With its great hospitality and hot springs that lie under ground Bad Hofgastein is both a summer and winter destination. Hill walkers flock in summer and skiers in winter.
As Bad Hofgastein is not the highest resort in the region you might not get as much snow as you would like late in the season, particularly if it has been warm that year. Also its worth remembering that Bad Hofgastein is a small village / town so the night life is quiet compared to others in the region. I go with family and kids under 15 so it was fine. If I was going with friends or now that my kids are older I might try something with some more night life.
If its a family style holiday or a quieter one in general that your looking for then this is a great spot. Lovely shops, restaurants, hotels, B & B’s, beautiful ornate church, great cafes and gift shops, a few pubs and spectacular scenery. You really expect the Von Trapps to come over the mountain any moment singing.
You don’t have far to go to get to the slopes. A free bus goes regularly from Bad Hofgastein and the passes are not that expensive. The skiing is good with lessons available for all ages private and group and yes there are black runs. Like any resort there is a great ski shop where you can rent whatever you need or buy if you feel the need. There is also a very nice restaurant to have lunch and apri ski when your finished for the day.
The town is pedestrianized except for Taxi’s and emergency vehicle’s and all in all its a fabulous place to visit. I’ve been in both Winter and summer and really its the local hospitality that brings me back. I can say without question I just love the Bad Hofgastein region. The location is perfect. The journey from Salzburg via train is just one hour. In two hours you can be in Munich. If you need a break from the slopes for a day its very accessible to some great cities.
Where to stay in Bad Hofgastein
When I visit Bag Hofgastein, I rent an apartment. They are easy to find and the rates are good. A free shuttle goes regularly from the village. I have a link below to accommodation and activity suggestions in the area.
Best places to eat in Bad Hofgastein
My favourite restaurant is probably Pizzeria Da Dino, easy to find and very close to the church. Great Pizza, absolutely maybe the best I’ve ever had world wide. Kraut and Ruben on the main street of the village is a vegetarian restaurant which uses great fresh ingredients. I’m not a vegetarian but I visit here every time I’m in the village. Lastly my most visited cafe is Cafe Rock as its an internet cafe. Normally they are quite awful really but this one is great. They serve great coffee and deserts and have indoor and outdoor seating and a great gift shop. The owners are lovely. Definite thumbs up.
The Gastein region is known for its thermal springs which have healing properties. People come from all over the world for treatments. http://www.gastein.com/en/thermal-water-gastein-cure
http://www.gastein.com/en/region-villages/bad-hofgastein