where you can splash around in the rejuvenating
waters. The spa shelters grottolike pools and an outdoor thermal bath that has pummelling massage jets and stel-
lar mountain views. For those prepared to bare all, there are panoramic saunas and salty steam baths to test out.
Treatments such as radon baths (€20), fango mud packs (€18) and electrotherapy (€23.50) are available next
8am-noon
& 2-5pm Mon-Fri, 8am-noon Sat).
To feel the water's benefits without tapping into your euros, fill your bottle at one of the town's
Thermal-
wasser Trinkbrunnen
(thermal water drinking fountains), such as those on Kongressplatz and Mozartplatz.
Two to six cups per day are recommended for glowing health.
Sleeping