Lake Wolfgangsee is considered one of the most beautiful Austrian lakes. Within the Salzkammergut region, it’s definitely the most famous, and thanks to its location just 15 minutes by car from the spa town of Bad Ischl, you can feel the spa atmosphere here. Many spa guests choose to stay in the Wolfgangsee area.
Conversely, for those who come for weekends or longer vacations to the lake, a relaxing trip to the Bad Ischl spa is a pleasant excursion. You’ll also be close to a sightseeing trip to Salzburg, which is about 40 km from Wolfgangsee.
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Wolfgangsee, Austria
Wolfgangsee
The turquoise Lake Wolfgangsee is literally a natural paradise on the border between Upper Austria and Salzburg. At an altitude of 548 m, three towns share the water surface of 12.4 square kilometers: Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. However, Wolfgangsee offers more than just a lakeside vacation.
The majestic backdrop is provided by the mountains Schafberg, Falkenstein, Zwölfernhorn, and Austria’s largest alpine plateau Postalm, which protect it as one of the most beautiful treasures in the Salzkammergut region.
Wolfgangsee, Austria
Wolfgangsee, Austria
What to Do at Wolfgangsee?
Lake Wolfgangsee has been a popular tourist destination for many decades. Even Emperor Franz Joseph I loved this place and visited it as early as 1873. In his honor, the Wolfgangsee Schiffahrt steamship company operates a restored steamer bearing his name. Their fleet also includes 6 other motor boats that you can use to explore Lake Wolfgangsee from the deck.
You can take boat trips here from May to October, during Advent, Easter, and on weekends. The docks where boats depart and stop are St. Gilgen – Fürberg – Ried/Falkenstein – Schafbergbahn – St. Wolfgang – Geschwendt/parking and Strobl.
Steamer on Lake Wolfgangsee / photo credit: Salzburg AG
Steamer on Lake Wolfgangsee / photo credit: Salzburg AG
Lake Wolfgangsee offers ideal conditions especially for your summer vacation. Water sports enthusiasts will be delighted, as will hikers, particularly mountain hikers. Cyclists will find something for everyone, from beginners who will appreciate the easy trails around the lake to more demanding athletes who will find plenty of mountain routes with elevation gain. Take a trip to Lake Schwarzensee, for example.
Wolfgangsee, Austria
Wolfgangsee, Austria
Pleasant walks on well-maintained trails around almost the entire lake are also enjoyable. The lake cannot be easily walked around completely without elevation gain. On one side, it’s bordered by cliffs and hills. However, I recommend taking a trip here and enjoying the view of the lake. Walks along the promenades in the lakeside towns are also popular.
If you want to experience the typical atmosphere of Lake Wolfgangsee, stroll through the streets of St. Wolfgang and treat yourself to afternoon coffee and cake in one of the local cafés. Views of the lake with the backdrop of green countryside only complement this relaxing atmosphere.
Wolfgangsee, Austria
In good weather, you shouldn’t miss a trip to Mount Schafberg, where one of the oldest cog railways, operating since 1893, will take you from St. Wolfgang to an altitude of 1,782 m. In addition to the breathtaking views of the Salzkammergut and surrounding mountain giants that await you on Mount Schafberg, you’ll enjoy riding on Austria’s steepest cog railway.
The historic red train is a popular attraction for visitors of all ages. The journey takes 40 minutes and covers an elevation difference of 1,190 m over 5.85 kilometers. The historic locomotive will take you to the summit from April to October.
Schafberg, Wolfgangsee / photo credit: Salzburg AG
Historic cog railway to the summit of Schafberg / photo credit: Salzburg AG
Historic cog railway to the summit of Schafberg / photo credit: Salzburg AG
A vacation at Wolfgangsee offers other possibilities as well. Culinary tourism is also popular at the lake. You can enjoy traditional dishes in about 200 restaurants just around the lake. You shouldn’t have any problem finding accommodation either. Public beaches charge a fee of around 4-10 EUR. If you stay at a hotel directly on the shore, you’ll also get the benefit of free use of a private beach.
Many hotels also have their own pier and rent out private boats or pedal boats. However, keep in mind that accommodation at Wolfgangsee with direct lake views and private beaches are often booked weeks or even months in advance. The local campsite is also popular, where you can pitch a tent during summer season or rent a spot for your RV.
>> Check Accommodation at Wolfgangsee
Hotel Seehang Garni 3*
>> More information about the hotel HERE
Hotel Peter 4*
>> More information about the hotel HERE
Seehaus Familie Leifer 3*
>> More information about the hotel HERE
Scalaria Sunset Wing 4*
>> More information about the hotel HERE
Boat and Cable Car Tickets at Wolfgangsee
Ticket reservations for Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt and Schafbergbahn at 5Schaetze.at:
5Schaetze.at
5Schaetze.at
Complete information about schedules and current prices with reservation option at 5Schaetze.at
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