








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.
Top 5 highlights in Wolfgangsee
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Schafbergbahn
The steepest cog railway in Austria has been steaming to the Schafberg (1,783m) since 1893 – the panoramic view is breathtaking.
St. Wolfgang
The pilgrimage site with the "Weißen Rössl", the Gothic wing altar by Michael Pacher, and the pilgrimage site.
St. Gilgen
Mozart's mother was born here – picturesque located on the western shore with a cable car to the Zwölferhorn.
Weißes Rössl
The legendary hotel from the operetta of the same name is located directly by the lake and still welcomes guests today.
Dampfschifffahrt
Historic ships connect the three towns on the lake and offer relaxing panoramic cruises.
Hotels in Wolfgangsee
Vergleiche tausende Hotels, Apartments und Resorts auf Expedia – mit Bestpreis-Garantie, kostenloser Stornierung und Bonuspunkten.
* Weiterleitung zu Expedia.de. Es gelten die dortigen Nutzungsbedingungen.
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
Book a package holiday to Wolfgangsee
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Compare package holidays now5 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!
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