Urban Nature Hotel Bad Gastein: Badeschloss Hotel Est. 1791, Austria

on



Bad Gastein has been on my radar for some time due to its Belle Époque architecture and breathtaking mountain views. Once a favored spa destination for royalty during its golden era, the town evokes a beautiful sense of nostalgia. Today, Bad Gastein remains popular for its thermal waters, celebrated for their regenerative and holistic wellness benefits. Another highlight of the area is the 140-meter-long suspension bridge at Stubnerkogel, which soars 2,300 meters above sea level — an incredible way to take in the surrounding mountain views!

Badeschloss Hotel

In this town, the contemporary architecture and creative design of the Badeschloss Hotel (recently renamed Urban Nature Bad Gastein) immediately caught my attention. Originally built in 1971, the hotel has recently undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of a striking new concrete tower that stands in bold contrast to the grand historic buildings in the area. Following these renovations, the hotel reopened at the end of 2023. The former bathhouse on Straubinger Platz has hosted many notable personalities over the years, and the hotel’s bath-themed design pays homage to this rich history. I was particularly intrigued by the beautiful spa and rooftop pool, especially fitting, given Bad Gastein’s reputation as a premier spa destination. In addition, hotels central location and close proximity to the Bad Gastein Waterfall make it an ideal place to stay.






My Double Room

The hotel features a total of 102 rooms and suites, spread across both the historic building and the modern tower. This blend of tradition and modernity is reflected in each room. In the new addition, vibrant textiles and decorative details create a playful, youthful atmosphere that contrasts with the exposed concrete surfaces. Curtains around the bed add a touch of softness to the overall ambiance. My room, measuring approximately 30 square meters, felt spacious thanks to the floor-to-ceiling windows. It was equipped with a Nespresso coffee machine and a clean, modern bathroom. The toilet was in a separate space from the shower, which was a plus, but it lacked a mirror for applying makeup. Otherwise, the room was everything I had hoped for.






The Amenities of Badeschloss Hotel

The Alpine Swim Club is a modern spa that offers a serene environment for relaxation and reflection. Spanning three levels, it provides breathtaking views of the Gastein Valley. Immersed in this stunning landscape and accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Gastein Waterfall, I experienced wellness in an entirely new way. Even the ancient Romans recognized the power of such rejuvenation for the body, mind, and soul. I thoroughly enjoyed trying out the three different types of saunas and cooling off in the rooftop infinity pool.








The hotel featured three distinct bar areas: one in the Alpine Swim Club, another in Auntie Heidi’s restaurant, and a third near the hotel entrance, which extended out onto the terrace. Each served a curated selection of wines and refreshing drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.




Breakfast and dinner were served in Auntie Heidi’s restaurant, which combined a chic, sophisticated atmosphere with tiled accents that gave off bathhouse vibes. The menu featured creative dishes inspired by both Alpine traditions and global cuisine. We tried the seabass and lamb — both were truly delicious, and the sides complemented the mains perfectly. In the morning, an extensive breakfast buffet offered a variety of regional and international specialties. The focus was on healthy options, including superfoods and organic ingredients. Fortunately for me, they also had incredible pancakes!







The terrace was a truly beautiful spot to relax and soak in the atmosphere of this Alpine town. Situated in the heart of Bad Gastein, it still manages to feel peaceful and serene.



In Conclusion

In this hotel, the past is present in every small detail, yet the atmosphere is unapologetically modern and playful. I loved how the historical bathing culture is reimagined in a fresh, contemporary way. At first, I was a bit nervous about the nudity in the spa, but the experience turned out to be a pleasant surprise. In the sauna, both men and women are free to be nude or wrapped in towels — whatever feels most comfortable. The unique bathing experience and the views make Bad Gastein truly a place worth visiting in Austria!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

Image

Saccharum Resort & Spa, Calheta, Madeira, Portugal

Madeira is a lush, mountainous Portuguese island situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. It has earned the title of "World's Leading Island Destination" nine consecutive times in the World Travel Awards. Each year, millions of tourists flock to the island, captivated by its stunning landscapes, extensive hiking trails that span over 2,000 kilometers along the irrigation channels (known as levadas), and its mild, pleasant climate. During summer, the island enjoys an average temperature of around 25°C. Believing that the best way to experience Madeira was from a seaside resort — of which there are many — I chose to stay at the five-star Saccharum Resort & Spa in Calheta, approximately 35 kilometers from Funchal, the capital. My goal was to escape the busy tourist spots and fully immerse myself in Madeira's diverse natural beauty. The resort is ideally located on the island’s sunny southwest coast, nestled between the sea and mountains. I eagerly anticipated da...
Image

Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4, Helsinki, Finland

Katajanokka in Helsinki is renowned for its vibrant restaurant scene and the stunning Uspenski Cathedral. Surrounded by the sea, the area also hosts a bustling passenger harbor. Popular tourist attractions like the SkyWheel, Flying Cinema, and Allas Sea Pool are all located here. Nearby, you’ll find Market Square (Helsinki’s most famous and international market) along with the lush Esplanadi Park and Helsinki Zoo. I love being close to the water, thus this location was perfect for me. When it’s time to leave, the Central Railway Station is just a 20-minute walk away. Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 Solo Sokos Hotel Pier 4 in Katajanokka is the newest addition to Helsinki’s hotel scene, designed by Anttinen Oiva Architects. I was immediately drawn to its striking wood architecture when it opened on August 26, 2024. The hotel aims to offer a multi-sensory nature experience, unlike anything previously seen in Finnish hotels .  I felt privileged to be among the first guests to experience ...
Image

Hotel PACAI, Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was a city I knew very little about until this visit. Nevertheless, for the past few years, I've had my eye on the five-star Hotel PACAI, a member of the international group of Design Hotels, located in the heart of Vilnius's Old Town. As I contemplated the best way to celebrate my 40th birthday, I booked a stay at this remarkable hotel. The hotel is surrounded by numerous museums, churches, shops, restaurants, and inviting cafes, so I anticipated an amazing weekend ahead. Renowned as the most magnificent mansion in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania (from the 13th century to the late 18th century), the stately building of Hotel PACAI has been renovated back to its former glory, thanks to the efforts of a passionate team of local architects and designers. The palatial hotel opened in 2018. The designers aimed to keep the history visible in this former Baroque building, and I loved the fact that existing frescoes and unique textures of the walls were...