Excursion Destinations

Klammstein Castle Ruins - Dorfgastein

At the entrance to the Gastein Valley, perched atop the Klammstein (850 m above sea level) 60 metres above the access road, is Klammstein Castle, the region’s oldest historical structure.  The earliest settlement of the Gastein Valley began right here (numerous prehistoric finds attest to this fact).  Many famous  ruling houses continually expanded this castle as a fortress intended to protect the valley and its inhabitants. Until the 16th century, it served as administrative centre for the region’s mines and for the district courts. For the past two decades, the castle, which had until then fallen into ruins, has been undergoing restoration work. It serves, not only as a symbol of the former power of its owners, but also as a mirror of history and the destinies of the Gastein people.

The “Hidden Church” Natural Cave - Dorfgastein

The "HIDDEN CHURCH" is the name given to this essentially untouched historic site in Klammstein. The cave is not only the biggest natural cave in the Central Salzburg Alps and one of the most important on the periphery of the Hohe Tauern mountains, it has also received a second very special honor: The cave was nominated for the European Union’s "Natura 2000", a system targeted at preserving some of Europe’s greatest historic sites. A popular excursion destination for the whole family. Admission to the cave is only possible as part of a tour which departs from the entrance to the cave (minimum: 3 adults). Outside of regular tour hours, the entrance and cave remain locked up. Because of highly positive energies radiating from the very core of the Earth, the cave is also renowned as a special “place of power”.

Dorfgastein Parish Church

Early Gothic structure dating from 1350.  New elements with ancient roots – very thoughtful minds were at work during the church restoration: The high altar, which is of particular art-historical significance, was pieced together anew using its original old components.

Römerturm - Dorfgastein

Emblem of Dorfgastein dating from 1340. In the town centre – next to the Hotel Römerhof – we find an orphaned tower, which originally belonged to one of the oldest taverns in the Gastein Valley.

Bad Hofgastein Parish Church

A place of contemplation with art-historical treasures. The so-called “Church of Our Lady” was constructed between 1498 and 1507. Its magnificent heart is undoubtedly the Baroque altar, finding its way into the annals as the climactic work of painter, Josef Andrä Eisl, and sculptor, Paul Mödlhammer.

Weitmoserschlössl (1554) - Bad Hofgastein

Late-Gothic Salzburg stately home dating from the days of gold- and silver-mining. Today a restaurant and café.

St. Nicholas’ Church - Bad Gastein

Insider’s tip for historians. This 15th-century church is regarded as a cultural gem of the Bad Gastein region. Especially worth seeing are its very well preserved Late Gothic frescoes and an awe-inspiring Baroque altar. This is also the site of the oldest stone pulpit in the province of Salzburg.

Bad Gastein Parish Church

A true magnet for culture aficionados. This church was built in the 19th century. Its interior houses art treasures that were actually created a number of centuries earlier: Baroque and Neo Gothic sculptures, including the Gothic wooden Madonna in the high altar, created in 1450.

Pilgrimage Church "Maria vom Guten Rat" in Böckstein

Yet another highlight of our “church tour” of the Gastein Valley.  After three years of construction, the pilgrimage church was consecrated in 1767. It represents a significant work of Early Classicism in the SalzburgerLand.  The Böckstein church is a popular pilgrimage destination, visited by many believers during the course of the year. It is probably one of the most beautiful architectural monuments of Gastein, often proudly referred to as “a jewel of the Baroque”.

Böckstein Mining Museum

An impressive excursion into the history of mining. Located in the midst of the historic settlement with a wash house, packers’ stables, administration building, foreman’s house, Kolm, the Coloredo House and the parsonage, the past once again comes back to life. At its heart is the open-air museum with the Salt Office.

Gastein Museum - Bad Hofgastein

Exhibition at the Haus Austria. The museum houses an impressive mineral exhibition and historical information about mining and hunting. Exhibits reflecting local folk customs, such as Perchten masks, supplement the rich collection of cultural items.

Felsentherme, Bad Gastein

Experience the ultimate in relaxation at the Felsentherme in Bad Gastein. This spa and aquatic centre offers water-massage beds, a 70-metre adventure slide, kiddie pool both inside and out, a rocky grotto, lap pool (24C),.. And the absolute highlight is the Panorama-Wellness Area with a variety of saunas and a clothing-optional terrace at 1,100 m above sea level.

Opening Times for the Felsentherme Bad Gastein:
December until April 15, 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., April 16 until November, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

2007 Prices:
Adults 3-hrs. Euro 17.50, with Guest Card Euro 16.50;
Children 3-hrs. Euro 10, with Guest Card Euro 9.50

Alpentherme, Bad Hofgastein

Immerse yourself in Europe’s most modern Alpine health & recreation center, the spa world of the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein. Actually, six worlds of experience spanning 32,000 m² with 360-degree Alpine vistas, a sauna world with a mountain lake, quiet and wellness oases, multi-media adventure dome, great water slides, sunny terraces and sunbathing lawns.

Opening Times for the Alpentherme: year-round
Winter: daily from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 
Summer: daily from 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., Thu+Fri 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.

2007 Prices:
Adults Euro 19.50, with Guest Card Euro 18.50;
Children (ages 6-16) Euro 12, with Guest Card Euro 11.50
(4-hour ticket)

World of Ice Giants in Werfen, the world’s biggest ice cave

Werfen’s World of Ice Giants, a gigantic cave system in Salzburg’s Tennengebirge mountains, captivates thousands of visitors each and every year.  At frosty temperatures, you can gaze in awe at mighty ice sculptures, created not by artists, but by Mother Nature herself.  The cave was only discovered at the beginning of the last century. As its reputation spread, more and more people visited these giant ice caves. In fact, the gondola ride alone makes the trip worthwhile. The cable lift climbs from 1076 m to 1586 m in elevation in a matter of minutes. During this ride on Austria’s steepest mountain lift, breathtaking views of the Salzach Valley and the surrounding mountains reveal themselves before you.

Opening Times, Werfen’s World of Ice Giants:
May 1 – approx. October 29, daily from 9:00 – 3:30
July-August 9:00 – 4:30

2007 Prices:
Adults Euro 8, Children Euro 4,
Bus Fare: Adults Euro 9, Children Euro 4.50