Gastein, Alpe-Adria Cycle Route
Gastein, Alpe-Adria route was part of a tour across Austria I did back in 2020 after the lockdown finished. When I planned my route, it looked like a big smile, hence the Smile Tour of Austria. I wanted to do a tour on my own across a country that is my home and that I love. Early on in my trip, I was lucky enough to cycle through the Gastein on the Alpe-Adria cycle route. The full length of the Alpe-Adria bike tour runs from Salzburg in Austria – Grado in Italy.
Joining the Alpe-Adria bike path in the village of Lend. From there, there is a sharp climb up to the entrance to the Gastein Valley. The path goes through the tunnel beside the main road. However, a cycle path is fenced off from the main traffic, so it is perfectly safe.
Once in the valley, it opens out to a beautiful vista of the Hohe Tauern mountains. This line your entire route all the way to Böckstein.
Dorfgastein
The Alpe-Adria bike path takes you through the quaint village of Dorfgastein with its traditional Austrian houses, churches and gasthofs. There are plenty of lunch or coffee stops in the village. However, there is also a picnic stop just outside the village on the way to Bad Hofgastein. This is a lovely spot as there is a great view along the valley to enjoy as you eat your packed lunch. Afterwards, dip your feet in the pool to cool them off on a hot sunny day.
Bad Hofgastein
After a relaxing lunch, stop and rejuvenate your feet in the cold water. Off you go along the path past farms and fields being cut for hay. There are many goats, sheep and chickens, but depending on the time of year, the cows may already have been moved to higher pastures for the summer. The Alpe-Adria bike path winds around little villages beside the main road and river until you come to Bad Hofgastein.
Bad Hofgastein is a Spa town which means they have natural thermal water. Many of the hotels in the resort offer customers access to the ‘Alpentherme’ with natural thermal springs. This is a great way to relax after a day on the e-bike. You can choose from a swim in the pool, relax in the sauna or have a treatment in the Spa area.
Remember, there is a steep climb when you get to Bad Gastein. Therefore I would suggest a coffee and cake stop in Bad Hofgastein. Ensure you top up your water bottle and feel well-rested before heading to Bad Gastein.
Bad Gastein
The Alpe-Adria route to Bad Gastein takes you beside the river on a path shaded by trees. It also provides you with a great view towards the end of the valley.
On the outskirts of Bad Gastein, the Alpe-Adria route heads left, and you start the climb up to the waterfall. I’m not going to lie; the climb is steep, so take your time and put your bike into a higher power mode. My bike weighs 27 kilos, plus I was carrying 16 kilos in my panniers, therefore, it took quite a bit of effort. However, once you reach the waterfall, it’s all worth it, as the views across the town and the waterfall are spectacular.
Kurort
Bad Gastein is a “Kurort” or an area specialising in natural health remedies such as springs, mud and salt water. In our health system in Austria, people will be sent on a “Kur” for up to 4 weeks as a form of rehabilitation after an accident or illness. All sorts of therapies will be offered to patients in order to help them recover. I think this is a more supportive way of helping people heal.
People flock to the resorts in the Gastein Valley to “take the waters”, which have a number of health and well-being benefits. Thousands of people visit Gastein Valley yearly for “radon” therapy to help with pain and chronic conditions. All these people can’t be wrong, so look at what the hotels in the area offer. https://www.gastein.com/en/therapy/therapies/thermal-water/
A Phenomenon
In my opinion, Bad Gastein is a phenomenon in Austria, and it reminds me more of a Swiss town. This is because of the narrow high buildings, making the most of the space at the head of the valley. Take time to look around and enjoy the views along the valley. The surrounding peaks, which are all over 3000m make for an impressive setting.
Böckstein
The Alpe-Adria route from Bad Gastein to Böckstein is about 4km and takes you along the Empress Elisabeth promenade. The promenade is flat and a great way to stretch your legs after a full day in the saddle. Take some time to think about your day and absorb the stunning surroundings. Finishing off your day is a relaxing stretch, so take your time and enjoy it.
I stayed in the Gasthof zur Post in Böckstein overnight. It is a family-run hotel by Markus & Birgit, and you will receive a very warm welcome. This Gasthof has been beautifully renovated with reclaimed wood, spacious rooms and modern bathrooms. It’s a traditional Austrian Gasthof with a modern twist which together makes for a very comfortable stay.
For ebikers, they offer the following facilities:
- Lock up your ebike in their garage with charging points
- Drying room in the event of a rainy day
- If you need washing done, then ask the family
- Hose if you need to clean down your bike
- Early check-in if the room is ready
Markus offers an e-bike tour each week. Gasteiner Heilstollen (a Radon Therapy health centre) is literally next door. The possibility of making a holiday out of your stay here would be worth it too.
Check out their website https://www.gasthof-post.com/
Other websites that will help you plan your holiday in Gastein Valley are:
https://www.alpe-adria-radweg.com
https://www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com/en/
What I like about this area:
- Hohe Tauern mountains are very impressive, and they surround you on the path
- Alpe-Adria signage makes it easy to follow the route
- You will find plenty of places to stop for a coffee or lunch
- There is an e-bike charging point at the Tourist Office in Bad Gastein
- It’s interesting reading and talking to people about how much the thermal waters help people with chronic illnesses.
Gastein Valley offers much to people on a summer or winter holiday. The route through Gasteinertal is one not to miss, so take your time, as it has stunning scenery.
There are plans in the future to increase the number of cycling paths in the valley, which will attract more e-bikers to the area for a holiday.