Wolfgangsee & St. Wolfgang★★★
The Wolfgangsee is the most romantic of the large Salzkammergut lakes — a 13 km long, up to 114 m deep lake between the Schafberg (1,783 m) and the Zwölferhorn (1,522 m). On the north shore lies St. Wolfgang, one of Austria's most popular pilgrimage and tourist destinations, famous for the White Horse Inn (the hotel from the operetta of the same name by Ralph Benatzky, 1930) and the Gothic winged altar by Michael Pacher.
On the west shore lies the quieter St. Gilgen, birthplace of Mozart's mother Anna Maria Pertl. And on the south shore, the tranquil Strobl, known for its farmers' market and as a starting point for hikes on the Bleckwand.
The Schafbergbahn, a historic cog railway from 1893, steams up the Schafberg from St. Wolfgang in 35 minutes — one of the most beautiful mountain railway rides in the Alps.
💡 Tipp
The Schafbergbahn is often sold out in summer — be sure to book online in advance (schafbergbahn.at). Get the first ride at 8:25 am, and you'll have the summit almost to yourself. Return ticket: €47 (adults), €28 (children 6–14).
Sights & Activities
★★★ Schafbergbahn & Schafberg Summit
Austria's steepest cog railway (maximum gradient 26%) was opened in 1893 and still runs today with historic steam locomotives (mixed with modern railcars). The 35-minute ride from 542 m to 1,783 m overcomes 1,190 meters of elevation and offers increasingly spectacular views. At the top of the Schafberg Summit, you are greeted with one of the most magnificent panoramas of the Alps: Seven lakes visible simultaneously (Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, Fuschlsee, Irrsee, Zeller See, and Hallstätter See), plus the entire Dachstein massif and, on a clear day, the Großglockner.
Return: 47€ (adults), 28€ (children). Operation May–October. Book in advance!
★★★ Pacher Altar in the Pilgrimage Church
In the late Gothic pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang stands the winged altar by Michael Pacher (1471–1481) — a masterpiece of late Gothic art and one of the most significant altars in Europe. 11 m high, with gilded carved figures, painted panels, and a wealth of detail that delights every art historian. The altar survived the Reformation, wars, and a fire — a small miracle.
Church freely accessible. Donation for altar lighting: 1€.
★★ Wolfgangsee Boat Trip
The Wolfgangsee Boat Trip connects St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl with nostalgic paddle steamers. The round trip (approx. 2 hours) shows the lake from its most beautiful side: turquoise blue water, wooded shores, with the mountain backdrop behind. Especially beautiful at sunset.
Round trip: 22€ (adults), 11€ (children). Single routes from 9€. May–October, several times daily.
★ Zwölferhorn Cable Car (St. Gilgen)
From the tranquil St. Gilgen, the cable car floats in 15 minutes to the Zwölferhorn (1,522 m). At the top: alpine meadows, easy panoramic hikes, and a breathtaking view over Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, and Attersee. Less crowded than Schafberg.
Round trip: 28€ (adults), 14€ (children). May–October.
Dining & Accommodation
€€€ Hotel Weißes Rössl
The legendary hotel from the operetta "Im weißen Rößl" — directly on the lakeshore with its own bathing area. Fine dining in the lake restaurant (main courses 24–38€). The Rössl-Kaiserschmarrn (14.50€) is legendary. Double room from 240€/night with half board.
€€ Gasthof Peter
Cozy inn in the center of St. Wolfgang. Homemade Kasspatzn (13.90€), Tafelspitz (18.50€), Marillenknödel (9.90€). Draft beer from the Trumer private brewery.
€ Market Square Snack Bar
At the market square, there are several snack stands with bratwurst (4.50€), Bosna (5€), and Leberkässemmel (4€). Perfect for a quick bite between sightseeing.
Accommodation
Pension Lindbichler — Family-run with lake view, 5 minutes from the center. Double room from 95€/night with breakfast. Excellent value for money.
Hotel Cortisen am See — Stylish boutique hotel on the lakeshore in St. Wolfgang. Double room from 170€/night. Private lake access, spa area.
