Summer Adventures Await in Austria’s Gastein Valley

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...