The Alpine Paradise of Bad Gastein

• HelloServus
  [Ser-voos]
• GoodbyeAuf Wiedersehen
  [Owf Vee-der-zay-en]
• YesJa
  [Ya]
• NoNein
  [Nine]
• Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
• Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
• Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-gung]
• How are you?Wie geht es Ihnen?
  [Vee gayt es een-en?]
• Fine. And you?Gut. Und Ihnen?
  [Goot. Oond Een-en?]
• Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Spreck-en Zee Eng-leesh?]
• I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ick fair-shtay-eh nisht]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch hätte gerne die Speisekarte, bitte
  [Ick hett-eh gehr-neh dee Shpy-zeh-kart-eh, bit-teh]
• I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ick ess-eh kine Fly-sh]
• Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst]
• I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bitte zahlen
  [Ick mehr-sh-tuh bit-teh tsah-len]

• Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-fuh]
• Go away!Gehen Sie weg!
  [Gay-en Zee veg]
• Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Po-lee-tsey]
• Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee i-nen artsht]
• I'm lostIch habe mich verirrt
  [Ick hah-beh meekh fair-eert]
• I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ick been krunk]

• I'd like to buy...Ich möchte ... kaufen
  [Ick mehr-sh-tuh ... cow-fen]
• I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ick show-eh noor]
• How much is it?Wie viel kostet das?
  [Vee feel koss-tet dass]
• That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Dass ist tsoo toy-er]
• Can you lower the price?Können Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-en Zee dain preis senk-en]

• What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpayt ist es]
• It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist iyn oor]
• Half past (10)Halb (zehn)
  [Halb (tseyn)]
• MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nah-mit-tahg]
• EveningAbend
  [Ah-bend]
• YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
• TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
• TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
• 1Eins
  [Iyns]
• 2Zwei
  [Tsvy]
• 3Drei
  [Dry]
• 4Vier
  [Feer]
• 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
• 6Sechs
  [Zeks]
• 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
• 8Acht
  [Acht]
• 9Neun
  [Noyn]
• 10Zehn
  [Tseyn]

• Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/der...?
  [Vo ist iyn/dehr]
• What's the address?Was ist die Adresse?
  [Vas ist dee Ah-dress-eh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Können Sie mir das zeigen (auf der Karte)?
  [Kern-en Zee meer dass tsay-gen (ouf dehr Kart-eh)]
• When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vann kommt dehr naykst-eh (Boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Eine Fahrkarte (nach ....)
  [I-nuh Far-kart-eh (nahkh)]

Bad Gastein's history dates back to Roman times. The area was known for its thermal springs, which the Romans utilized for their reputed healing properties. Archaeological finds indicate that the Romans built bathhouses and other structures to take advantage of these natural resources.

During the medieval period, Bad Gastein began to develop as a significant settlement. The town's strategic location in the Gastein Valley made it an important hub for trade and transportation. By the 13th century, the area was under the rule of the Archbishopric of Salzburg, which further contributed to its growth and prosperity.

The 19th century marked the Golden Age of Spa Tourism in Bad Gastein. The town became a fashionable retreat for European aristocracy and elite, including royalty and notable figures such as Emperor Franz Joseph I of Austria and Empress Elisabeth (Sisi). The construction of grand hotels and villas during this period transformed Bad Gastein into a luxurious spa destination.

Bad Gastein, like much of Austria, was affected by World War II. The town experienced occupation and was later part of the Allied-occupied zones after the war. Despite the challenging times, Bad Gastein gradually rebuilt and continued to attract visitors seeking its renowned thermal waters.

In recent decades, Bad Gastein has undergone a revitalization. Efforts have been made to preserve its historical architecture while modernizing amenities to cater to contemporary tourists. The town now offers a blend of historical charm and modern luxury, maintaining its reputation as a premier spa and wellness destination.

Bad Gastein is not just about its thermal springs; it also boasts a rich cultural scene. The town hosts various festivals and events throughout the year, such as the annual 'Sommer.Frische.Kunst' festival, which celebrates contemporary art and culture. Traditional Austrian music, dance, and culinary experiences are also integral to the town's cultural identity.

Bad Gastein is nestled in the Austrian Alps, making it a picturesque yet accessible destination. The nearest international airport is Salzburg Airport (approximately 96 kilometers away). From Salzburg, you can take a direct train to Bad Gastein, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can also fly into Munich Airport, which is around 250 kilometers away, and then take a train or drive to Bad Gastein. If you prefer driving, the town is well connected by roads, and rental cars are available at major airports.

Bad Gastein is a compact town, and many attractions are within walking distance. The town is also well-served by local buses, which can take you to nearby villages and ski resorts. Taxis are available but can be quite expensive. For those wanting more flexibility, renting a car is a good option, especially if you plan to explore the broader Gastein Valley. The train station in Bad Gastein offers frequent services to Salzburg and other major cities.

The official currency in Austria is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Bad Gastein, so you can easily withdraw cash. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.

Bad Gastein is generally a very safe destination for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always prudent to exercise standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas and keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and train stations. The town has a strong police presence, ensuring a safe environment for visitors.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Bad Gastein has a medical center and a pharmacy for minor health issues. For more serious medical emergencies, you may need to travel to a larger hospital in Salzburg. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. Avoid overly casual clothing when dining in finer restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. While Austria is predominantly Catholic, there is a general respect for all religions. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trains and buses. Don’t be loud or disruptive. Greetings: Do use a firm handshake when greeting someone. Austrians appreciate politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Wiener Schnitzel and Apfelstrudel. Don’t rush your meals; dining is a leisurely affair here.

To experience Bad Gastein like a local, take a stroll through the historic town center and enjoy the stunning Belle Époque architecture. Visit the thermal baths, which are a favorite among locals for relaxation. Engage with locals in conversation; Austrians are generally friendly and love to share stories about their culture. Don’t miss out on local events and festivals, which offer a glimpse into traditional Austrian life. Lastly, hiking is a popular local activity, and there are numerous scenic trails to explore.