a group of people rowing boats
Sailboats moored on a calm lake with mountains in background.
a building on a hill by a body of water

Holiday in Wolfgangsee

Lake in Austria — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇦🇹

Country

Austria

Type

Lake

Best time to travel

May–Oct (Schafbergbahn approx. May–Oct)

Budget/day

85–140 €

Getting there from Germany

From Salzburg by bus about 50 min to St. Gilgen. By car via the B158. By train to Strobl.

About Wolfgangsee

The Wolfgangsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Salzkammergut and became world-famous through the operetta "Im Weißen Rössl" — the hotel of the same name actually exists and is located directly on the shore in St. Wolfgang. With its crystal-clear, turquoise-green water and a length of about ten kilometers nestled between gentle mountains, the Wolfgangsee is the epitome of Austrian summer freshness, which already attracted Emperor Franz Joseph and the Viennese society. The Schafbergbahn, Austria's steepest cog railway since 1893, steams from St. Wolfgang up to the 1,783-meter-high Schafberg. Upon arrival at the top, one of the most magnificent views of the entire Salzkammergut awaits: up to 13 lakes can be seen simultaneously in clear weather. The pilgrimage site of St. Wolfgang houses one of the most significant late Gothic artworks in Europe, the Pacher altar in the pilgrimage church. On the opposite shore, St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother, attracts visitors with its charming town center and the Zwölferhorn cable car. In summer, beach facilities, sailing schools, and SUP rental stations invite water sports enthusiasts, while hikers can enjoy the landscape on the pilgrimage path from St. Wolfgang or the panoramic path around the lake. The annual Wolfgangsee Advent with illuminated ships on the lake is one of the most atmospheric Advent experiences in all of Austria.

Nature
100
Relaxation
95
Safety
93
Families
90
Romance
77

Top 5 highlights in Wolfgangsee

The places you absolutely must not miss.

1

Schafbergbahn

The steepest cog railway in Austria has been steaming to the Schafberg (1,783m) since 1893 – the panoramic view is breathtaking.

2

St. Wolfgang

The pilgrimage site with the "Weißen Rössl", the Gothic wing altar by Michael Pacher, and the pilgrimage site.

3

St. Gilgen

Mozart's mother was born here – picturesque located on the western shore with a cable car to the Zwölferhorn.

4

Weißes Rössl

The legendary hotel from the operetta of the same name is located directly by the lake and still welcomes guests today.

5

Dampfschifffahrt

Historic ships connect the three towns on the lake and offer relaxing panoramic cruises.

Hotels in Wolfgangsee

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Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen

Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie

Best time to travel for Wolfgangsee

Recommended travel time

May–Oct (Schafbergbahn approx. May–Oct)

Summer

20–26 °C

Winter

-3–3 °C, idyllically snow-covered

How much does a holiday in Wolfgangsee cost?

Average costs per person per day

🎒

Budget

50–75 €

Hostel, Street food, Public transport

🏨

Mid-range

85–140 €

Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions

🌟

Luxury

160–300 €

Boutique hotel, Fine dining

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5 travel tips for Wolfgangsee

Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.

Book Schafbergbahn tickets in advance – quickly sold out in summer.

The Advent market in St. Wolfgang is one of the most atmospheric in Austria.

Hike from St. Wolfgang to Schwarzensee – a hidden natural gem.

Boat rental on the lake for a romantic tour on your own.

Enjoy the lakeside promenade in St. Wolfgang in the evening at sunset.

Food & drink in Wolfgangsee

These specialties you must try!

Salzkammergut-Reinanke
Schafberg-Jause on the hut
Kaiserschmarrn
Forelle Müllerin
Kasnocken
Ischler Törtchen
Suitable for:RomanticLakesTraditionHikingNostalgia

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