Once Bad Gastein has been the Monte Carlo of the Alps where Emperors would keep company. The health resort in the Hohe Tauern National Park gained reputation through Duke Johann from Austria who spent time here 1822.
A bull had kicked his poor butt. The reputation faded though. The only remains are the gorgeous hotels from the Belle Epoque era.

Attractive sports and leisure offers complement the cure and wellness programs. Where else could one relax in world-famous springs and radon galleries or check out the casino after skiing or a summer hike? Dorfgastein and Sportgastein are a bit more quiet. Ski highlights are Stubnerkogel with its Angertal descent or Graukogel which is known for its long and demanding pistes.

A real vacation deal are the Radstädter Tauern. 8 charming towns have joined forces to represent a sports paradise. In winter Ski amadé (as the area calls itself) offers 860 kilometers of diverse pistes and in summer an event world for kids and grown-ups. Wagrain is its pulse. Amazing hiking and bike routes lead past beautiful mountain sides and pastures. The Kesselfall Tour will get you excited for sure. Here you will have to master four waterfalls on the rope without getting wet feet. The spacious ski area Flachau - Wagrain - St.Johann catches with its thrilling cruiser-, carver- and family-slopes, night ski pistes and world cup descents which served as a training ground for legends like Manuela Riegler or Hermann Maier.

The Super-G Olympic champion was awarded eternity with a star on the "Walk of Sports" in Radstadt - like 23 other outstanding sportsmen. Here it's about being an example for the younger generation - other than Hollywood's "Walk of Fame".

The ski area Zauchensee-Altenmarkt is the highest of its kind in the Salzburger sports world. It reaches 2188 m and hence guarantees snow until April. Altenmarkt stands for cosiness and cross-country while Gamskogel, Rosskopf and Tauernkar represent demanding descents which will captivate freestylers as well.

Challenging freeride hills are also found in Flachau. Between space- and Achter-Jetlift speed freaks can run riot and have their records set. Kleinarl provides fun for the whole family, it scores with short distances, great pistes and a slide of 6,5 km length.

Wagrain offers predominantly medium-heavy descents while Sankt Johann-Alpendorf attracts mainly snowboard freaks to prove their skills. From Alpendorf's centre lifts lead to the Hahnbaum. It's ideal for families and sled fans. During the summer the Gernkogel awaits you for a hike passing mountain pastures and unique cabins. The path to Liechtensteinklamm is well worth - it's the most impressive and deepest wild water canyon of the Alps. At the foot of Bischofsmütze lies Filzmoos. The idyllic mountain village lures with amazing hiking trails and cross-country runs of guaranteed snow. Holidaymakers feel quite at ease in Salzburger Land since everybody finds needs to be met.

by Karin Nagl