Art, culture & tradition in Gastein

Gastein is not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a place of vibrant culture. Alpine traditions, festivals and crafts blend with contemporary art and international events throughout the valley. In Bad Gastein, galleries and concerts bring creative life to the streets, surrounded by historic architecture.

At the same time, customs and folklore are proudly preserved in thethree villages of the Gastein Valley – from traditional costumes to ceremonial cattle drives. The churches and chapels of the region, adorned with impressive frescoes and paintings, are also treasures of local art and culture. This harmony between tradition and modernity makes Gastein culturally unique: authentic, surprising and full of character.

Winter customs and celebrations

When snow and silence blanket the valley, Christmas markets glow with festive lights, local crafts and regional treats. The traditional Krampus runs are another highlight of Alpine culture, fascinating visitors with eerie masks and echoing bells. To round off the year, Christmas concerts and New Year’s Eve celebrations bring the winter season to a joyful close.

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Melodious spring

As the ski season draws to a close, Gastein becomes a stage for music and dance – the perfect reason to extend your winter holiday by a few days. During Winter Tanz:Fest, workshops and shows transform the region into a lively dance floor, while the Snow Jazz Gastein festival brings international jazz stars and groovy sounds straight to the slopes. Spring Time Jazz concerts, together with the spring sunshine, fill the Gastein valley with even more joie de vivre.

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Jazzmusiker auf der Terrasse einer Skihütte vor Publikum auf Bierbänken

Summer inspiration

During Klassik:Sommer, top-class concerts fill the valley with classical music, and Berg:Klassik lets melodies unfold against a dreamy alpine backdrop. Summer Tanz:Fest invites you to experience culture in the open air, with workshops, performances and dance nights under the stars. Fans of contemporary art can look forward to sommer.frische.kunst., where artists from around the world transform extraordinary spaces into creative playgrounds.

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Autumn between tradition and modernity

Autumn in Gastein is a season where culture and tradition meet. The Jazzherbst festival fills the valley with stirring sounds as the forests glow in vibrant colours. It’s also the time when traditional customs take centre stage. During the annual cattle drive, decorated cows parade back into the valley from the alpine pastures, while colourful processions and local delicacies celebrate the harvest festival and give thanks for the fruits of summer.

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