Empress Elisabeth promenade in the Gastein Valley
The fastest route to this destination
Empress Elisabeth promenade in the Gastein Valley
ON THE TRAIL OF EMPRESS ELISABETH FROM THE MINING VILLAGE OF BĂ–CKSTEIN TO THE FASHIONABLE SPA TOWN OF BAD GASTEIN.
Empress Elisabeth, Emperor Wilhelm, and Archduke Johann have one thing in common: they were spa guests at the healing baths of Bad Gastein and were rewarded for their loyalty with promenades bearing their names. Emperor Wilhelm traveled 20 times to Bad Gastein for spa treatments; on the promenade named after him between Bad Gastein and the Kötschach Valley, he regularly strolled and was accessible to all visitors. His noble lodging, the spa castle in the town center, was not far away. Opposite, in the elegant Hotel Straubinger, Emperor Franz Joseph stayed. Both houses now present themselves in new splendor following successful renovations. His wife Empress Elisabeth avoided the public when possible. Her world was the lonely mountains. The promenade named after her was built in 1889/90 by the local builder Angelo Comini and connects along the Ache the quiet mining village of Böckstein with the world-famous spa town of Bad Gastein.
easy
1h 20min
3.59 km
Family-friendly
Stroller-friendly
A to B
Bad Gastein
Seasons
Directions
Before the easy hike begins in Böckstein, a tour of the atmospheric village is highly recommended. The centerpiece is the mining settlement of Old Böckstein, which recalls the region's rich mining history. A visit to the early-classical church, built between 1764 and 1767 according to Wolfgang Hagenauer's plans on the hill next to the Czernin hunting lodge, is also worthwhile. To the left below this striking oval church building, the Elisabeth promenade branches off. The path follows the Ache river, with views opening onto beautiful farmhouses, waterfalls, and a monument featuring a large bronze medallion commemorating the promenade's namesake, Empress Elisabeth. After about an hour, the Bad Gastein station is reached. If you still have at least an hour, the descent via steep paths and stairs into the refreshingly "renovated" town center is a perfect addition to your visit to the Gastein Valley.
Information & contact
www.gastein.com, www.montanmuseum-boeckstein.at
Mag. Christian Heugl
5400 Hallein
Photo credit: Christian Heugl
By public transport
By train to Bad Gastein station and by bus 550 from the station forecourt to the center of Böckstein.
Return by train or bus 550 from Bad Gastein station.
Timetable information and download: Online at www.salzburg-verkehr.at or on your smartphone via the free Salzburg Verkehr app for Android and iOS.
Route profile
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