Nightlife

There's actually a lot to do at night in Badgastein, with cabaret, theater, folk events, and other activities. The center of nightlife -- and the place to be seen -- is the Casino Badgastein (tel. 06434/2465). Here you can play roulette, baccarat, poker, and blackjack, but you'll need a passport to get in. The entrance fee is 21€ ($34), which entitles you to 25€ ($40) worth of chips. The casino is open Christmas through April 30 and July 1 through September 3 daily from 7pm to 2am.

At Tanzlokal Schialm, Böcksteiner Bundesstrasse 27 (tel. 06434/2055), by the light of a blazing open fireplace, young and old enjoy dance music and the romantic and very rustic looking alpine atmosphere of this popular beer and dance hall. Nightly themes range from a cheese-and-knockwurst evening (Mon) to a re-creation of a heurige, complete with Austrian wines and music (Wed), to a candlelit dance (Sat). Drinks begin at 5.50€ ($8.80), and full meals are served daily from 6 to 9pm.

If you want more conventional dancing, head for the Elisabethpark. This elegant nightspot is the place to go if you want to get all dolled up.