Bad Gastein
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Bad Gastein is a village in Austria, situated in the middle of the National Park Hohe Tauern, at 1,000 metres above sea level. It hosted the Alpine ski world championship in 1958. It is located within the state of Salzburg, in which Salzburg is also a major city.
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[edit] Transportation
It is a stop along a major railroad line connecting many Austrian cities along a single circuit; the cities include Vienna, Linz, Salzburg, and Graz. Because it is on a main railway thoroughfare, it is easily accessible by the frequent Eurocity and Intercity trains going along this route.
A road also passes right through the Gastein Valley. Through traffic is simple from the northern entrance to the Valley toward the Dorf Gastein side of the Valley. However, going north toward Mallnitz requires rolling your car onto a train for a short trip through the train tunnel.
[edit] History
The small city of Bad Gastein once was a famous resort, visited by Kings and the rich and famous. Some of the persons who frequented Bad Gastein in the past are the Austrian Empress Elisabeth (Sissi) and German Emperor Friedrich Wilhelm I of Prussia Wilhelm. From the sixties of the 20th century on the resort lost some its former notoriety.
[edit] Activities
One can enjoy winter sports, summer hiking, and its healing water treatments. During the past few years, Bad Gastein renovated its "Felsentherme" and Congress Center. In December, Bad Gastein also hosts the snowboard WM and boardercross.
Most of the Gastein Valley contains moderate to good skiing/snowboarding, with plenty of chairlifts and gondolas. Many establishments on the slope offer warmth, food, and strong drink.
[edit] Spa and Therapy
The local thermal spring water earned the town its early fame. Theophratus Parcelsus (1493-1541) studied the Spring water to discover its secrets. Madame Curie(1867-1934) and Heinrich Mache(1876-1954) helped to discover that it contained radon.
Radioactive water baths, with tighly controlled quantities of exposure, have been used for many years in many places. For example: Joachimsthal, Czech Republic and in traditional Japanese onsen in Misasa, Tottori prefecture.
The Gasteiner-Heilstollen radon inhalation therapy began as a result of further investigation into the anecdotal experiences of silver miners who noticed improvements in symptoms from various ailments including arthritis (further citation needed). Ankylosing spondylitis (Also known as Bechterew's disease), in particular, has seen positive results from treatment at the Heilstollen. This style of therapy is also done in Kowary, Poland and in Boulder, Montana, United States. Far from "snake oil", this treatment is covered by Austrian and German health insurance plans.
[edit] Traditions
Bad Gastein, like many other towns in Austria's Salzkammergut, has vibrant pagan traditions that have been slightly assimilated into Roman Catholic tradition. For more information see Paganism in the Eastern Alps. One example is the Krampus, now one of the Companions of Saint Nicholas. The Krampus an elemental, horned and demonic character, playfully re-enacted by bands of male revelers during December and also once every four years during a Perchten event or Perchtenlauf. The Perchtenlauf here happens every four years. The most recent was in January of 2006.
