Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein, a balneological resort and climate station in Austria, in the Tyrolean Alps (elevation 1,046 m). Located in a narrow, forested valley along the Ache River (flowing from the northern slope of the Tauern mountains and forming here two grand waterfalls—63 and 85 m), on the Salzburg-Triest railway line. The climate is mountainous with moderate temperatures during the seasonal period. Annual temperature 4.5°C, in May 9.9°C, June 12.7°C, July 14.1°C, August 13.2°C, September 10.4°C; average during the season 12.1°C. Number of rainy days during the season 50%, almost evenly distributed by month. Best time—autumn. Twenty-three indifferent springs (acratotherms). Temperature of the seven exploited springs 36.3-47.4°C with a flow of 43,000 liters per day. Solid residue 0.34 g per 1 liter (Na₂SO₄-0.18, NaCl-0.04, CaCO₃-0.05; free CO₂-0.0023 g). Radioactivity is very significant—from 24 to 155 Maché units, radioactivity of gases from two springs 412-564 Maché units. Used for drinking and for baths. Baths are available only in hotels and villas, however, not in all. Water supply, sewerage. Indications: various diseases of the nervous system, chronic rheumatism, gout, women's diseases, syphilis, and some others. Season from May 1 to the end of September; visits up to 13,000 people. 16 km downstream along the Ache is located Hofgastein (population 869)—a cheaper resort receiving thermal water through pipes from the Hauptquelle spring of Gastein.