Gasteiner Heilstollen

The Gasteiner Heilstollen is the radon therapy mine at Böckstein, 5 km up the valley from Bad Gastein. Visitors are taken by small train deep into the mountain, where the combination of warm temperatures (around 41°C), high humidity, and mildly radioactive radon gas is used to treat rheumatic and respiratory conditions.

This is not a tourist gimmick — the therapy has a long medical history and is taken seriously by Austrian doctors. The experience involves sitting in the warm, slightly steamy darkness for 40 minutes or so, which many people find deeply relaxing regardless of the medical claims. For those curious about the science or simply looking for an unusual experience, the Heilstollen is genuinely memorable. Sessions should be booked in advance, especially in high season.

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A story
The radon therapy in the Heilstollen is prescribed by Austrian doctors and partially reimbursed by the national health system for patients with rheumatic and respiratory conditions. This makes Bad Gastein one of the few places in the world where a cave visit can be written off as a medical expense. The concentration of radon inside the tunnel is carefully regulated; visitors wear electronic dosimeters and exposure is limited to prevent harmful doses.