Discover the mountain paradise in Wolfgangsee and 7 things to see

24.07.2023.

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If you dream about breathtaking mountain views that blend with the lakes, Austria offers them like stars. Wolfgangsee bursts with the power of images, being so easily reachable from Salzburg. Hometown to Mozart’s mother, Wolfgangsee has a poetic note woven inside, beside the fabulous scenery.

It’s a fantastic alternative to the popular Hallstatt, a village that takes the name to its lake. Where four lakes pour into the gorgeous view, here truly feels like a paradise. Besides the famous Zell am See, Wolfgangsee is much easier to reach with the treasure all around. If you’re keen to discover more of Austrian mountain scene, Oberstdorf is the most famous place as the ski-jumping centre.

Wolfgangsee lies at the throne of the Zwölferhorn mountain on the way to the famous Schafberg mountain. The pretty town of Wolfgangsee is the largest at the lake and shines with the typical Austrian atmosphere.

1. Stunning views from Zwölferhorn

The town of St. Gilgen is your ticket to the world of mountain stage that’s totally unrivaled. Worldly renowned, St. Gilgen is an Austrian gem full of brilliance.

You can easily find the cable car that will take you directly to the panoramic viewpoint of Zwölferhorn. It takes place just across the bus station from Salzburg and a short walk to the colourful center of St. Gilgen.

Fabulous scenery at Zwölferhorn, perfect for my hiking t-shirt

Mountain & lake views with the focus at Wolfgangsee

Incredible cloud & fabulous mountain view

Hiking to the top of Zwölferhorn is a fantastic adventure taking nearly 10 km and about 3h to complete. Unfortunately, weather conditions were questionable during my visit, but I still got such a sunny day in May. Suddenly, the rain started to pour when I already took the photos from the viewpoint. Having in mind to already know the location somehow, next time I would prefer to hike.

Rather expensive price is probably proof of the paradise that awaits.

Practical tips

It’s only 40 minutes by bus n.150 from Salzburg to St. Gilgen, which stops at several stations all around Salzburg. The price is 7,49€ in one way.

If you’re taking a cable car, it sounds more convenient to buy a return ticket.

Costs in 2023:

Ascent and Desent                  33€

Ascent                                     29€

Descent                                   21€

Children have reduced prices, of course.

Hiking from St Gilgen to the Zwölferhorn

With 1522m Zwölferhorn is a slightly challenging hike and takes about 2,5h to complete it, such a stunning European mountain route. The route starts near the parking Laim not far from the cable car station.  

With adorable views, the motivation is even stronger. You can do the yoga lesson at the summit, enjoy paragliding or just chill. There are several ways to enrich the summit and all will enrich you with incredible views.

On the summit itself you can take a short hike of 20 minutes or Pilstein circular trail requiring 1,5h.   

2. St. Gilgen Village

St. Gilgen is an adorable small town, which delights with outdoor possibilities. From biking, kayaking to hiking the treasure is fascinating.

Right in the center is Mozart’s Square with his statue, City Hall and Mozart’s house. This astonishing museum was once home to Mozart’s mother and offers live concerts occasionally. Unfortunately, it’s open only from June to the end of September. The incredible fact is that Mozart never visited Saint Gilgen.

St. Gilgen village & Mozart’s statue

Little beach at St. Gilgen

The relaxing atmosphere of St. Gilgen just lets you enjoy the lake and its tranquility. The pure charm floats thanks to the alpine setting and painted buildings.

The Church of Saint Egidius has such a historical meaning because pilgrims had the shelter there. Taking a boat to St. Wolfgang was their way to discover the world. St. Gilgen even got a name from the saint portrayed in a church- Saint Giles or Saint Egidius.

3. St. Wolfgang Village

This cute town bursts with lovely shops and coffee bars. The painted houses hold the typical Alpine charm of Austrian towns. The fascinating view scatters not far from the town itself, at the Kalvarienberg.

Arriving to St. Wolfgang is easy, either by boat or by bus (the same one that’s going to St. Gilgen).

Museum of dolls and barbies

Such a lovely museum takes place in the village of Wolfgangsee, particularly popular with kids. Its design is pretty attractive holding a large collection of Barbies that bursts with history.

4. Taking the boat ride

Just like at the sea, taking a boat ride will let you feel a deeper connection with the lake. This awesome experience provides the best way to move to other places. The villages of St. Wolfgang, Strobl and St. Gilgen indulge in the more comprehensive perspective of taking the boat ride.

Absorbing the scenery to the fullest makes the natural stage so stunning. To have a more meaningful journey, you should know that you will get an ancient streamer from 1873.

It’s only 35 minutes from St. Wolfgang to Strobl. During Christmas time a special boat will rise up the mood.

5. Ochsenkreuz

Ochsenkreuz is a cute little island close to St. Gilgen, about 10 minutes drive. The crystal clear waters and stunning views from above make it an outstanding place. Little shrine lies on the island holding a legend about the butcher and his ox.

Ochsenkreuz, little island at Wolfgangsee- Credit: Billroth.at

6. Taking a cogwheel train to Schafberg mountain

Another historic ride awaits on the picturesque road to the Schafberg mountain. Though being pretty steep, the red locomotive from the 19th century is quite adventurous. The stunning views of the turquoise lakes are unbeatable and you can even hike from St. Gilgen.

The red cogwheel train to Schafberg mountain- Credit: Wolfgansee.Salzkammergut.at

Hiking from St. Gilgen to Schafberg

Having St Gilgen as a base, why not take another splendid hike? It’s a fantastic alternative to the cogwheel train leading to the 1783m. Whether you take a route from St Gilgen or St Wolfgang, they will eventually cross. The yellow trail markers will show you a way to adventurous bliss. The hike is a bit steep from the village of Winkl and takes 6h in overall.

7. Other lakes nearby

The picturesque scenery around Salzburg makes the soft images once you get out of the town. The greenery treasure is what I love about this city, inside and outside. Don’t hesitate to to take a few steps more and discover the places to retreat to the fullest.

Fuschlsee

The road to St. Gilgen is the gift to the stunning pearls of lakes, hills and mountains. The bus passes by but you can also take a 2h hike. More conveniently, enjoying a bike ride within 50 minutes is the Austrian way to experience the outdoors.

Fuschlsee, the view from the bus

Being so close to Salzburg, Fuschlsee is a favorite spot of locals to escape from the city. Taking a boat ride or paddling are popular in the summertime in the pristine atmosphere.

Several restaurants will offer recharging moments in the lovely village of Fuschl am See. Schloss Fuschl is a fascinating 5-star hotel where you can enjoy a drink or a meal.

As a paradise for outdoor lovers, Fuschlsee unveils romantic moments at a special hike to Eibensee. The families can enjoy a charming Gnome Path that follows a herb garden and watermill Rumingmühle. The canyoning adventures will delight you at Strubklam near another lake, Almach.

Schober Mountain offers splendid views of the lake.

Attersee

One of the largest lakes in the Salzburg region lies within 30 minutes drive from St. Gilgen. The breathtaking delight of turquoise waters offers plenty to do. The highlight of this scenic beauty is the Burggrabenklamm, a beautiful gorge with a waterfall. You can reach it within 12 minutes walking from southern town of Burgau.

The Attersee Bahn makes the sightseeing around this lovely lake even more cozy. Attergau observation tower with 208 steps unveils the panorama of Lichtenberg in the splendid perspective.

Mondsee

Mondsee is a special story in the puzzle of the Salzburg region and deserves its own post. It’s clearly the most famous lake around Salzburg, known from the scenes of the Sound of Music.

Mondsee, fabulous viewpoint

Where to stay at Wolfgangsee

If you’re not taking a day trip from Salzburg, the tranquility of Wolfgangsee opens its doors with coziness.

The Jugendgaestehaus St. Gilgen is a lovely hostel and the most budget-friendly option. Unfortunately, I don’t see any available dates whichever I try.

Hotel-Garni Schernthaner in St. Gilgen enjoys the central position and tranquil ambiance under budget-friendly prices.

Hotel Das Franzl is the closest to the budget panorama as you can find, even from 90€. It offers pure charm, but is a bit away from the central St. Wolfgang village.

The legendary Im Weissen Rössl in St. Wolfgang is famous for the operetta „At White Horse Inn“. Delightful by the scenery around, you’ll especially enjoy the heated swimming pool which floats in the lake.

Final thoughts

Wolfgangsee is a mountainous paradise, the kind of scenery that every outdoor enthusiast dreams of. Numerous hikes in Austria and fabulous views will make you to want more than a day trip from Salzburg. If you’re keen on exploring Austrian lakes, Wolfgansee is your definite choice. It’s a place that awakes from painting into the fantasy of nature. Don’t hesitate to discover more as Austrian lakes are like pearls of its mountains.

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