Thanks to an abundance of nature, Austria is known as a place for wellness. But did you know that Austria takes it so seriously that there are special towns dedicated to the practice?
A Kurort – which translates literally as "cure place" – is an area specialising in natural health remedies such as springs, mud, air and salt water.
In Austria look out for towns with "Bad" in their name (for example Bad Schallerbach) which signal they are a "bathing" or spa town. They meet strict inspection standards for health-promoting infrastructure and medical services.
As well as the name Kurort, there's also a Luftkurort, where you can find clean and healthy air, Heilbad – a spa town with mineral spring water and Seebad – a coastal spa town. Meanwhile a Therme is the name for a spa.
In some cases you can even be prescribed a retreat. If you have an illness, injury, or you're struggling with an extreme case of burnout, your doctor may prescribe a one or two-week Kur (cure) for rest and recuperation. In many cases it can be fully or partly covered by health insurance.
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But even if you don't have a note from the doctor, your mind and body will thank you for visiting a Kurort. Note that health resorts levy a tourist tax (Kurtaxe) on every patient. This charge helps cover the cost of the many recreational and leisure facilities.
Here are some of most beautiful and well-known spa towns in Austria and why you should visit.
Bad Gastein, Salzburg
The Gastein Valley is considered one of the leading health regions in the Alps.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hohe Tauern mountains, the towns of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein combine breathtaking natural scenery with centuries-old healing traditions. Their natural resources – particularly thermal and radon-rich waters – have long been used for therapeutic purposes.
A unique combination of warmth, high humidity and radon makes the Gastein Healing Gallery a sought-after destination for people with inflammatory rheumatic conditions, respiratory issues and skin diseases. Treatments here can help alleviate pain, support recovery and improve overall skin health.
Bad Zell, Upper Austria
Bad Zell is located just 25 minutes by car from Linz, in the heart of the Mühlviertel Nature Park (Mühlviertler Alm). Surrounded by forests, rolling hills, meadows, streams and large granite boulders, the area offers a setting that is both calming and visually striking.
This spa town combines natural beauty with modern medical treatments designed to strengthen both body and mind. At the centre of its therapies is radon-rich healing water – one of the region’s most effective natural remedies. For decades, radon has been used to alleviate musculoskeletal complaints, chronic inflammation and the aftereffects of injury. It is also believed to support the immune system, enhance performance and contribute to pain relief.
Alongside these traditional treatments, Bad Zell has embraced innovative therapies such as whole-body cryotherapy. At minus 110C, visitors spend three minutes in a specialised cold chamber, where extreme temperatures activate the body’s natural processes to reduce pain and enhance overall well-being.
Galtür, Western Tyrol
Galtür sits at an altitude of 1,600 metres in Tyrol’s Paznaun Valley and is officially recognised as a Luftkurort – a climatic health resort offering ideal conditions, particularly for people with allergies. Thanks to its elevation, the air is exceptionally clean and largely free of pollen, significantly reducing symptoms.
As Tyrol’s first certified climatic health resort and holder of the ECARF seal, an independent European quality label for allergy-friendly environments, Galtür meets rigorous standards for low-allergen living. Accommodation, food choices and leisure activities are all carefully tailored to support this focus.
During spring and summer when pollen levels tend to rise, Galtür provides a welcome retreat. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling or simply relaxing in the Alpine landscape without the usual concerns about allergy flare-ups.
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Altaussee and Grundlsee, Styria
In the Ausseerland region of the Styrian Salzkammergut, fresh mountain air plays a major role in promoting well-being. This area combines striking Alpine scenery with a climate that supports both physical and mental health.
Altaussee has held Luftkurort status since 1989. Situated at over 700 metres above sea level, between the Loser and Trisselwand mountains, it offers pristine air, a crystal-clear lake and a network of scenic Alpine trails.
Health offerings here include brine (saltwater) pools and Kneipp therapy – a holistic approach in Austria that strengthens the cardiovascular system and supports overall vitality.
Grundlsee, recognised as a Luftkurort in 2017, attracts visitors with its motorboat-free lake, peaceful forests and tranquil atmosphere. A range of treatments combining nature and medical expertise encourages relaxation while supporting long-term health.
Other Austrian health resorts you should know about
Beyond these destinations, many regions across Austria offer a mix of nature, tradition and modern therapy that can improve your health.
Bad Ischl pairs imperial history with salt-based treatments and thermal springs in the Salzkammergut, while Bad Aussee is known for its brine baths and the annual Daffodil Festival. Bad Kleinkirchheim combines alpine skiing with thermal wellness, and Bad Waltersdorf focuses on mineral-rich waters alongside Ayurveda.
In Burgenland, Bad Tatzmannsdorf is the country’s largest spa resort, offering mud and carbon dioxide therapies. Meanwhile, Villach in Carinthia is known for its sulphur-rich thermal springs – particularly beneficial for joint pain. Bad Schallerbach stands out with one of the largest thermal spa complexes in Europe.
Other destinations, including Bad Eisenkappel, Ramsau am Dachstein, Windischgarsten and Lake Wolfgang, offer clean mountain air, favourable climates and opportunities for deep relaxation in nature.
Closer to Vienna, Baden bei Wien, which forms part of the UNESCO-listed 'Great Spa Towns of Europe', combines sulphur-rich thermal waters with cultural heritage. Highlights include the Römertherme, a historic town centre and the scenic Kurpark.
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