Sightseeing in Bad Gastein and surroundings
Excursions in the Gastein Valley
Bad Gastein itself is already one of the top places to visit in Bad Gastein and among the most iconic spots in Salzburg province. The famous Bad Gastein waterfall in the centre, the striking Belle Époque architecture and the natural thermal water – all before you even leave the town.
In the Gastein Valley and beyond, you’ll find countless things to do in the Gastein Valley: excursions, sights and nature experiences for families, couples and solo travellers. Diverse and full of unique charm.
Alpentherme & Felsentherme
Thermal spas
The Gastein Valley is home to two major thermal spas, fed by natural thermal water at 40–47°C. The Felsentherme Bad Gastein sits right in the centre, built into the rock with outdoor pools, a 70-metre slide and a thermal waterfall.
The Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein covers over 36,000 m² and features a variety of themed areas – from the Family World with slides, a saltwater aquarium and current channel to the Sauna World, one of the largest sauna landscapes in the Alps.
Both spas are open year-round and are the perfect addition to your adventure holiday in Salzburg province.
Panoramic views of alpine huts in the Gastein Valley
Sportgastein
Take a morning and drive along the Gastein Alpine Road up to Sportgastein at 1,590 metres. Passing waterfalls, dense forests and ever-expanding views of the Hohe Tauern National Park with every turn.
On your way up or down, traditional alpine huts in Gastein invite you to stop and enjoy local specialities. One of Austria’s most scenic panoramic roads – and a popular choice for things to do in the Gastein Valley in both summer and winter.
An entire valley as a highlight
Beautiful Gastein Valley
Bad Gastein was once a meeting place for European aristocracy. Emperors, kings and artists came here to relax. The Belle Époque architecture still reflects this today, as does the famous Bad Gastein waterfall flowing through the town centre.
Take time to explore the full diversity of the valley: Bad Hofgastein with its wide promenades, and the peaceful village of Dorfgastein. Three places, three characters – one valley full of unique impressions and places to visit in Bad Gastein.
Nature right on your doorstep
Hohe Tauern National Park
Turquoise mountain lakes, ancient glaciers, waterfalls among the highest in the world and alpine meadows with stunning peaks – the Hohe Tauern National Park is truly breathtaking. Bad Gastein lies right at its heart.
Your host family, the Zitkas, know the best routes and guide you on hikes deep into this landscape – including quieter paths away from the crowds. A highlight for things to do in the Gastein Valley.
Salzburg province highlights
Salzburg – Mozart’s city as an excursion
Just 85 km from the hotel lies one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Salzburg impresses with its medieval old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hohensalzburg Fortress above the rooftops and a rich culture from Mozart to the famous Salzburg Festival.
Easy to reach: with the Guest Mobility Ticket, included from arrival to departure, you can travel from Bad Gastein or Bad Hofgastein to Salzburg in around 1 hour 16 minutes by train. The ticket covers all public transport in Salzburg province. A perfect day trip for couples or families.
Discover even more in the region
More excursions in and around Bad Gastein
The region offers many worthwhile things to do in the Gastein Valley – and the list goes on.
For personal recommendations, our reception team and the Zitka host family are always happy to help during your stay.
- Hohenwerfen Castle
- Hallein Salt Mine
- Eisriesenwelt Werfen – largest ice cave in the world (summer only)
- Krimml Waterfalls – Europe’s highest waterfalls
- Liechtenstein Gorge and Kitzloch Gorge
- Grossglockner High Alpine Road
- Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
More from your holiday in the Gastein Valley
The Gastein Card – your advantage
The Gastein Card is ready for you on arrival at Hotel Sonngastein and opens up many opportunities across the valley. Guided hikes and mountain bike tours are free, with up to 50% discounts on museums, exhibitions, mountain lifts and thermal spas.
In summer, enjoy yoga and herb walks; in winter, ski touring and snowshoe hikes. Using the card lets you experience more things to do in the Gastein Valley – far beyond the usual. All in addition to the extensive guided activity programme offered by our hotel.
Which sights are located near the hotel?
Numerous sights and natural attractions can be found around Sonngastein. Many are located directly in the Gastein Valley, while others are suitable for a day trip.
Popular destinations include:
- Bad Gastein's waterfall and Belle Époque architecture
- Felsentherme Bad Gastein and Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein
- Sportgastein and the Gastein Alpine Road
- Stubnerkogel, Schlossalm, Graukogel and Fulseck
- Hohe Tauern National Park with lakes and waterfalls
- the historic city of Salzburg
Eisriesenwelt ice cave, Hohenwerfen Castle, the Krimml Waterfalls, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road and the Hallein salt mine are also suitable for day trips.
Which excursions are particularly suitable for families?
Depending on the children's ages, families can visit the thermal spas, use the mountain lifts, explore easy hiking trails or choose from a variety of nature and adventure attractions.
Popular family destinations include:
- the Family World at Alpentherme
- Felsentherme with its slide and outdoor pools
- the children's playground on Schlossalm
- the suspension bridge and viewpoints on Stubnerkogel
- family-friendly themed and alpine trails
- gold panning and other regional experiences
Reception will be happy to recommend a destination suited to the children's ages, weather, preferred travelling time and the family's interests.
Which excursions are possible during poor weather?
The Gastein Valley and Salzburger Land also provide various excursion options on rainy days.
- Felsentherme Bad Gastein
- Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein
- regional museums and exhibitions
- the Hallein salt mine
- Hohenwerfen Castle and other cultural attractions
Sonngastein itself also offers an extensive poor-weather programme with its 1,700 m² Adventure Hall, indoor thermal pool, indoor tennis courts, fitness area, exercise rooms and hotel cinema.
Which benefits does the Gastein Card provide?
Hotel guests receive the Gastein Card from reception upon arrival. It remains valid throughout their stay.
Depending on the season, the card provides complimentary services or discounts for:
- mountain lifts and thermal spas
- museums, exhibitions and regional attractions
- guided hikes and mountain-bike tours
- yoga, herb walks and other activities
- selected winter and nature experiences
As individual benefits may change seasonally, reception provides details of the offers currently available.
Can guests visit Salzburg without their own car?
Yes. Salzburg can be conveniently reached by train from Bad Gastein or Bad Hofgastein. Depending on the connection, the journey takes approximately one hour and 16 minutes.
With the Guest Mobility Ticket, overnight guests can use public transport in the province of Salzburg free of charge from their arrival day through to their departure day. The ticket also covers many regional and long-distance trains and public transport within Salzburg.
Subject to prior arrangement, the hotel provides a complimentary transfer to Bad Gastein railway station. Current timetables and the return journey should be checked before departure.
Can guests hire a car directly from the hotel?
Yes. Hotel guests can hire a five-seat electric car directly from Sonngastein on request.
This allows guests arriving by train to remain flexible during their stay and visit more distant excursion destinations independently.
The vehicle is subject to availability. Reception provides information about the rental period, price, insurance and return arrangements. Early reservations are recommended.