Winter in Gastein, Austria - What to see

* Bad Hofgastein              * Bad Gastein             * Salzburg

1. Bad Hofgastein

Bad Hofgatein is a lovely small town with many lodging options.  Most restaurants and shops are within walking distance.  During the month of December, the Christmas market is open in the town center pedestrian area.

Two shops you must check out if you visit Bad Hofgatein: Galerie Winkler (left) and Cafe Roeck (right).  Galerie Winkler is a boutique gift shop carrying many one-of-the-kind rare find items. A few doors down is Cafe Roeck.  All their delicious pastries and desserts are made on the premises. Granted, I am biased with both shops since my MIL owns Galerie Winkler and Caf Roeck made our wedding cake. 

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2. Bad Gastein

The distance between Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein is about 10 minutes by car and 1.5 hours by foot.  There are frequent buses between these two towns.

Everything in Bad Gastein is more spread out. The town wrapped around the steep slopes with a beautiful waterfall on the hillside, and a golf course on the bottom of the hill.  The scenery is truly breath taking.

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3. Salzburg

About 1.5 hours away by train from Gastein Valley is one of the tourist hot spots of Austria, Salzburg.  The Mozart museum, the old town's shopping streets with wrought-iron signs, and the Hohensalzburg Fortress are all some of the famous sites to visit. 

Summer Festival is the most important music attraction, and tickets are in great demands.  However, there are many cultural events throughout the year and a Christmas market during the holiday season.  

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