Enjoy a stylish, relaxing escape from the outside world.
Just under an hour by car from Viehhofen you can really unwind and spend a relaxing day enjoying the peace and quiet of historic thermal springs.
The Gastein Valley is made up of three communities: Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein. 'Bad' in Austrian translates as 'spa' and, historically, the area is known for just that. The thermal spring water produced here has been used for healing purposes for centuries and even once sparked the interest of Marie Curie who was intrigued by the water's radon content. Radon therapy began in the town of Bad Gastein as a result, and to this day people come from far and wide to enjoy the restorative qualities of the spas.
Bad Gastein is home to the famous Felsentherme Spa. At 1100m above sea level, the complex sits in the mountains and is supplied by 18 natural springs. The indoor pool is built into the prehistoric rock and outside, the open air springs provide an incredible view out over the dramatic peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The spa offers two separate pools, a children's pool with a thermal waterfall and a water slide. Warm spring water bubbles up in the outside areas that overlook stunning mountain views, and there's a sports pool to make use of as well. There is a panoramic walkway which helpfully connects the spa with the nearby railway station.
Bad Hofgastein, another world-renowned spa town just along the valley, is home to the Alpentherme, one of Europe's most extensive thermal spas. The 32,000 square metre site features a number of areas that each provide something a little different. Relax World, for example, offers spring-fed indoor and outdoor pools and terrific water-massage loungers. Ladies World, dedicated just to women, has a steam bath, tanning beds, treatment rooms and a tea bar. This is a great place to visit, summer or winter; there's a little something for everyone, regular events throughout the year, and two on-site restaurants/bars as well!
