Wolfgangsee im Salzkammergut Destination Guide

In the heart of Austria lies the Salzkammergut region, surrounded by forests, meadows, and mountains. Wolfgangsee - nestled between the border of Upper Austria and SalzburgerLand - is one of 76 lakes. On its shores, you’ll find chocolate-box villages such as St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Strobl.

Why Wolfgangsee?

Beautiful landscapes, culture and a love of tradition make up the beauty of the Salzkammergut, spread across the provinces of Upper Austria, SalzburgerLand and Styria. Salt from the heart of its mountains has brought affluence to the region - but its most valuable assets are the lakes. This picturesque region is home to 76 lakes surrounded by majestic peaks of the Alps. The Salzkammergut is divided into 8 regions - the Wolfgangsee region is one of them.

The Wolfgangsee connects the villages of St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang, and Strobl. Old town houses alternate with colourful shops and welcoming inns. As soon as visitors arrive in one of the villages they realise that folk culture and traditions play a big role in everyday life of the locals. Traditional handcrafts have been passed down by generations and enriched with innovation and creativity by young locals. Around Wolfgangsee, guests come across small, fine shops offering handmade, high-quality products from the region.

Here, being active is just as important as slowing down and getting a taste of Austrian 'Gemütlichkeit'. There are numerous ways to explore the region - by foot, bike, boat, railway or gondola - for every type of traveller. As a year round destination, Wolfgangsee im Salzkammergut is worth visiting in every season. During summer, the lake invites visitors to cool off on a hot day. Autumn is great for hiking, cycling and simply being amazed by the colourful forests. In winter, pure magic awaits at the Wolfgangsee Advent. For an active winter holiday, the slopes and cross-country ski trails are only a stone's throw away.

News & Updates for 2022, 2023 and 2024

2022: After Christmas the region celebrates Wolfgangseer Rauhnächte“– the twelve nights between Christmas Eve and Epiphany which play an important part in the regional culture to cast out spirits and gain positive energy for the new year (events during this time: lantern hike, herb workshop, traditional theatre)

Spring 2023: New railway station for SchafbergBahn

Spring 2023: Numerous classical art and music events

Winter 2023: 20 years of Wolfgangseer Advent, the traditional and unique Christmas Market at Wolfgangsee

2024: 1100 years of St. Wolfgang – the town which has been welcoming pilgrims, tourists and friends for over a thousand years

Must-sees & must-dos for every itinerary

Nostalgic Paddle Steamer: The paddle steamer "Kaiser Franz Josef I" was first launched in 1873 and was hailed a “technical achievement” at the time. The 33-metre-long nostalgic vessel has starred in numerous films. Today, the vessel is one of 5 ships of the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt. The "Kaiser Franz Josef I" only operates from the beginning of July to the end of August. 

Schafberg Cog Railway: Austria's steepest cog railway has been running from St. Wolfgang up the Schafberg since 1893. The train takes 35 minutes to cover a total distance of 5.85 kilometers, rising 1190 vertical meters. The long-established cog railway's steam engines count amongst the oldest working engines in the world. The view from the summit (1,783 m) is the most magnificent in the world-famous Salzkammergut. 

Weisses Rössl am Wolfgangsee: “Das Weisse Rössl" (The White Horse Inn) on Wolfgangsee is one of the most famous and legendary hotels in Austria. The hotel consists of nine inter-connected buildings which have evolved over the years, each with its own history, charm and character. The Austrian Gault Millau Gourmet Guide has awarded the cuisine at the White Horse Inn with 1 toque (chef’s hat emblem) and 14 points. The culinary weeks in the White Horse Inn (from “Spring Wine” to “Truffle Joy” in Advent) are highly praised by gourmets and connoisseurs. The operetta of the same name by Ralph Benatzky as well as the film with Peter Alexander as head waiter Leopold made the White Horse Inn world-famous and still attract guests from all over the world. 

Mozarthaus St. Gilgen: Mozart's mother, Anna Maria Walburga Pertl, was born on December 25th 1720 in the former county court in St. Gilgen, Ischler Straße no. 15. His sister 'Nannerl' lived at the same address when she got married. Nowadays, the building is home to a permanent exhibition about the connection. In a historical setting, text, images and music illustrate the reciprocal influence between society and culture during the Mozart family's lifetime.

Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang: The establishment of the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang dates back to a legend in 976. Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg was living as a hermit at the Falkenstein and made ​​the decision to build the first church here. The location of the building was inspired by his famous "Axthrow", a divine dispensation. In the 15th and 16th century St.Wolfgang was one of the most outstanding pilgrimage towns besides Rome, Aachen and Einsiedeln.

Ride e-bike to the Postalm: About 12 km from Strobl at Lake Wolfgangsee visitors can find the largest contiguous alpine pasture area in Austria - and the second largest high plateau in Europe: the Postalm. The bike tour begins in Strobl village centre, and leads to the nearby hamlet of Weißenbach. From here, the 12-km-long “Panoramic Road” (Panoramastraße) leads up to the Postalm pastures passing rustic chalets where a well-earned rest can be taken to refill with regional delicacies.

Zwölferhorn Cable Car: From the village of St. Gilgen, the Zwölferhorn cable car takes visitors in one of its 14 red and 14 yellow gondolas up to the beautiful Hörndl in 11 minutes. There are numerous hiking possibilities for all levels on the Zwölferhorn, from a short, easy circular hike to an extended mountain tour lasting several hours. The viewing platform below the summit cross has become a popular spot for yoga sessions. 

Wolfgangseer Advent: The Christmas market at Wolfgangsee is one of the most beautiful in the country. From 18 November to 18 December 2022, the three villages St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl are home to lovingly decorated customs-stalls, nativity scenes and glittering lights. One of the highlights is the 16-meter high lantern floating on the lake in front of St. Wolfgang. It is the unique symbol of the Wolfgangsee Advent, inviting guests to pause, reflect and contemplate.

Unique experiences to ensure an unforgettable trip
Stand up paddle boarding to Falkensteinerwand

The tour starts at Waldbad Fürberg, where SUP boards can be rented. To get to Falkensteinerwand it's recommened to first paddle towards the small island with the so-called Ochsenkreuz (ox cross). This spot in the Wolfgangsee is particularly suitable for taking photos! The tour continues towards St. Wolfgang and leads directly to the impressive rock wall. Many rock climbers take boats to Falkensteinerwand and start their ascend from the water. Find out more

Lantern Boat Trip during Advent

This is probably the most beautiful way to visit the Christmas markets around the lake. The ships take guests across the water from one Advent market to the next to immerse themselves in a magical world of lights and enjoy the Christmas spirit. 18 November - 18 December 2022 (wed-sun) & 25 December - 1 January 2023 (daily)Find out more

Aboard a 'Traunerl'

Once upon a time, keel-less slender wooden barges, called Traunerl, shaped the image of Wolfgangsee: since the Middle Ages, people, animals and goods have been transported on them. In recent years, locals have revived the century old tradition and started building their own Traunerl. During summer visitors can join a Traunerl ride every Tuesday from 6 - 8pm. Meeting place is the Landgasthof Leopoldhof in Ried (price EUR 19.00 per person). During autum breakfast rides can be booked. On request during other seasons. Find out more

Gingerbread tasting at Wallner gingerbread bakery in St. Wolfgang

The Wallner family's ancestors have been working in St. Wolfgang as innkeepers, merchants, gingerbread makers, wax extractors and mead producers since 1520. Now in the 17th generation, the raw materials from the apiary are used to make votive gifts from beeswax and gingerbread from honey for the numerous pilgrims who visit the pilgrimage church in St. Wolfgang .Find out more

Austrian National Tourist Office Sydney

Address: Suite 14/235 Spit Rd, Mosman NSW 2088
Phone: (02) 9299 3621