Page 236 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Austria

234  A USTRIA REGION B Y REGION

y Gasteinertal

The therapeutic properties of the radon-rich mineral springs in and
around Bad Gastein were known to the Celts and Romans, and this was
when the first settlements grew in the valley of the Gasteiner Ache
stream. The valley flourished in late medieval times and more recently Dorfgastein
it has become a popular spa, with a long list of clients including royalty,
politicians and artists. Cures are sought by those suffering from cardiac
and gastric ailments, rheumatism and allergies. At the same time, the
valley has developed into a fabulous winter sports centre, with skiing
for all levels and snowboarding.

Bad Hofgastein
The late-Gothic parish Gasteinertal
church was built in the
15th and 16th centuries.
The carved tombstones
found in its niches show
the skills of gold- and
silversmiths using locally
excavated metals.

Bad Hofgastein

Stubnerkogel Gasteiner Ache
2050
The Gasteiner Ache
The stream runs along a scenic
valley, down from the Hohe
Tauern mountains, finishing as
a tributary of the Salzach, the
principal river of Salzburger Land. 2246

KEY
1 The summit of Stubnerkogel J
has a viewing platform at 2,050 m
(6,726 ft), providing panoramic views 2461
of the neighbouring peaks. It can be
reached by gondola. 2600
2 Gasteinertal, a well-developed
valley surrounded by modest Gasteiner Ache
mountains, is a popular skiing,
snowboarding and summer
walking area.
Sport-
gastein
. Sportgastein
The wide valley near Sportgastein
has been transformed into a true
mountain gorge, with bridges and 2686
viaducts spanning the stream.
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp297–8 and pp322–3

234-235_EW_Austria.indd 234 12/09/17 3:04 pm
Eyewitness Travel LAYERS PRINTED:
Starsight template “UK” LAYER
(Source v2.4)
Date 15th January 2013
Size 125mm x 217mm