Not only skiers, hikers and cyclists, but also history lovers will enjoy Bad Gastein, because the history of Gastein is as fascinating as the natural beauty of the entire valley. And if you are also a spa enthusiast, a visit to this area is the obvious choice.

The first references to Gastein date back to the first millennium AD. The Romans gradually settled the entire region during their conquering campaigns. After the Romans came the Celts, who gave the area the name Gastein - valley. The Celts mined gold here, which led to a boom and prosperity for the inhabitants. In the 16th century, in addition to gold mining, the valley became famous for its healing springs.
In the second half of the 17th century, during the reign of Archduke Ferdinand III, the Gastein region really began to flourish. Thanks to the numerous thermal springs, it became a popular spa destination for the aristocracy and socialites of the time.
The establishment of the Taurian Railway at the beginning of the 20th century greatly facilitated access to the spa resort of Bad Gastein, which until then had been accessible only by horse-drawn carriages and horse-drawn carriages. Bad Gastein became an important place where European politics was shaped and where important personalities of the time met.
During the Bismarckian period, Bad Gastein was nicknamed the "Spa of Diplomats", and many famous and prominent guests, including Emperor Franz Joseph I and his consort Empress Elisabeth, Prince Bismarck, the artists Grillparzer and Schubert, and the philosopher Schopenhauer, are credited with giving Bad Gastein its reputation as a modern, world-class spa.
After the stagnation caused by World War I and World War II, better times were again in sight. In the winter season of 1945-46, the first ski lift was built on the top of the Graukogel and a whole new chapter in the development of the Gastein valley began. The era of winter sports had begun.

Bad Hofgastein

The village of Bad Hofgastein was a centre for silver and gold mining in ancient times. At one time it was the most important location in the Gastein Valley and was home to the first parish and court. During the High Middle Ages Bad Hofgastein was a centre of trade between Italy, Austria and Germany. Most of the gold and silver from the area went to Italy, which mainly supplied tropical fruit, fine wine and other products.
The first parish church was built here in 894 and acquired its present neo-Gothic appearance in the 15th century.
In the 16th century, plague, falling gold prices, natural disasters and the Thirty Years' War caused the decline of the whole area. The period of Bad Hofgastein's revival began with the abolition of the archbishopric of Salzburg and the subsequent development of the local spa industry. This period covers the years 1807 to 1820.
The Catholic parish church of St. Mary, a three-aisled building dating from 1498 to 1507, is clearly the dominant landmark of the village, but the tall, pointed church tower dates back to 1602. Inside this church, one can admire the magnificent Baroque altar, which is considered the masterpiece of the painter Josef A. Eisel and the sculptor Paul Mödlhammer. The centrepiece of the main altar is a Gothic Madonna from around 1500. The pulpit and side altars date from the first half of the 18th century.
Next to the church there is an interesting rectory building, and beautiful and valuable Renaissance tombstones on the exterior walls of the church and in the Renaissance loggia.
The town also has a modern Protestant church dedicated to the Saviour, built in 1960, and several listed houses and small monuments. Near the town there is also a nice castle called Weitmoserschlössl.

Bad Gastein

The town is typical of its atmosphere and spa colour. A special feature and the biggest attraction of the town is the Gastein Waterfall, which is located right in the centre. The most luxurious hotels such as the Grand Hotel de l'Europe, built at the beginning of the 20th century and at one time the most luxurious hotel in the Austro-Hungarian monarchy, are located right around it.
The Hotel Weismayr was built at the end of the 19th century and designed by architect Josef Wessi. The Hotel Straubing, which is located directly on the Gastein waterfall, also has quite a rich history, as the first inn was here as early as 1509.
The municipal office is located in the Austrian House, which also houses a public reading room and a museum. This building was built by the prominent Straubinger family.
The local conference centre was built in 1970 by the architect Dr. Gerhard Garstenauer. It is an imposing concrete building in the centre of the city.
In the city you can visit the Church of St. Nicholas or the Church of Our Lady.
The town became famous for signing the so-called Gastein Convention. It was on 14 August 1865 and was a peace agreement between Austria and Prussia.

The beautiful town has earned its attractive reputation thanks to its location in a beautiful valley that offers countless sporting activities, but above all thanks to the thermal springs that laid the foundations for the spa industry in the Gastein valley. As well as the radon caves, which help both the respiratory and musculoskeletal systems.

If you want to experience Austria in all its beauty, be sure to spend your holiday in Bad Gastein. At the Residence AlpenHeart we offer you comfortable accommodation, German and Czech speaking staff, Austrian gastronomy and many unforgettable experiences.