Bad Gastein: dave9296's recommendation

"Aaaahhhh Bad Gastein". That's how I imagine most people's recollection of this Alpine paradise begins. We'd read about the famous thermal spas and the incredible mountain views in packed magazine, and with such close proximity to Salzburg we decided to go see for ourselves.

Less than an hour from the city of Salzburg, the train ride itself is worth more than the price of the ticket. Cruising across sprawling valleys, through cool mountain tunnels and over breathtaking arched bridges, we snaked through some of Austria's most beautiful Alpine scenics.

The train station in Bad Gastein is located just across the street from a cable car that seems more like a stairway to heaven as it dissappears into the soaring mountains, as well as the "Felsentherme" thermal spas, and (most importantly) the local hostel.

This really is the place to change gears after weeks of hectic city slumming. We stayed three days, but could have probably spent a lifetime exploring the extensive network of hiking trails, adventure sports, the picturesque old-town (built into the side of the mountain) or simply soaking our troubles away in the thermal spas.

Party: at the Euro Youth Hotel bar or in the valley if there happens to be a "Dorf Fest" (ask around!)
Eat: the hostel has a gourmet chef from Slovakia at the best prices we found anywhere in town (except for the nearby kebab stand)
Drink: they have bavarian beer at the hostel. otherwise, grab some local schnapps at a stand along the hiking trails!
Do: paraglide, canyoning, mountain biking, hiking, thermal spas, barbeque at the hostel
Local Lingo: "A Hoibi bitte!" (one large beer please!)

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