Tales and Histories
Historical Notes from the Gastein Valley
The breath of history itself blows through the valleys and over the mountains of the Alps. Wherever you go during vacation days spent in the Gastein Valley, you will encounter the tales of days long past. What were the beginnings of this world-famous spa region actually like and how did everything get started?
The Gastein Valley, world famous for its thermal springs, is one of the Tauern valleys which has been settled since earliest times and which open out into the Salzach river valley. Located at the end of the valley and once used by people transporting goods from north to south, either on foot or by horse, are two important passes at elevations beyond the 2,000-metre mark.
The Romans settled the Gastein Valley more than 2,000 years ago. They undoubtedly knew of and valued the healing powers of our thermal waters even then. The Celts of Gastein were involved in gold mining, which led in later centuries to the valley’s considerable prosperity and burgeoning trade. The actual name “Gastein” is first mentioned in a document from the year 1203. The renown of Gastein’s thermal springs reached its first high point in the 16th century. But during the centuries which followed, the decline of gold mining and major natural catastrophes, including the plague, resulted in the Gastein’s development as a curative spa coming practically to a standstill.
Only under Habsburg Archduke Ferdinand III did the development of the baths experience a renewed upswing, one which was vigorously supported by Emperor Francis I. Through construction of the Tauern Railway at the beginning of the 20th century, this spa resort, which had hitherto only been reachable by horse-drawn carriage, now became easily accessible. Gastein became a place where major European politics was conducted. In fact, the Gastein of Bismarck’s time was even nicknamed the “Baths of Diplomats”!
Numerous illustrious guests, such as Emperor Franz Josef I and his wife, the Empress Elisabeth, Bismarck, Grillparzer, Schubert, Schopenhauer and many others contributed to Gastein attaining its reputation as a modern and cosmopolitan spa region.
After severe disruptions caused by the wars of the 20th century, construction had already begun in the winter of 1945/46 on a ski lift serving the Graukogel. This heralded a new era for the Gastein Valley: the era of winter sports.
Numerous sights, interwoven with countless tales and legends, provide glimpses into the historical development of the valley. The “Hidden Church”, for example, a site of secret protestant gatherings during the time of their persecution, Klammstein Castle, the Church of Our Lady in Bad Hofgastein, reckoned amongst the most beautiful and grandest examples of Gothic architecture in the SalzburgerLand, or St. Nicholas Church, which is the oldest historic building in the Gastein Valley.
Set out in the footsteps of the packers (known here as “Säumer”) or try your luck at panning for gold. Create your own personal, exciting journey of discovery here in the Gastein Valley.
An historical walking tour of Bad Gastein is offered once a week. Registration and further information through the Bad Gastein Tourist Office: +43 (0)6432 3393 560