Bad Hofgastein
Bad Hofgastein is a market town in the Salzburg, Austrian state, St. Johann im Pongau region. Popular for both summer and winter sports, Bad Hofgastein is located in the Gastein Valley. The town has access to a sizable ski resort including more than 200 kilometers of downhill runs as a member of the Ski Amadé network. Recently, the region has made substantial improvements in its ski system; in 2018, the new Schlossalmbahn lift opened for business.
The five-star Grand Park Hotel, together with the recently refurbished Hotel Österreichischer Hof and Hotel Bismarck, are among the opulent lodgings in Bad Hofgastein. A bustling center of the town, the main square frequently hosts live music acts. Together with its neighboring town, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein has kept its reputation and draws a mix of Austrian, Russian, and Italian tourists.
Geographically speaking, the High Tauern range of the Central Eastern Alps is home to Bad Hofgastein. With connection to the Tauern Railway line, the town is situated in the center of the Gastein Valley. Continental weather, with chilly, snowy winters and pleasant, sunny summers, characterizes the region. At 6.8 °C on average, January is the coldest month and July the hottest. August is the wettest month in the area, which averages 1,191 mm of precipitation annually. Common is also the yearly average of 234 cm of snowfall.
6,914 people called Bad Hofgastein home as of 2018, the most of them being Austrian nationals. The town’s population is primarily Roman Catholic, however there are also those of other religions. The population’s median age is 44.4 years old, however there is representation from several age categories.
There are five districts in Bad Hofgastein, and each has a special charm of own. Die Gemeinden sind Bad Hofgastein, Harbach, Heißingfelding, Vorderschneeberg und Wieden. With its main plaza, parish church, spa park, and Alpentherme spa, Bad Hofgastein area is the town’s historic heart. While Heißingfelding provides access to the Schlossalm ski region and expansive vistas of the surrounding mountains, Harbach is a rural location well-known for its natural beauty and health spa. A quiet area perfect for unwinding, Vorderschneeberg is home to the Angertal Mining Museum and ski area. With its family-run restaurant offering regional delicacies and the Wieden Chapel, the Wieden neighborhood provides a window into traditional local life.
At over 80% of the town’s revenue, tourism is the main source of income for Bad Hofgastein. Travelers from all over the world come to the region; important markets include Germany, Russia, and Italy. Apart from tourism, the economy of the town comprises of commerce, services, and agriculture. While trade and services meet the need of both residents and visitors, agriculture concentrates on dairy farming and forestry. Small and medium-sized companies also call the town home, such as the mineral water business Gasteiner Mineralwasser.
The rich history of Bad Hofgastein began long ago when the Celts inhabited the Gastein Valley and took use of its mineral riches. Later, the town saw periods of prosperity as a commerce hub and spa resort, governed by a succession of feudal lord. As Bad Hofgastein attracted aristocrats, artists, and celebrities in the 19th century, its infrastructure and cultural scene flourished. The village effectively redesigned itself as a winter sports and wellness destination in spite of difficulties in the 20th century.
Bad Hofgastein may be reached by bus, rail, vehicle, or airline to Salzburg or Munich airports. Getting around Bad Hofgastein is easy once you’re there; you may walk, bike, ski, or take public transportation. Among the many sites and monuments in the town are the spa park, the Kurhaus cultural center, the Alpentherme spa, and the parish church. Apart from that, visitors may go hiking, bicycling, skiing, snowboarding, and take part in cultural events.
Alphen hot pools in Bad Hofgastein ski resort are renowned for their 32,000 square meter size. They are particularly fascinating as the Alps are spectacularly viewed from the structures. The complex has geysers, saunas, a health program, slides in the pools, and many more thrilling activities. An additional noteworthy wellness center is located in Bad Gastein. The connection is with Felsentherme. Being next to the most well-known thermal spring high in radon, Bad Gastein is often considered a nuclear spa. In addition, Bad Hofgastein has a range of opulent hotels, fine dining eateries, bars and shops.
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Geography Of Bad Hofgastein
In Austria’s Salzburg-Umgebung administrative zone, Bad Hofgastein is a town in the historic Pongau District. About 85 km separate it from Salzburg, the state capital. As of 2018, the town’s population was 6,914 and it occupied 103.72 km2.
Nestled beside the Gastein Ache brook in the upper Gastein Valley is Bad Hofgastein. The Hohe Tauern Ankogel Group is to the east and the Goldberg Group to the west separated by the valley. The valley runs from the Salzach Valley at Lend to the Alpine divide and the Carinthian border. Standing 859 metres above sea level, Bad Hofgastein is situated halfway between Dorfgastein in the north and Bad Gastein in the south.
The town borders with numerous municipalities: Mallnitz and Obervellach in Carinthia to the east, Rauris and Fusch a der Großglocknerstraße to the west, Dorfgastein to the north, Bad Gastein and Großarl to the south.
By road, train, and air, Bad Hofgastein is rather readily reached. Connecting the town to the Tauern Autobahn (A10), the Gastein Road (B167) offers a straight path across the valley. A train station serving the town is also located there on the Tauern Railway line, which links Salzburg with Villach and Klagenfurt. The closest airports are around 150 km to the south at Klagenfurt Airport (KLU) and about 90 km to the north at Salzburg Airport (SZG).
Weather & Climate In Bad Hofgastein
Austrian village of Bad Hofgastein has four distinct seasons. The climate of the town is influenced by its latitude, proximity to the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas, and Alpine location. Average annual temperature in the town is 8.3°C. Averaging 1133 mm of precipitation year, it also receives moderate to heavy precipitation. The village has 77% average annual humidity and 9 km/h average annual wind speed. Averagely, the town receives five hours of sunshine per day.
The spring months are March through May. The weather in this season between winter and summer is unpredictable and varied. The temperatures climb steadily, although at night or at higher altitudes they may still drop below freezing. Snowpack in the mountains begins to melt, and plants begin to bloom.
June to August is summer. The warmest and sunniest season, it is also one of constancy and excellent weather. Though the average temperature is about that, there are days when it may get above 18°C. Nice, cool evenings are there. There are occasional afternoon or evening thunderstorms along with a moderate humidity and minimal rain.
October to November is autumn. Still another season of change, with unpredictable and variable weather. The temperatures drop gradually, even although some days may still be pleasant and moderate. Bitterly cold are the evenings. Late autumn brings high humidity and increasing precipitation, with occasional snowfalls and showers. The vegetation turns vivid.
Winter lasts from December to February. The coldest and snowiest season, it is mostly dismal and dreary. Even if they can drop much lower, the average temperature is around -1°C. The evenings are dark and quite cold. Several snowfall and low humidity are characteristics. The mountains’ covering of snow makes winter activities possible.
Demographics Of Bad Hofgastein
Austrian town of Bad Hofgastein had a population of 6,914 as of 2018. In 1975–2000, the population decreased by 0.6% and 3.6%, respectively. Its population density is lower than that of the Salzburg region and Austria generally, at 67 people per square kilometer.
Bad Hofgastein’s median age of 43.5 years old is a little higher than Salzburg and Austria’s averages. The age distribution of the population shows that 16.1% is made up of children and teenagers, 58.9% of adults, and 25% of elderly. Gender distribution reveals a little slant in favor of women, who make up 52.3% of the population.
Regarding ethnic and cultural diversity, Bad Hofgastein has a fairly low percentage of foreign nationals—just 5.1% of the population is not an Austrian citizen. The majority of the foreign residents are citizens of other European countries. Though some residents also speak Turkish, Serbian, and English, German is the main language used in the town.
In Bad Hofgastein, the educational attainment is on par with both the national and regional levels. The great majority of people have completed occupational training, and their educational backgrounds range from required schooling to advanced degrees. A tourism school as well as elementary and high schools are among the educational institutions in the town.
The tourism industry is Bad Hofgastein’s main source of income and employment, and it greatly influences employment and occupation in the town. The primary industries include retail business, building, social and health services, and hotels and restaurants. Bad Hofgastein has lower unemployment and a higher employment rate than the national and regional averages.
Districts & Neighborhoods in Bad Hofgastein
Five cadastral communities comprise Bad Hofgastein: Wieden, Heißingfelding, Harbach, Vorderschneeberg, and Bad Hofgastein proper. Every one of these villages has special qualities and draws of its own.
The town center and oldest section is called Bad Hofgastein proper. With so many hotels, restaurants, stores, and cultural institutions, it is the primary tourist center. Here is where the town hall, church, spa, and main plaza are situated. Among the noteworthy sites in this region are the Alpentherme thermal spa, Kursaal theater, and Weitmoserschlössl castle. A cable car also links the town centre with the Schlossalm ski area.
A agricultural settlement along the Gastein Ache river, Harbach is situated south of Bad Hofgastein. It is a collection of many hamlets well-known for its forestry and agriculture pursuits. The Angertal valley, the Harbach moor, and the Gastein waterfall are further natural highlights of Harbach. In Harbach there is also a health hotel and a golf course.
North of Bad Hofgastein on the eastern slope of the Gastein valley is the residential community of Heißingfelding. It has a variety of modern and old structures together with a few guesthouses and farms. With a broad perspective of the valley and mountains, Heißingfelding is a peaceful and sunny suburb. It is handy to the Tauern tunnel access road and the Bad Hofgastein train station.
West of Bad Hofgastein on the Carinthian border is the alpine village of Vorderschneeberg. Hikers and cyclists frequent it because of its many alpine pastures and lodges.
Economy Of Bad Hofgastein
Winter sports and spa lovers alike frequent Bad Hofgastein, which welcomes about 145,000 tourists each year. Together with the well-known Alpentherme Gastein with its radon thermal treatment, the town provides a variety of amenities and activities, including spa, convention, and event venues. With so many stores, lodging facilities, cafés, and restaurants along the pedestrian zone, tourists have plenty of choices for eating and entertaining.
Being a component of the bigger Ski amadé ski area, Bad Hofgastein’s ski area is one of its key attractions. Five cable cars, seven chairlifts, and seven drag lifts service the roughly 80 km of slopes of the Schloßalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski circuit. From the hamlet, the ski area stretches to the Schloßalm and the Hohe Scharte, and then to Bad Gastein, where it includes the Stubnerkogel and the Angertal ski center. Beyond skiing, the region provides chances for tobogganing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
At 120 farms and 7,200 hectares of alpine meadows, agriculture is important to the community. Produced in the town are dairy, meat, grains, potatoes, and vegetables thanks to its rich soils and plenty of water supplies. Speciality goods made locally include cheese, honey, and schnapps, which are available at local markets and stores. A harvest celebration called Bauernherbst and a cow parade from the mountain meadows are two ways Bad Hofgastein honors its agricultural background.
Bad Hofgastein is well-served by rail and road transit. The village is along the federal route Gasteiner Straße, which links to the Tauern Railway Tunnel in Böckstein. Regular trains departing from the Bad Hofgastein rail station travel to Salzburg, Innsbruck, Vienna, and Munich. A bus network inside the town also offers service to other towns and ski resorts. At around 90 kilometers distant, Salzburg Airport is the closest airport.
History Of Bad Hofgastein
Austrian spa town Bad Hofgastein has a long history that begins in Roman times when it was the region’s hub for gold and silver mining. Profiting from the abundant mineral resources in the region, the Romans created mining methods and infrastructure. The town developed into the principal settlement of Gastein and, in the High Middle Ages, the hub of trade between Germany, Austria, and Italy.
Among the oldest and most exquisite buildings in the area, the parish church was constructed in 894 and has an amazing 14th-century fresco of the Last Judgment. But the town recovered after natural calamities, the plague outbreak in 1574, and social and theological strife both during and after the Thirty Years’ War all contributed to its downfall.
Hofgastein enjoyed another heyday as a spa with the extinction of the Archdiocese of Salzburg and its transfer to Austria in 1807. In 1828, Emperor Franz I gave the “perpetual” privilege of receiving a quarter of the warm water from the Bad Gastein springs. Although the town first got its water via wooden pipes, mining director Joseph Gainschnigg ordered the construction of a thermal water pipeline.
Above ground wooden pipes started to be replaced by clay pipes starting around 1843. Tested with sandalwood chips, the water moved for two and a half hours and, despite persistently hot summer weather, only cooled down from 38°R (47.5°C) to 28°R (35°C). The branch bathhouse brought about a boom in the economy, and in 1847 Pyrker presented Emperor Franz I with a monument.
These days, Hofgastein receives 1000 m³ of thermal water daily; the most active spring pours more and at a temperature of around 47°C. With so many facilities and activities available to tourists, the town keeps up its reputation as a spa and wellness resort. Its tourist industry is also diversifying, appealing to hikers, bicyclists, winter sports fans, and culture vultures.
Tourism In Bad Hofgastein
Thermal springs and therapeutic waters are the hallmark of Austria’s alpine resort town of Bad Hofgastein. A 3.2% rise from 2022, the town attracted 1,056,000 overnight guests in 2023. German, Austrian, Dutch, UK, and Russian source markets were the principal ones. With 149 million euros of total income in 2023—a 4.5% rise from 2022—the tourist industry helped Bad Hofgastein’s economy and jobs.
The variety of the location is reflected in the tourist demographics, which include people of many ages, origins, and hobbies. At 44 years old on average, 52% of the visitors were women and 48% were men. Main sources of inspiration for tourists were family and friends, sports, culture, heritage, and wellness.
The seasons influence different patterns in seasonal tourism. Peak season is winter, when 60% of overnight stays and 65% of income are generated. For hiking, bicycling, golfing, and taking advantage of thermal springs and health treatments, spring is the best time of year. Summer brings approximately 11% of income and 13% of all overnight stays. Autumn is the quiet season when tourists may unwind and savour regional goods and food.
The supply and demand in the tourist industry are reflected in the occupancy rates of the lodgings in Bad Hofgastein. There are 14,000 beds total, split up between guesthouses (15%), hotels (55%), flats (25%), and others (5%). Wintertime has the greatest occupancy rates—an average of 70%—especially around Christmas and New Year’s. Summertime has the lowest occupancy rates, particularly in July and August when the average is 40%.
Bad Hofgastein’s tourism industry is very important and helps the town’s growth, employment, and income. It produces multiple impacts on the regional and national economies in addition to direct and indirect consequences on the local economy. Revenues and employment generated by tourism-related industries like lodging, dining, transportation, entertainment, and retail are among the immediate impacts.
Best Time To Visit Bad Hofgastein
Popular all year round location Bad Hofgastein has a range of events and attractions. Your hobbies and tastes will determine when is the ideal to visit. The town is subject to two primary seasons: summer and winter.
The winter months of December through March are the busiest for snow sports like skiing and snowboarding. Included in the Ski Amadé network, Bad Hofgastein has 90 lifts spread over four ski regions and more than 200 kilometers of downhill runs. All ability levels are catered to at the reasonably accessible Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area from the town center. Along with skiing, guests may do cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, ice skating, and riding in sleighs pulled by horses. The Alpentherme spa offers health treatments, saunas, steam baths and indoor and outdoor pools for relaxation after a day on the slopes. Festive occasions like the Snow Jazz festival, New Year’s Eve fireworks, and Christmas market are also brought about by winter.
June through September is summertime, when hiking, bicycling, and wildlife exploration are at their best. With so many routes to suit all skill levels, Bad Hofgastein is encircled by the magnificent peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Alpine meadows, woods, waterfalls, and lakes may all be explored by visitors who can also take in the crisp air and breathtaking scenery. There’s also ziplining, climbing, rafting, and paragliding. With activities like the alpine cattle drive, farmers’ market, and folk music festival, summer is a terrific time to learn about the local customs and culture.
At Bad Hofgastein, spring (April to May) and fall (October to November) are transitional seasons. Melting snow and flower blooms in the spring, vibrant leaves in the fall. These seasons provide chance to see nature come alive and to take advantage of the reduced costs and comfortable surroundings. But these seasons may bring with them erratic weather, with fluctuating temperatures and the chance of rain.
How To Get In Bad Hofgastein
Many people looking for a convenient and comfortable trip choose Bad Hofgastein. At around 90 kilometers distant, Salzburg Airport is the closest airport. Travellers can go to their destination via rail, shuttle bus, or cab from there. Further 250 kilometers distant, Munich Airport has bus or train connections to Bad Hofgastein. Numerous German and Austrian bus operators, including Postbus and Flixbus, provide their services. Most hotels and sights in Bad Hofgastein are conveniently close to the bus terminal.
Should you would rather drive, Bad Hofgastein may be reached from Salzburg or Villach by taking the A10 highway and exiting at Bischofshofen. The Gastein Valley road B167 takes one straight to Bad Hofgastein. Still, winter driving conditions should be taken into account and an Austrian highway vignette is necessary.
A practical train choice is provided by the Tauern Railway line, which links Bad Hofgastein to important towns such Salzburg, Munich, Vienna, Graz, and Klagenfurt. Though the town core is around 2 kilometers from the train station, easy access is guaranteed by local buses or taxis.
When flying into Salzburg Airport (SZG), Innsbruck Airport (INN), Munich Airport (MUC), Klagenfurt Airport (KLU), or Venice Treviso Airport (TSF), one may reach Bad Hofgastein.
The three times daily Railjet train from Salzburg to Bad Hofgastein takes around one hour and sixteen minutes. Tickets for first class range from €25 to €152 and for second class from €16 to €25. They may be purchased at the station. For an additional charge, you may reserve a seat.
The night train, which runs just once a day and takes around three hours and twenty-eight minutes, is a less expensive but slower substitute. Bad Hofgastein is reached by night train at 02:40, having left Salzburg at 23:12. A seat costs €6 while a couchette, or bunk bed in a shared cabin, costs €17. The couchette must be reserved in advance, however tickets can be purchased at the station or online.
How To Get Around In Bad Hofgastein
Bad Hofgastein provides a range of ways for tourists to go about the town and its surrounds. Use your own car or rent one if driving is more convenient and flexible for you. Parking is plentiful, however some could cost a charge. Particularly in the winter when driving may be difficult because of snow and ice, it is crucial to be informed of the state of the roads and traffic laws. For use of the highways, you might need to buy a vignette (toll sticker) and winter tires and snow chains.
An alternate option is to take one of the frequent bus routes that link Bad Hofgastein to other Gastein Valley towns and villages. You may also board buses to neighbouring sites such the Gasteiner Wasserfall, Alpentherme Gastein (thermal bath), and Liechtenstein Gorge. On board purchases of tickets are possible, and guest cards or ski passes may qualify you for free or reduced rates.
At around 7 kilometers distant, at Bad Gastein, is the closest train station to Bad Hofgastein. You may go to your destination via bus or cab from there. Part of the Tauern Railway, the station links Salzburg to Villach and Klagenfurt in the south. There are trains going to Innsbruck, Munich, Zurich, and Venice among other places in Austria and abroad. Though trains are quick and comfortable, it’s best to make reservations in advance and budget for extra fees like extras and reservations.
A cable car is strongly advised for amazing views of the mountains and valleys. Within Bad Hofgastein and its environs, a number of cable cars run, including the Schlossalmbahn, Stubnerkogelbahn, Graukogelbahn, and Fulseckbahn. Ski passes and guest cards may give free or reduced prices; tickets may be bought at the stations. While cable cars run all year round, the season and the weather may affect the timetables.
A terrific choice if you’re eager for an athletic and exciting adventure is to hire a bike. Numerous bike tracks and routes appropriate for varying degrees of difficulty and distance are available in Bad Hofgastein. Popular paths are the Hohe Tauern Panorama Trail, the Alpe-Adria Cycle Path, and the Gastein Valley Cycle Path. Additionally offered are bike transfers and guided biking trips to higher elevations. The town or the cable car stations include bike rental businesses; a deposit and fee could apply.
Attractions & Landmarks In Bad Hofgastein
Nestled in the Austrian Alps, Bad Hofgastein is a little town well-known for its thermal spas, ski resorts, and historical sites. There are many of things to do and attractions in the town for tourists to enjoy. Among the noteworthy sites is the Gasteiner Museum, which presents the Gastein Valley’s history and culture. Along with learning about well-known historical personalities who visited Bad Hofgastein, like Mozart, Schubert, and Emperor Franz Joseph, visitors may peruse displays of traditional clothing, crafts, paintings, and minerals.
Perched on a sunny hilltop above the Gastein Valley, the charming town of Embach is another draw in the region. Together with its cultural legacy, Embach is well-known for outdoor pursuits including skiing, riding, and hiking. Discover the 12th-century Romanesque church, the 18th-century pilgrimage chapel, and a nearby museum that depicts rural life in the past.
Among Europe’s biggest and most contemporary thermal spas, Alpentherme Gastein is a haven for people looking for rest and rejuvenatation. With its array of pools, saunas and wellness treatments, the spa lets guests relax in mineral-rich water and take in expansive vistas of the neighboring mountains. Water slides and kid- and family-friendly adventure zones are further elements of the spa.
Skiing and snowboarding are other popular activities in Bad Hofgastein, where the Bad Hofgastein Ski Resort has more than 200 kilometers of slopes to suit all skill levels. The resort, which is reachable by bus or cable car, offers a variety of winter sports and events together with comfortable cottages and exciting après-ski possibilities.
At Brennerei Durzbauer, a family-owned distillery that crafts premium schnapps and liqueurs using regional fruits and herbs, guests may also sample the local cuisine. There are guided tours available of the distillery where guests may sample many spirits and learn about the production process.
A system of cable cars and lifts called the Gasteiner Bergbahnen links many ski resorts and hiking routes in the Gastein Valley. Visitors may thus reach the highest summits, including Schlossalm, Stubnerkogel, and Graukogel, and take in breath-taking vistas of the valley and the neighboring Alps.
Things To Do In Bad Hofgastein
Summer and winter alike, Bad Hofgastein is a humming tourist attraction with a variety of outdoor pursuits and cultural encounters. Summer and fall see it become a hiking paradise, while winter finds it a hive of activity for snow sports.
Some 2,400 meters high, the neighboring peaks include the stunning Gamskarkogel to the east and the alluring Schlossalm area to the west. Hiking aficionados have a range of possibilities, from the strenuous alpine climb to the more relaxed mountain routes or the picturesque circular route.
The town itself has a lovely, historically rich pedestrian area with a hot water fountain and mediaeval merchant buildings. A wonderful gastronomic experience is provided by the excellent holiday and conference cuisine offered by the many cafés, pubs, and restaurants in this neighborhood.
The cultural scene of Bad Hofgastein is lively and full of events showcasing regional customs. After a day of discovery, guests may retire to their lodgings, where the locals say the pure, fresh mountain air and a feeling of contentment are responsible for the great quality of sleep.
The Alpentherme health center offers chances for regeneration to anyone looking for relaxation. The report highlights the wide choice of activities accessible, such as sports, adventure, health, and the opportunity to sample international food.
All things considered, Bad Hofgastein bills itself as a multipurpose location that appeals to culture vultures, outdoor enthusiasts, and people seeking a peaceful haven in the midst of the Austrian Alps.
Food & Drinks in Bad Hofgastein
A charming fusion of Italian, Austrian, and pizza cuisine is served at Gastein Alm, one of the best restaurants in town. The cozy and friendly Gastein Alm is located close to the Schlossalm cable car station in the center of the town. Either the roomy interior dining space with a crackling fireplace and a well-stocked bar, or the expansive terrace with its breath-taking views of the neighboring mountains, are available for eating. Along with delectable pizzas, burgers and schnitzels, Gastein Alm offers a large variety of salads, soups, pasta, meat, fish and vegetarian options. Gastein Alm is a popular with both residents and visitors for good reason—it offers large quantities at affordable pricing. It is best to book well in advance to prevent disappointment.
You need look no farther than Luke’s Wohnzimmer for a more contemporary and chic eating experience. Situated close to the Kurpark on the main street of Bad Hofgastein, this hip cafe and restaurant has a delicious breakfast, lunch, and supper menu. The cheerful artworks, wooden tables, and cozy sofas in the light and airy space make it the ideal place to unwind and have a great meal. From sandwiches, wraps, and salads to bowls, burgers, steaks, and desserts, Luke’s Wohnzimmer offers a large selection. Indulge in a choice of wine, cocktails, juices, smoothies, coffee, and tea. Luke’s Wohnzimmer is the spot to be whether you want a quick nibble or a leisurely meal.
Sweet tooths should not miss Cafe Schwaiger. Nestled on Bad Hofgastein’s main plaza, across from the church, this classic and sophisticated cafe and pastry business has been delighting patrons since 1897. Enter the café and you’ll be transported back in time to a bygone era with antique furniture, chandeliers, and enthralling artwork. Cafe Schwaiger serves a wide variety of pastries, cakes, chocolates, and ice cream together with a choice of coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and wine. For its Sachertorte, the café is very well-known.
Nightlife in Bad Hofgastein
Beautiful Bad Hofgastein is known for its excellent ski resorts and revitalizing thermal springs. This little location does, however, provide more than simply outdoor pursuits and scenic splendor. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and pubs in the area that suit different interests and inclinations, making for a lively nightlife.
City Beats is a well-liked club in Bad Hofgastein, housed in the old Sternbräu building. Featuring three different sections and three musical styles, this club offers an immersive experience where guests can dance the night away while taking in the historic city walls. City Beats guarantees a vibrant environment for anyone looking for an unforgettable night out and is open from Thursday through Sunday from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
The place to go if you want a flavor of history and a large drink variety is Sternbrau. This famous Salzburg beer inn, which dates back to 1542, has eleven rooms and parlors that all combine contemporary features with classic charm. Indulge in Austrian wine, the inn’s own unfiltered beer, and a blend of modern and traditional fare. Every day from 9 a.m. until midnight, Sternbrau welcomes guests and gives them many of chances to enjoy its specialties.
The Silver Bullet Bar in Bad Gastein is the ideal place if you’re feeling like a warm and inviting environment. More than simply a pub, this one has a playground, climbing wall, mini-golf course, and sunny patio. Savory burgers, luscious ice cream, and a large selection of drinks. A fun-filled evening is guaranteed by the disco that the pub holds on Friday and Saturday nights. All days save Wednesday, Silver Bullet Bar is open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A busy nightclub, Norica Bar is housed in the Hotel Norica and features oompah and rock ‘n’ roll performers every night. A beer or beverage in hand, guests may strike up a chat with locals in the laid-back lobby. Everyday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., Norica Bar welcomes patrons and offers the perfect atmosphere for an unforgettable evening.
Ski Resort Bad Hofgastein
In the Gastein Valley of the Austrian state of Salzburg is the ski resort of Bad Hofgastein. It is a part of the Ski amadé network, which allows a single ski pass to access 270 lifts and 760 kilometers of slopes. The resort is well-known for its spa, picturesque mountain vistas, and thermal springs. From 860 to 2,300 meters is its altitude range, and early December to mid-April is when the ski season usually begins.
There are 453 runs in all, totaling 84 kilometers of slopes, at the resort. 10.4 kilometers makes up the longest run. There are easy, intermediate, and advanced slopes dispersed in the directions of north, east, south, and west. On ninety percent of its slopes, the resort can make snow, and it also provides night skiing.
With 183 lifts in all—including chairlifts, drag lifts, and gondolas—the resort can handle 32,000 guests each hour going uphill. Apart from skiing, the resort provides other winter sports like snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. There’s a thriving après-ski culture there as well, with pubs, eateries and clubs.
Families will enjoy the resort’s kid-friendly slopes, ski schools, and kids’ adventure parks. It also has a long history of thermal baths, saunas, and spa treatments. Beyond the resort, guests may go on day excursions to neighboring towns and sites or participate in outdoor pursuits like winter trekking and ice climbing.
The resort is conveniently close to various airports for air travel and has excellent highway links for road travel. Personal tastes and budget will determine when is the best to visit the resort; peak season is from December to March, and off-peak season is from April to November.
Top 10 Hotels In Bad Hofgastein
Every budget and taste may be satisfied by the range of hotels and lodgings available in the town. Among the best ten lodging options in Bad Hofgastein are Das Alpenhaus Gasteinertal, Das.Goldberg, Hotel Germania Gastein, Hotel Alpenhof, Hotel Blü Gastein, Hotel Rauscher und Paracelsus, ALTE POST Gastein – Alpine Boutique Hotel & Spa, Hotel Astoria Garden – Thermenhotels Gastein, Park Hotel Gastein, and Hotel Astoria Garden – Thermenhotels Gastein.
Near the Kurpark, pedestrian zone, and ski lifts in the heart of Bad Hofgastein is the 4-star premium hotel Das Alpenhaus Gasteinertal. Its contemporary spa area includes a fitness center, sauna, steam bath, and both an indoor and outdoor pool. Balconies, minibars, and flat-screen TVs are features of the roomy, sophisticated accommodations. Along with a variety of beverages and nibbles, the bar provides both regional and foreign food.
Perched on a hilltop, with a view of the Gastein Valley, lies the 4-star Das.Goldberg hotel. A 1,500 square metre spa area includes a relaxation lounge, sauna, steam bath and infinity pool. Nespresso machines, free Wi-Fi, and panoramic views abound in the chic and cozy suites.
The 4-star exceptional Hotel Norica – Thermenhotels Gastein is linked to the Alpentherme Thermal Spa and provides unrestricted free use of it. A sauna, steam bath, indoor pool, and massage services are other features of the hotel’s own spa.
Situated in the center of Bad Hofgastein, Hotel Germania Gastein is a three-star establishment that provides free and unrestricted access to the thermal spa, summertime free use of the Gastein cable cars, and a wellness facility with a sauna, steam bath and infrared room. Modern and light-filled, the rooms include balconies, flat-screen TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Three-star Hotel Rauscher und Paracelsus is situated in Bad Hofgastein and provides free ski passes and a free ski bus service in the winter. The hotel has a spa with a steam bath, sauna, indoor pool, and beauty salon as well.
Popular Places In Bad Hofgastein
Winkler’s Genießerbar
Weitmoser Schlossalm
Restaurant Alpentherme
Luke´s Wohnzimmer
Hofgasteinerhaus
Haitzingalm
Bad Hofgastein - Info Card
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Bad Hofgastein is a market town in the district of St. Johann im Pongau, in the Austrian state of Salzburg. It is located in the Gastein Valley, a large ski resort belonging to the Ski Amadé network. |
| Elevation | The elevation of Bad Hofgastein is 859 m (2,818 ft) above sea level. |
| Population | The population of Bad Hofgastein as of 2018 was 6,914. |
| Tourism office | The tourism office of Bad Hofgastein is located at Tauernplatz 1, 5630 Bad Hofgastein. The phone number is +43 6432 3393 0 and the email address is info@gastein.com. |
| Postal code | The postal code of Bad Hofgastein is 5630. |
| Phone prefix | The phone prefix of Bad Hofgastein is 06432. |
| Area | The area of Bad Hofgastein is 103.72 km2(40.05 sq mi). |
| Established | The date of establishment of Bad Hofgastein is not clear, but it was first mentioned in a document in 1188 as Hofgastein. |
| Language | The official language of Bad Hofgastein is German, but the local dialect is Bavarian. |
| License plate | The license plate of Bad Hofgastein is JO, which stands for St. Johann im Pongau. |
| Districts & Neighborhoods | Bad Hofgastein comprises the cadastral communities of Bad Hofgastein proper, Harbach, Heißingfelding, Vorderschneeberg, and Wieden. |
| Weather & Climate | Bad Hofgastein has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The average annual temperature is 6.9 °C (44.4 °F) and the average annual precipitation is 1,169 mm (46.0 in). |
| Best Time To Visit | The best time to visit Bad Hofgastein depends on the activities you want to enjoy. For skiing and winter sports, the best time is from December to March, when the snow conditions are optimal. For hiking and wellness, the best time is from June to September, when the weather is pleasant and the alpine flowers are in bloom. |
| Attractions & Landmarks | Some of the attractions and landmarks of Bad Hofgastein are: The Alpentherme spa, which offers various saunas, steam baths, slides, and relaxation areas. The Schlossalm ski area, which is the largest interconnected ski area in the Gastein Valley and has a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers. The Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area, which is connected to the Schlossalm ski area by a new lift and offers more skiing options and panoramic views. The Gastein waterfall, which is a natural spectacle and a popular photo spot in Bad Gastein. The Gastein Museum, which displays the history and culture of the Gastein Valley, especially its spa and mining traditions. |
