Bad Gastein, Austria Hotels, Vacations, Tourism

Ranged across the head of the valley where the Gasteiner Ache descends in a series of cascades, the streets of BADGASTEIN gaze down on the Gasteinertal like rows of seating in some ancient amphitheatre. Although known as a spa since medieval times, Badgastein didn't really take off until the early nineteenth century, when a stream of society figures – led by Archduke Johann, who built the Meranhaus here in 1828 – descended on the valley to take the cure. Emperor Franz-Josef, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany and Bismarck were among those who followed. The town has undergone numerous face-lifts since, … more »