Gastein Valley Attractions Gasteiner Tal

Very popular with tourists, the Gasteiner Tal, 40km/25mi in length, climbs in two "steps" through the wildly romantic Gasteiner Klamm (gorge) from the Salzachtal and heads south towards the Hohe Tauern. Large numbers of visitors are drawn to the valley by the radon mineral springs of Badgastein and the beautiful scenery. In addition to the world famous spa of Badgastein there are the modern health resort of Bad Hofgastein, the quiet little country resort of Dorfgastein and the village of Böckstein at the head of the valley. The source of the valley of the Gasteiner Ache lies in the glaciated main ridge of the Hohe Tauern. In recent years the area has developed into an extensive skiing region. The valley is transversed by a federal highway and the Tauernbahn (railroad), which cuts through the main ridge of the Tauern in a tunnel 8.5km/5.25mi long and was for many years, until the opening of the Felber-Tauern Tunnel, the quickest route from northern Austria into Carinthia (motorail service between Böckstein and Mallnitz).