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, despite a slightly scary hotel, is absolutely wonderful.
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Trying out the suspension bridge in Bad Gastein
The mountains act as a frame. Along the mountain wall, large hotel complexes spread out, and together they create a beautiful picture. Whether the sun shines or not, clouds always hang low over the city. Bad Gastein sits at over 1,000 meters above sea level, which nestles it among a sky that looks like fluffy cotton candy.
Bad Gastein’s grand architecture and cascading waterfalls are magical during the warmer months. To discover more scenic routes and summer alpine adventures, dive into our Austria travel guides.
The first excursion 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.
A 140-meter-long suspension bridge gives this dizzying attraction the title of “Europe’s highest suspension bridge”. Visibility is clear, both from the sides and for those looking down. It can definitely feel scary — especially since the bridge sways easily as you walk across it or when the wind picks up. On the other hand, stepping out and starting your hike to the other side is quite a nasty experience. If it’s any consolation, it gets less scary as time goes by, considering you’re so high up you can’t really get a handle on how far it actually is to the ground.
Up on the mountain, several viewpoints demand a stop too. The view of the Hohe Tauern alpine peaks is incredibly beautiful, but the platform is also special. The observation tower is more like a saucer that has landed on top. It will be a few hours on the mountaintop with visits to various viewpoints and paths. Sometimes, grazing cows come and look curiously at all the hikers. If there is energy left, an excellent alternative is to go back to the center instead of taking the cable car down.
The Belle Époque charm of old Bad Gastein
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.
Inside the abandoned Hotel de l’Europe
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. Rumor has it the singer Liza Minnelli once stayed at the hotel.
Today, the former shine still lingers in the walls, but it echoes through empty rooms. The old casino has closed its doors, and the city’s museum now occupies the building. Calling it a haunted hotel may be a stretch, but calling it a little scary probably holds up. Some parts of the building have since become apartments, though it seems the owners may wait until winter to move in.
Gasteiner Wasserfall – Austria’s second-highest waterfall
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 from 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 through different stages, so it’s worth going all the way down to the bottom to see its true size. There are many long walks and paths to take in and around the center. If you have time, Bad Hofgastein is worth a visit too, and they have a nice thermal bath called Alpentherme Gastein.
Where to eat in Bad Gastein
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. Cool 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.
Hiking and the Felsentherme thermal baths
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 your feet get tired, head to the Felsentherme Bad Gastein. The thermal bath offers both outdoor and indoor bathing, and the mineral-rich healing water benefits the whole body. Bad Gastein delivers great hiking in summer and equally great skiing in winter. The city has also built a reputation as a health resort, drawing visitors who come to bathe in its thermal waters. We also spent a night at Bertahof Camping, and did a hike in Sportgastein just a short drive away
FAQ: Bad Gastein, Is, What, Where?
Yes — beyond winter skiing, Bad Gastein offers hiking at Stubnerkogelbahn (2,250m), Europe’s highest suspension bridge, and the dramatic Gasteiner Wasserfall, Austria’s second-highest waterfall.
Hotel De l’Europe Gastein is a grand, mostly empty Belle Époque hotel in the city center. Once a flagship hotel that welcomed celebrities like Liza Minnelli, it now sits largely unused, with visitors only able to access the ground floor.
MEX Bar & Taqueria serves Mexican food with a colorful, quirky decor, and Gasthaus Jägerhäusl offers Italian dishes and excellent pizzas.
This was part of a press trip! All thoughts are our own.
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