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Austria
Salzburg

Bad Gastein

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Bad Gastein

Best natural monuments around Bad Gastein are situated within the Hohe Tauern mountain range, offering a landscape characterized by alpine terrain and significant natural features. This region is known for its blend of scenic grandeur and unique geological formations. The Gastein Valley provides a diverse environment for exploring natural landmarks. These sites contribute to the distinct appeal of the area.

Best natural monuments around Bad Gastein

  • The most popular natural monuments is Gastein Waterfall, a waterfall that cascades 340 meters through the center of Bad Gastein. The ionized air around the falls is believed to have therapeutic benefits, and its central location makes it easily accessible.
  • Another must-see spot is Gadaunerer Gorge, a 1.2-kilometer-long gorge located on the Gastein High Trail. Visitors can expect impressive natural beauty as part of a scenic hike with magnificent views of the Gastein Valley.
  • Visitors also love Kreuzkogel Summit, a summit that offers panoramic views of the surrounding Alps. This easy-to-climb summit provides a fantastic view over the ski area and lush flower meadows.
  • Bad Gastein is known for its waterfalls, gorges, and summits. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, from cascading water features to high-altitude viewpoints.
  • The natural monuments around Bad Gastein are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3500 upvotes and over 1900 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: April 25, 2026

Gastein Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Bad Gastein's waterfall has several levels and a total drop of 340 meters. The Gasteiner Ache flows through the center of Bad Gastein and offers wonderful photo opportunities. A path with various vantage points and information boards leads along the waterfall. In summer you can fly over the waterfall, secured on a zipline.

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Kreuzkogel Summit

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A very easy summit to climb, which still promises you a fantastic view. In the middle of lush flower meadows you can let your eyes wander far into the distance.

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Gadaunerer Gorge

Highlight • Gorge

The Gadaunerer Gorge is a 1.2-kilometer-long gorge on the southwest slope of the Gamskarkogel on the western side of the Gastein Valley. It is located on the Gastein High Trail between the communities of Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein. The wild, romantic gorge can be reached near the town of Gadaunern. The valley cut gives the landscape a distinctive character and is one of the natural monuments of the state of Salzburg. Source: sn.at/wiki/Gadaunerer_Schlucht

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Tappenkarsee Hut

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A great cabin with very friendly hosts. The daughter of the house plays on the squeezebox in the evenings.

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Gadauner Gorge

Highlight (Segment) • Gorge

The Gasteiner Höhenweg leads from Bad Gastein to Bad Hofgastein above the valley or, of course, vice versa 🤭. The entire route takes a good three hours. The path itself has no major increases, it is very well developed.
A hiking trail worth seeing, a must for everyone who loves and appreciates nature.

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Intertrain
January 26, 2025, Kreuzkogel Summit

After exiting the chairlift, walk left up to the Kreuzkogel - here you can enjoy the beautiful view over the ski area.

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Alice
September 28, 2024, Tappenkarseehütte

The Tappenkarseehütte is located just above the lake of the same name and is an ÖAV hut. In summer, it's a popular destination, including for overnight stays. We even managed to get a spot in the camp at short notice, but it was completely full. Because it was so crowded, everything felt a bit like a mass processing operation. Unfortunately, we didn't get the famous Kaiserschmarrn in the evening either; it's only available during the day. There are few vegetarian options, and no (posted) mountaineering food.

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A summit that is relatively easy to reach in the Grossarltal. With a view of the Gastein and Grossarltal

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It's crazy how much water is pouring into the valley right in the middle of town.

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Bad Gastein is actually a bit out of date and some of the buildings are empty. Big old hotels in an alpine area and yet somehow fascinating.

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Very nicely located small restaurant with a viewing terrace. After almost 10km you are welcome to stop.

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Easily accessible, also from the Grossarl cable car.

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Tobi
January 8, 2023, Gasteiner Wasserfall

A breathtaking waterfall in the middle of Bad Gastein. When the temperatures are hot, there is a pleasant mist of water in the air. Also great for a little photo stop.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit around Bad Gastein?

Visitors frequently enjoy the Gastein Waterfall, which cascades impressively through the town center. Another favorite is the Kreuzkogel Summit, offering panoramic views, and the scenic Gadaunerer Gorge, known for its wild, romantic beauty along the Gastein High Trail.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments in Bad Gastein?

Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Gastein Waterfall is easily accessible and offers various vantage points. The Kreuzkogel Summit is an easy climb with rewarding views, and the Gadaunerer Gorge is part of a well-developed hiking trail suitable for families.

What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Bad Gastein's natural monuments?

You can expect to see a diverse range of natural features. These include powerful waterfalls like the Gastein Waterfall, dramatic gorges such as the Gadaunerer Gorge, and high-altitude summits like Kreuzkogel Summit offering extensive panoramic views. The region is characterized by alpine terrain, lush meadows, and unique geological formations.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments around Bad Gastein?

The best time to visit largely depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking and enjoying the full accessibility of all sites, including the zipline over the Gastein Waterfall. The ionized air around the waterfall is also particularly refreshing in warmer temperatures. While some areas might be closed in winter, the Gastein High Trail, which passes the Gadaunerer Gorge, can still be recommended with good equipment.

Are there any natural monuments that offer unique experiences or therapeutic benefits?

Yes, the Gastein Waterfall is renowned not only for its beauty but also for the ionized air around it, which is believed to have therapeutic benefits, positively impacting mood and health. Additionally, the Stubnerkogel Mountain, accessible via cable car, features Europe's highest suspension bridge, offering a thrilling and awe-inspiring experience.

What outdoor activities can I do near these natural monuments?

The region around Bad Gastein offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive hiking, with routes like 'Bockhart Lakes' or 'From the Kötschental to the Reedsee'. Cycling and road cycling are also popular, with scenic routes such as the 'Gasteiner Ache Promenade' or the 'Grossglockner High Alpine Road loop'. For more detailed routes, explore the Hiking around Bad Gastein or Road Cycling Routes around Bad Gastein guides.

Are there any natural monuments that are easily accessible or suitable for less strenuous visits?

The Gastein Waterfall is centrally located in Bad Gastein and easily accessible, with paths and viewing points along its different levels. The Kreuzkogel Summit is also noted as a very easy summit to climb, offering fantastic views without significant effort, especially after taking a chairlift.

Can I find food or accommodation near the natural monuments?

Yes, for example, the Tappenkarsee Hut is a natural monument that also serves as accommodation, a restaurant, and a pub. It's a great cabin located near a lake at 1820 meters altitude. In Bad Gastein itself, the Gastein Waterfall is within the town, so numerous cafes, pubs, and accommodations are readily available.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments in Bad Gastein?

Visitors frequently highlight the breathtaking views and the sense of immersion in nature. The powerful cascades of the Gastein Waterfall offer wonderful photo opportunities and a refreshing mist. The panoramic vistas from summits like Kreuzkogel Summit are highly praised, as is the wild, romantic scenery of the Gadaunerer Gorge along the Gastein High Trail.

Are there any unique geological features or viewpoints to explore?

Absolutely. The region is part of the Hohe Tauern mountain range, offering significant geological formations. The Gadaunerer Gorge itself is a distinctive valley cut that gives the landscape a unique character. For expansive viewpoints, the Kreuzkogel Summit provides panoramic views over the ski area and flower meadows. The Stubnerkogel Mountain also features the Glocknerblick and Talblick viewing platforms, offering spectacular vistas including the majestic Grossglockner.

How can I reach the natural monuments, and is parking available?

Many natural monuments, like the Gastein Waterfall, are centrally located within Bad Gastein and easily accessible on foot. For higher-altitude sites like Stubnerkogel Mountain, cable cars provide convenient access. While specific parking details for each monument vary, Bad Gastein generally offers public parking options. For trails like the Gastein High Trail leading to the Gadaunerer Gorge, trailheads often have designated parking areas, and public transport connections are available within the Gastein Valley.

Are there any natural monuments that involve lakes or water features beyond waterfalls?

Yes, the Tappenkarsee Hut is located near a beautiful lake, the Tappenkarsee, which is a natural monument itself. This provides a serene water feature amidst the alpine landscape, offering a different kind of natural beauty compared to the cascading waterfalls.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Bad Gastein:

FlachauBezirk Zell am SeeSankt Martin am TennengebirgeWerfenwengGroßarlPfarrwerfenWerfenFilzmoosRadstadtBezirk HalleinHüttauAltenmarkt im PongauHüttschlagBischofshofenBezirk Salzburg-UmgebungSankt Veit im PongauForstauKleinarlNationalpark Hohe TauernSankt Johann im PongauEben im PongauBad HofgasteinGoldeggTennen MountainsMühlbach am HochkönigUntertauernWagrainDorfgasteinSchwarzach im PongauTamsweg

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