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If you think the Alps are only for winter skiing, think again. Come late spring, Austria’s Gastein Valley transforms into a lush playground for hikers, cyclists, and wellness enthusiasts alike. Nestled just 50 miles from Salzburg along the northern edge of Hohe Tauern National Park, this alpine gem offers everything from wildflower-dotted slopes to geothermal springs that have been soothing visitors for centuries.

A Weekend in the Mountains

The valley’s three main towns—Bad Gastein, Dorfgastein, and Bad Hofgastein—provide easy access to over 370 miles of hiking trails. For a short weekend, Bad Hofgastein makes the perfect base, blending rustic Alpine charm with modern conveniences. After lacing up your boots, you can follow in the footsteps of 19th-century high society, who flocked here to “take the cure” in mineral-rich thermal waters. Today, these springs still promise ultimate relaxation after an active day in the mountains.

Day 1: Hikes and Hot Springs

Morning
Start early at Bad Hofgastein’s Schlossalm Station, hopping on the first gondola at 8:30 a.m. As you float above the spruce forests, the peaks open up to endless hiking possibilities. One standout route is the two-hour climb to Türchlwand, sitting at 8,450 feet. Along the way, you’ll pass alpine buttercups, marmot burrows, and patches of lingering snow before being rewarded with sweeping views of Großglockner, Austria’s tallest mountain. For less experienced hikers, guides are available through the Bad Hofgastein Tourist Office.

Afternoon
Lunch with a view is a must. Pre-order a picnic from your hotel or Café Zeit, and enjoy it atop Türchlwand. Descend to Schlossalm for a hot chocolate at Bergrestaurant Kleine Scharte, perched at 6,730 feet. If you still have energy, tackle the scenic three-hour downhill trail back to Bad Hofgastein, passing meadows, forests, and the cheerful sound of cowbells. Cap the day with a soak at Alpentherme, a sprawling thermal spa with nine acres of naturally heated pools. Temperatures hover between 90–96°F, perfect for melting away tired muscles.

Evening
Summer evenings in Bad Hofgastein are unhurried. Stroll along Kaiser Franz Platz and settle in at Aiche, a charming restaurant by local chef Tobias Aichhorn. Set in a 15th-century building from the valley’s gold-mining era, the menu reinvents Austrian classics with fresh local ingredients. Don’t miss the wiener schnitzel stuffed with bacon, mushrooms, and onions, finished with parsley mayonnaise and herbs.

Day 2: Cycling and Strudel

Morning
Sunday mornings in Bad Hofgastein reveal a picturesque scene: locals in lederhosen and dirndls heading to Mass at Maria Himmelfahrt Church. Grab an e-bike from Bike Gastein and tackle a scenic tour through the Angertal side valley. Gentle climbs reveal quiet meadows and panoramic views of the Ankogel glaciers 10 miles away. The downhill return offers a thrilling ride past traditional alpine huts and barns, all while breathing in crisp mountain air.

Afternoon
Back in town, relax at Café Schwaiger with a toasted sandwich and a slice of homemade strudel—apple or creamy quark-filled topfenstrudel, take your pick. If time allows, hike the Gastein Trail to Bad Gastein, a four-hour journey over seven miles. This elevated route offers dramatic views, including a tunnel carved through Gadauner Gorge.

Evening
In Bad Gastein, witness the 1,120-foot Gasteiner Waterfall, which slices through the hillside with impressive force. Dinner at Bellevue Alm, a rustic mountain restaurant, offers cozy comfort food like kasnocken, Austria’s take on mac and cheese. For dessert, kaiserschmarrn—a caramelized pancake flambéed in Grand Marnier and served with plum compote—is a must.

More Outdoor Wellness Adventures

• Herbal Walks: Explore the medicinal properties of chamomile, strawberries, and horse chestnut with a local herbalist.
• Yoga: Stretch in Kurpark with alpine scenery and fresh air.
• Forest-Bathing Brunch: Combine a mindful walk through spruce forests with a seven-course woodland meal.
• Moonlight Hikes: Experience Sportgastein Valley by full moon with former park ranger Hans Naglmayr.
• Wild Swimming: Dip in cold alpine lakes like Palfnersee after a gondola ride and scenic hike.
• Trail Running: Take beginner-friendly guided runs through the valley, then relax in Alpentherme’s sauna.

Planning Your Trip

Ramble Worldwide offers a three-night “Hiking in Austria: Bad Hofgastein Weekend Adventure” starting at $875 per person, including B&B, local transport, and a mountain guide (June–September).

Getting There: Direct flights from the U.S. to Salzburg are available via British Airways and other carriers. From the airport, take a 25-minute bus to Salzburg Main Station, then a 70-minute train ride to Bad Hofgastein. The Salzburgerland Guest Mobility Ticket (free since 2025) covers local transport.

Where to Stay: The Post Hotel, dating back to 1421, combines history with modern comfort. Its spa boasts outdoor pools, whirlpools, and a sauna. Rates start around $210 per night.

From sun-soaked hikes and glacier views to soothing thermal baths and hearty Alpine cuisine, summer in the Gastein Valley proves that the Austrian Alps are a destination for every season.