Bad Gastein is a picturesque spa town in Austria situated in the middle of the National Park Hohe Tauern at 1,000m above sea level. In 1958, it hosted the Alpine ski world championships and the slopes are as perfect as the Toberlone bars that it emulates. This town is ideal for honeymooners as it is perfect for those who are interested in skiing but who can mix a day on the slopes with 180-proof Austrian rum in the evenings. Located at the head of the Gastein valley within the state of  Salzberg it is a very small town but has great transport links to other parts of Austria especially if you wish to travel to Vienna, Linz, Salzburg and Graz. The name does exactly what it say on the tin "Bad" means "spa" in the Gastein valley and if you wish to relax and be pampered on your holiday then here is the right place to begin.

The spa element of the town began back at the turn of the century when kings and the rich and famous came here to ski and to indulge in the local thermal spring water which earned the town its early fame. Marie Curie, one of our greatest modern scientists, discovered that the water contains radon, a radioactive substance which when controlled with its exposure, can help to rid the body of serious illnesses. The resorts thermal waters fill the local swimming pools, making this a perfect choice for après-ski relaxation. If your new husband and yourself decide on a spot of health therapy then make sure you indulge in the skiing and the spas, both of which are theraputic for the soul!

On arrival, check into the Weismayr Hotel conveniently located in the centre of Bad Gastein. This hotel enjoys breathtaking views over the famous Gastein Falls and the picturesque Altstadt, the Old Town of Bad Gastein. With its charming and well-appointed guest rooms, beautiful setting and high standards of service, this hotel offers a relaxing holiday in a quiet and peaceful ambiance. The hotel is family owned and run by the Tscherne family. The Weismayr is built in traditional Viennese style and has a broad range of excellent leisure and health facilities, including a new indoor swimming pool and spa. It really is a home away from home and the staff are very friendly and welcoming- nothing is a problem! The rooms are very elegant and the views from the highest floors are superb. You can breathe in the crisp alpine air in the mornings and know that you are doing your body good. Having laid down your bags, it’s time to pick up your skis and head to the slopes to do a bit of what the resort is really famous for- its snowy slopes.

Bad Gastein is known to many experts as the ski capital of the world and having visited Austria during the winter and summer it really comes out trumps for skiers and snowboarders alike. Although the country is small, it is covered with majestic, snow-covered Alps. This is the birthplace of downhill skiing and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. If you fancy exploring the slopes from another direction then instead of looking down, look up. The architecture and traditions of the community are an important part of daily life and are just as beautiful and picturesque as the soft white snow on the mountains. Enjoy the region’s top-class restaurants and a friendly welcome at every turn as you indulge in fabulous cuisine from German Sausages to Austrian Wienerschnitzel and naturally the great choice of good local beers! I dined out every night and there is a choice of Mexican, French, German and Asian food all around the resort. The meals are very reasonable and as the wine is from the local vineyards it is in-expensive and exceptionally good!

Whether you’re a beginner or an extreme skier, you can choose from a phenomenal variety of runs to help you reach your peak. World famous for its ski schools and instructors, Bad Gastein offers an exciting honeymoon for everybody. Don’t forget if you only want the baby slopes, you can toboggan as well. There are sleigh rides and walks through snowy alpine trails which are widely available, not forgetting the vibrant après-ski experience where you can relax in the many cafés, bars and restaurants where an international crowd love to mingle.

Situated next to the Hotel Weismayr, the Casino at Bad Gastein is a popular attraction for the après-ski. This renowned casino has a long tradition with the resort, having first opened in summer 1937 and after the war was the first Austrian casino to reopen its doors in 1950.The Casino is grand, full of glitz and glamour and is a fantastic way to spend the evening for those who want to try their hand at poker, black jack, slot machines or roulette. Beginners can even have the games explained to them free of charge by a croupier. The Casino is a dressy affair and is a nice way to change from your cool alpine clothes into something a little more glamorous. In this way, you can have fun with all the trimmings.

As a couple you can both enjoy the winter sports and most of the Gastein Valley contains moderate to good skiing/snowboarding, with plenty of chairlifts and gondolas. Many establishments on the slope offer warmth, delicious food and strong hot chocolate to help you battle the cold if the temperatures drop. Bad Gastein has extremely high standards of instruction in all ski schools and the classes are graded according to ability.  If you and your husband fancy private classes these are generally about 4 hours a day. There are over 250km of prepared piste in addition to a good selection of off-piste opportunities, making these neighbouring resorts an excellent choice for all levels of skiers. For experts, there is a wide range of off-piste and great powder can be found on the Kreuzkogel. One funicular train, one cable car, nine gondolas, 19 chairlifts aThe 250kms of pistes at Bad Gastein are divided into 30 per cent for beginners, 58 per cent for intermediates and 12 per cent for advanced skiers and snowboarders! The December to May ski season at Bad Gastein has its best snow in February and cheaper low season rates in mid-December, mid-January and April.

Bad Gastein is truly a honeymoon with a difference. Even though the air will be cold from the pristine white mountains it will leave you with a warm, cosy feeling that you spent your honeymoon in the heart of picturesque Austria -Auf wiedersehen!