Julie....I'll search for the name of the hotel/spa.I didnt pay that much attention as I knew my friend had everything uner control.I truly love Bad Gastein,actually the entire Gastein Valley.I've been there in all seasons and the train ride from Salzburg thru the valley is incredible.And Bad Gastein itself just likes like someone threw(literally!) the buildings from the floor of the valley up to the level of the town.The view from the bridge which is on the main road thru the town, sheer drop to the valley..breathless!The small river cascading right before your fingertips.The congress hall, cantelivered(sp??) out over the gorge.Let me get back to you.Thanks! Just thinking about it is refreshing!

has anyone been to steyr, bad ischl or hallstatt? any of them worth a visit?

I have been to Bad Ischl--in the fall and by car. It has the Kaiser Villa where Sissi and the emporer went for holidays and for the hunt, I think. It's also a spa town. Been a long time since I was there but I recall it as pretty and worth a visit. My problem is getting there by train and whether I can go from there to somewhere else by train after. But it's a good place to go in general if you know how to get there.

Beach Boi, thanks for the additional info on Bad Gastein. Sounds very good. It's on the list. Now if I can figure out how to get there.

julie try www.oebb.at and that will be an easy way to check out how you willbe going to bad gastein or try www.bd.de which is the german railroad. i don't know about buses yet but if i will find out i will let you know.

has anyone had the salburg card? is it worth it? do you know if the buses or trains will stop for christmas day or christmas eve?

seems like nobody is there anymore
!!!!!!!!