Do you think that if you don't like winter sports, the range of activities in Bad Gastein is very limited? In this article we will show you that this is not the case. Read the following lines and get inspired how to spend your time off the slopes.

Fortress Hohensalzburg

The Hohensalzburg Fortress is a proud landmark of Salzburg, towering on Monks Mountain, high above the Old Town. It is the largest completely preserved castle complex in Central Europe. Its history dates back to 1077, when it was built as a defensive fortress. Today, it has undergone extensive and difficult reconstruction, which has mostly affected the oldest building of the castle. Interestingly, the complex houses a multimedia Magic Theatre and numerous media stations. Every Sunday at 11:45am you can also catch trumpeters on one of the baroque towers and festive processions in the courtyard.

(By car from Bad Gastein approx. 1 hr 30 min)

Mirabell Castle

Mirabell is a neoclassical castle with adjoining gardens in the centre of Salzburg. As the historical centre of the city, this beautiful building is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the palace began in 1606 and its current neo-classical appearance is only evident from 1818, when the palace was rebuilt after a fire. The adjacent geometric garden is decorated with four groups of statues dating from 1690 by the Italian sculptor Ottavio Mota.

(By car from Bad Gastein approx. 1 hr 20 min)

Mozart's birthplace

The Mozart House is undoubtedly Austria's most visited museum. Tours are incredibly popular with tourists and music lovers alike. The house is located at Getreidegasse 9. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born there on the third floor on 27 January 1756 and his family occupied the apartment for 26 years until they moved to the house on Makart Square. It is certainly one of the most touristic places in Austria.

(By car from Bad Gastein approx. 1 hr 19 min)

Mozart's Balls

If you're already in Salzburg, it would be a sin not to try this classic delicacy. The history of this sweet dates back to 1884, when the master confectioner Paul Fürst opened a shop in Brodgasse No. 13 after his arrival in Salzburg, where he offered Mozart candies. Today, you will find the very cosy and traditional Fürst Café in that location. Here you can taste traditional Mozart balls and have a delicious coffee. Therefore, if you are in the area, we recommend a visit to this legendary café.

Lakes and waterfalls

Salzbusrko is known for its abundance of lakes and breathtaking waterfalls. They will win you over with their impressive beauty and the tranquillity that almost radiates from them. Lake Tappenkarsee, for example, is one of the largest lakes in the eastern Alps. You can reach it on foot or on toll roads. We also recommend a visit to the Krimmel Waterfalls. These are the highest waterfalls in Central Europe. The first stage with the Upper Waterfall has a drop height of 140 m. A short flat section is followed by the Middle Waterfall with a drop of 100m and the last third stage is 140m high. If you want to recharge, this is the place for you.

(By car from Bad Gastein approx. 1 hr 30 min)

Hohenwerfen Castle

Hohenwerfen Castle is approximately 55 km away from Bad Gestein and as soon as you see it from afar, you will think it is like something out of a fairy tale. It is nicknamed "the castle of experiences" and it really is. You can arrange a tour of the castle with an exhibition of historical weapons. There is also a stylish castle inn or a hunger room. The local shop with "knight's supplies" is an unmissable attraction for your children. Every day, the Salzburg Provincial Falconry Association organises bird of prey flights over the castle. For sports enthusiasts, there is the possibility to walk to the castle along the trail winding around the castle. Those who prefer convenience will be pleased to be able to take a cable car to the castle.

(By car from Bad Gastein approx. 1 hr 40 min)

Thermal Spa Felsentherme

For lovers of relaxation, we recommend trying the spa right in Bad Gastein. The spa has a long history and the healing effects of its mineral waters themselves have been known since the Middle Ages, when many famous historical figures used them. If you visit the spa, expect the effects of the mineral waters to help relieve your musculoskeletal pain. For more information about the spa , visit our website here.

(Bad Gastein about 8 minutes walk from the AlpenHeart Hotel)

Caves with radon therapy

Another attraction around Bad Gastein is the healing cave with radon therapy. This unique world phenomenon lies two kilometres deep in the heart of the mountain and is considered one of the most effective remedies for musculoskeletal, respiratory and skin problems. The treatment is carried out using a combination of radon and a method of heating the tissues above 40 °C. A stay here is also recommended to improve immunity or as a prevention against multiple diseases.

(Bad Gastein approx. 17 minutes by car from Hotel Bad Gastein)

We hope we have given you some useful advice on how to spend your time off the slopes and wish you to enjoy your stay in the Bad Gastein area. In our hotel AlpenHeart we offer comprehensive accommodation services, an excellent restaurant with local delicacies as well as Czech cuisine options, Czech beer and Czech speaking staff. Our hotel is popular with guests from all over Europe, so you don't have to worry about hearing all Czech around you; on the contrary, if you want advice from the staff, they will be happy to explain everything in Czech or call you where you need to go. So cheers to abroad! We are looking forward to seeing you :)