Bad Gastein, Austria
 

My family of 6 is traveling to Salzburg from 12/23-12/26. We are deciding to travel to Bad Gastein for 2 more nights for a couple days of winter fun in a winter village. We will then travel to Munich to catch flight to Italy for a week.
1-does anyone have any recommendations for a winter stay in Bad Gastein including lodging, restaurants and activities. We are not big into skiing but would like to hike to suspension bridge, try taboganning or any other fun activity
2- what would be the best train ticket to get to travel from Munich to Salzburg, Salzburg to Bad Gastein, then Bad Gastein to Munich. We will use trains in Italy as well if that makes a difference.
3-Any thoughts on hotels in Bad Gastein versus holiday apartments. Read we will need to pay additional fee for towels and cleaning. Any other thoughts?

2- what would be the best train ticket to get to travel from Munich to Salzburg, Salzburg to Bad Gastein, then Bad Gastein to Munich. We will use trains in Italy as well if that makes a difference.>

No - best:

Munich-Salzburg use bargain Bavarian Ticket where for about 35 euros you both can travel unlimited for a day on regional trains - including to Salzburg. Buy at train station in Munich.

Then use Austrian Railways site for trains to Bad Gastein and back to Munich - for lots on European trains and booking discounted tickets online yourself - check www.seat61.com; BETS-European Rail Experts and www.ricksteves.com. For Italy book your own discounted tickets at Acquista il biglietto con le nostre offerte - Trenitalia - discounted seats are limited so book as soon as sites allow it but then they are non-changeable from a specific train and usually non-refundable but can be much cheaper than full fare.

Loved Bad Gastein when there once in summer - rusing river right thru area.