Looking out over Bad Gastein is like looking into a part of a fairy tale. How many cities have such dramatic framing? And how many cities have a waterfall flowing right through the center that creates drama? Now add a hotel that can only be described as haunted and step right into the tale. The story which, despite a slightly scary hotel, is absolutely wonderful.

The mountains act as a frame. Along the mountain wall, large hotel complexes spread out and together they create a beautiful picture. Regardless of whether the sun is shining, the clouds are always present and are perceived to be at a low altitude. That’s because Bad Gastein is at an altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, and thanks to that, is nestled among the fluffy cotton candy-like sky. The first excursion, however, is at an even higher altitude. The Stubnerkogelbahn mountain range is located at around 2,250 meters and offers beautiful hikes, picturesque views, and a scary activity for anyone with a fear of heights. There are a lot of viewpoints along the hiking trail at the top, and they provide an overall view of the area and the beautiful Gastein Valley.

Back at a lower altitude, it’s time for some coffee. Dorfbäckerei is a nice café that offers outdoor seating. Here, it’s a good place to fill up on energy and then continue strolling around the city. There is probably something special about all the buildings that spread along the mountain wall. Belle Époque is highly present in every corner. The beautiful and lovely era was a peaceful time in Europe and there was an economy to build both big and beautiful. Casinos popped up and there was simply money to be squandered. With the world wars, much came to a halt and it took a while for Bad Gastein to regain its glory. From the outside, it is mostly restored and looks neat. The Hotel De l’Europe Gastein stands proudly. At first glance, it looks like any other hotel. It’s only when you get inside the doors that the desolation hits. Still, it’s always nice and grand. Marble floors and high ceilings with velvet curtains and heavy furniture. But – there is nothing here. The reception is blocked off, the great hall has ropes asking visitors not to enter, and the building is quiet.

No, it’s not spooky here on the ground floor, but it is uncomfortably quiet. The elevators work flawlessly and it is with some hesitation that the elevator gets to the top floor. It will be a quick round because it is just as quiet and the lack of people is palpable. It is hard to believe that this hotel used to be a real flagship and that both kings and celebrities have spent nights here. Among others, the singer Liza Minelli is said to have spent time at the hotel. Today, the former shine remains in the walls but echoes empty. The casino that used to be here is closed and the city’s museum is housed in the building. Calling it a haunted hotel may be a stretch, but to say that it’s a little scary is probably justified after all. Today, some parts of the building have been converted into apartments, but it seems that the owners may wait until winter to move in.

Art Deco and grandeur are the watchwords for Bad Gastein. And in the middle of the big and imposing buildings, there is a waterfall. It can be heard a long way during the walk in the center and when it towers it is magnificent. With a drop height of 341 meters, it is incredibly impressive. Gasteiner Wasserfall is Austria’s second-highest waterfall and the water comes with a force that commands respect. For the most daring, there is a zipline that you can ride over the waterfall, but most people are content to just enjoy the view and feel the fresh winds that it brings. The waterfall goes in different stages so it’s worth going all the way down to the bottom to see the true size of it. There will be many long walks and paths in the center. When the stomachs start to rumble, the stairs lead to MEX Bar & Taqueria. With Swedish owners, it doesn’t take long to feel at home here.

The restaurant is open during the seasons (both winter and summer) and serves fresh Mexican food with a modern twist. The decor in itself makes the place worth visiting for that reason alone. Blue velvet chairs were at the bar, Mexican hats were used as lamps, and colorful skulls were everywhere. Add to that very good food and it is set for success. Another plus is their drinks. Cooling and colorful that fit well with the decor and atmosphere of the restaurant. If Mexican is not to your liking, there is also Gasthaus Jägerhäusl, which focuses more on Italian and has incredibly good pizzas on the menu. The murals inside this restaurant are also very beautiful. And speaking of Italian… Bad Gastein has its own Italian market where you can buy delicacies to munch on in the motorhome.

In the summer, you come to Bad Gastein for hiking. Hike in the mountains, on trails, and with grazing cows and other livestock. The alpine meadows are like balm for the soul and with the wide variety of hikes and walks available here, everyone will find their favorite. Choose between day-long hikes or shorter walks. When the feet are tired, a visit to the Felsentherme Bad Gastein can soften tired bodies. The thermal bath offers bathing both outdoors and indoors, and the healing water is filled with minerals and benefits for the body. Bad Gastein is known not only for its hiking in the summer but also for skiing in the winter. The city is also known as a health resort and people come here to bathe in the thermal baths.