The Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein is a contemporary example of the successful combination of historical architecture and contemporary design. Nestled in the picturesque setting of the famous spa town, the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is at the heart of an ambitious revitalization project around Straubingerplatz, bringing the former splendour of the Belle Époque back to life. The renovation of the listed building was led by BWM Designers & Architects. We took a closer look at the hotel, which will reopen in 2023. […]
The Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein is a contemporary example of the successful combination of historical architecture and contemporary design. Nestled in the picturesque setting of the famous spa town, the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is at the heart of an ambitious revitalization project around Straubingerplatz, bringing the former splendour of the Belle Époque back to life. The renovation of the listed building was led by BWM Designers & Architects. We took a closer look at the hotel, which will reopen in 2023.
“There are people who come to Bad Gastein, who understand the place immediately and fall in love at the same time. And then there are the others: the people who arrive here and think: What’s this all about?”, says BWM partner Markus Kaplan. Bad Gastein as a place needs to be explained. After decades of decay, the once sophisticated spa resort has lost most of its exclusivity. At the same time, it is precisely this dilapidated aura that makes the place so exciting for many, especially European art and culture enthusiasts. Bad Gastein is a stronghold of so-called abandoned and lost places paired with the highly imposing Belle Époque façades such as the Grand Hotel Straubinger Bad Gastein, behind which Otto von Bismarck once played politics. A place that divides. And the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein on Straubingerplatz, which will reopen in 2023 after years of renovation, will do nothing to change this. No, it shouldn’t even change that. Because it is precisely this flair that makes Bad Gastein and the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein, which is located right next to the famous Bad Gastein waterfall, so special.
The Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein was built in the 19th century and is part of the historic ensemble on Straubingerplatz, which also includes the Grand Hotel Straubinger and the Alte Post. This ensemble shaped the center of Bad Gastein for decades and is a listed building. After decades of decay, the Munich-based company Hirmer Immobilien got involved and returned the architecture of the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein to the elegance of the Belle Époque, with a façade that attracts attention with its delicate details and harmonious proportions. The careful restoration by BWM Designers & Architects was carried out in close consultation with the local monument protection and town planning authorities as well as Dr. Wilfried Haslauer, Governor of the Province of Salzburg, in order to preserve the special character of the building. The task of the Viennese office was to carefully preserve the historical substance while integrating modern elements. This also included constantly overcoming new challenges – such as when the architects discovered a massive infestation of dry rot throughout the ensemble.
The revitalization of the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is part of a comprehensive project to revitalize Straubingerplatz. With an investment volume of 100 million euros, Hirmer Immobilien not only restored the building in cooperation with its partners, but also added a modern new building. Today, this 35-meter-high tower not only offers additional space for guests, but also a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain landscape. Inside the hotel, the architects and interior designers have succeeded in combining historical elements with a contemporary design that emphasizes clean lines and high-quality materials. However, the most exciting thing about the new tower building is that it hardly stands out from the surrounding landscape thanks to its structure and layout, which will immediately remind Star Wars fans of the Millennium Falcon. No, it blends in – as if it had always been there.
The revitalization of the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is an example of the challenges and opportunities associated with the renovation of historic buildings. The architects had to perform a balancing act between preserving the historical heritage and integrating modern amenities. This required not only technical expertise, but also a deep understanding of the history and character of the location.
The spa area on the roof of the new building is a highlight: here, visitors to the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein can relax in an infinity pool while enjoying the view of the majestic Alps. And that until late into the night.
The design of the entire hotel, including rooms and suites, also follows a concept called “Dip a little deeper”, an “underwater world”, which gives the stay a unique atmosphere. In an interview with Baumeister, the responsible BWM architect Markus Kaplan says that the motto is reflected in every detail. They designed the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel as a modern interpretation of a bathing establishment, with the focus on bathing. The materials are deliberately raw, such as the concrete, and contrast with soft elements such as curtains. This tension creates a special atmosphere. Functional details such as the iconic yellow bathing ladder combine humor and practicality.
One feature of the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein is the specially curated art concept, which was developed in collaboration with Andrea von Goetz and Schwanenfliess. Contemporary works of art adorn the rooms of the hotel and create an inspiring link between past and present. This concept fits seamlessly into the cultural revival of Bad Gastein, which has established itself as a hotspot for art and culture lovers in recent years. At the same time, innovative gastronomy projects and boutiques have revitalized the streets of Bad Gastein. Young entrepreneurs, often from urban centers such as Berlin or Vienna, continue to bring fresh ideas and a cosmopolitan flair to the town. This mixture of tradition and modernity, Alpine idyll and urban creativity gives Bad Gastein an atmosphere reminiscent of Berlin in the 1990s. And thus defines exactly the right target group for the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein.
However, the integration of art into the hotel concept is more than just decorative. It reflects the growing importance of Bad Gastein as a cultural center and offers guests an additional level of engagement with the place. The carefully selected artworks create a dialog between the hotel’s history and contemporary artistic positions, contributing to a multi-layered guest experience.
The reopening of the Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein marks a turning point for the town, which has struggled with economic challenges in recent decades. The project is helping to re-establish the town as a first-class destination.
The revitalization of Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein is part of a larger movement to revitalize historic spa towns in Europe. It shows how targeted investments and well thought-out concepts can reposition formerly important tourist centers. This is not only about creating jobs and economic impetus, but also about preserving and reinterpreting cultural heritage. Read more about this here: Bad Gastein.
The renovation of the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel illustrates the complexity of modern heritage conservation. It is not just a question of preserving historical substance, but of bringing it to life and making it usable. The challenge is to master the balancing act between preservation and renewal without distorting the character of the building. The project shows that with the right approach, historical architecture can not only be preserved, but also made relevant for future generations.
The Hotel Badeschloss Bad Gastein is therefore more than just a hotel – it is a symbol of the successful symbiosis of tradition and innovation. With its careful restoration, it sets new standards in the preservation of historical monuments and shows how historical buildings can be revitalized through modern concepts. For hip architecture and art lovers from all over the world, the Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is an unmissable destination in the Alps.
The Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is an example of the possibilities that lie in the revitalization of historic buildings. It shows how careful planning and implementation can bring a piece of architectural history into the present without losing its original charm. At the same time, it becomes clear that such projects go far beyond the mere renovation of buildings. They have the potential to revitalize entire places and provide new economic and cultural impetus. The Badeschloss Bad Gastein hotel is therefore not only a successful example of modern heritage conservation, but also a catalyst for the development of an entire region.
