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Badgastein owes its reputation as a health resort to an abundant supply of hot spring water rich in radon , a radioactive gas reputed to help the human body renew itself by stimulating cell growth. The medical establishment is far from united on the true efficacy of the spa water (it has been promoted as a cure for everything from diabetes to infertility over the years), although its beneficial effect on rheumatism and arthritis is incontrovertible - and, like any good bath, it's a great way to beat stress.

The easiest way to sample the soothing properties of the waters is to head for the town's main swimming pool, the Felsenbad on Bahnhofplatz (daily 9am-8pm; öS160/¬11.68), which has both indoor and outdoor pools fed by spa water. The adjoining Kurhaus (Mon-Fri 8-noon & 2-5pm) is probably the best place in which to try out some of the more obvious treatments, like a soak in a thermal bath (öS200/¬14.60) or a massage (from öS220/¬16.06).

Numerous other healing institutions exist offering a seemingly endless range of specific therapies involving the spa water - steam baths, radon mudpacks and mouthwash treatments being just a few, as well as exposure to radon in the underground Healing Galleries. The Badgastein tourist office will happily supply details of these