Wolfgangsee in Austria is a turquoise lake surrounded by forests and high mountains, located in the Salzkammergut region near Salzburg. In this guide, you’ll find the best hikes and top things to do at Wolfgangsee, from scenic trails to lakeside villages.
Take a swim in the clear water, enjoy a boat ride, or follow one of the many hiking trails through the surrounding nature. Don’t miss the traditional charm of lakeside villages like Sankt Wolfgang, Sankt Gilgen, and Strobl. There are plenty of great things to do at Wolfgangsee for every kind of traveler.
This travel guide includes practical tips for planning your holiday: the best places to visit at Wolfgangsee, recommended excursions, what local food to try, swimming spots, accommodation tips, and other useful information.
🏡 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free transport around Salzburg and discounts on attractions in the surrounding area. All guests automatically receive the card when staying for at least one night.
Things to do at Wolfgangsee, Austria: Best places to visit
1. Zwölferhorn
Zwölferhorn is one of the most popular peaks around Wolfgangsee, offering some of the best panoramic views of the lake. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Dachstein range.
If you’re looking for a place to spend a full day outdoors, Zwölferhorn is a great choice.
There are several hiking and cycling trails around Zwölferhorn, along with mountain huts where you can stop for a meal or drink. The area is also popular for paragliding – if that’s something you’re interested in, you can find more information on the official website.
Cable car to Zwölferhorn
You can reach the summit on foot or take the cable car from Sankt Gilgen. For current prices and opening hours, check the official website. The cable car runs daily, including in winter.
Parking is available directly at the lower cable car station – it’s free for the first four hours, then charged (up to €20 per day). If you’re planning to spend more time at Zwölferhorn and you’re not staying in Sankt Gilgen, there are several nearby outdoor car parks with all-day rates around €4.50. You’ll spot them easily from the main road.
From the upper cable car station, it’s just a short walk to the summit of Zwölferhorn, where you’ll find a lookout point marked by a cross. There are also several other easily accessible viewpoints in the area.
Hike to Zwölferhorn, Wolfgangsee
- Difficulty: moderate
- Distance: 4.4 km
- Time: 2-3 hours depending on condition and weather
- Elevation: 950 m
Instead of taking the cable car, you can also hike to the top of Zwölferhorn. The trail starts at the lower cable car station in Sankt Gilgen. From there, cross the road and follow Hochreitstraße until you reach the marked signs pointing toward Zwölferhorn. The trail partly follows the cable car route and offers beautiful views of Wolfgangsee along the way.
At the top of Zwölferhorn, you can continue on several hiking trails, each offering different views of the surrounding mountains and lakes. One of the most scenic options is the circular route around Pillsteinhöhe. It’s about 4 km long and suitable even for strollers, making it a good choice for families.
2. Schafberg Railway
The Schafberg Railway is one of the top attractions in the Wolfgangsee area. The lower station of the Schafbergbahn is located in Sankt Wolfgang, and the ride to the top takes about 35 minutes. During the journey, you’ll climb nearly 1,200 metres in elevation.
During high season, it can get very crowded, so it’s a good idea to book your tickets in advance and arrive early – ideally at opening time – to enjoy a quieter ride. For current prices and schedules, check the official website.
The journey offers scenic views and a unique experience, as cog railways are quite rare in the Alps. The Schafberg Railway is also the steepest cogwheel railway in Austria.
If you’re arriving by car and not staying in the area, you can park near the lower station of the Schafbergbahn. Several parking lots are available: P7 is the closest but also the most expensive (€12 per day in 2025). Just a short walk away, P8 costs €8 per day, and P5 offers the lowest rate at €4 per day.
The railway makes several stops along the way. The top station is located just below the summit.
Tip: If you get off at the second-to-last stop at the Schafbergalm mountain hut, you can hike the final stretch to the summit in about an hour – a more active option with rewarding views along the way.
The peak of Schafberg is striking and rugged, standing out dramatically from the surrounding landscape. The views from the summit are among the most impressive in the region – on one side you can see Wolfgangsee, and on the other Attersee and Mondsee.
At the top, there’s a hotel and a small hut where you can get food and drinks.
Hike to Schafberg
- Difficulty: moderate
- Distance: 7-7.6 km
- Time: 3-4 hours depending on condition and weather
- Elevation: 1,200–1,300 m
You can hike to the top of Schafberg (1,782 m) on foot – the ascent takes about 3 to 4 hours, depending on the chosen trail, your fitness level, and weather conditions. Another option is to take the cog railway up and hike down on one of the marked routes.
The trails to Schafberg start in Sankt Wolfgang near the railway station. Several signposts will guide you along the way. Most of the trail leads through forest, but as you gain elevation, views of Wolfgangsee gradually open up.
3. Sightseeing boat cruise
One of the most relaxing ways to experience Lake Wolfgangsee is by taking a sightseeing boat cruise. The main route connects the towns of Sankt Gilgen, Sankt Wolfgang, and Strobl, with several other stops along the way. The full journey from Sankt Gilgen in the west to Strobl in the east takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Cruises on Lake Wolfgangsee are operated by Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt, a historic company founded in 1873. The fleet includes six ships – from the classic paddle steamer Kaiser Franz Josef I to modern, eco-friendly vessels like the MS Dachstein.
The cruise offers scenic views of the Salzkammergut landscape – from high alpine peaks and green forests to picturesque lakeside villages.
For up-to-date prices and schedules, visit the official Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt website.
4. Trail around the lake
You can walk or cycle around the entire Lake Wolfgangsee. The full loop is about 29 kilometres long and can be completed in one day if you start early. The trail is mostly easy, with only a few sections involving mild elevation gain.
The most beautiful part of the route leads from Sankt Gilgen through Fürberg to the Falkenstein Wall, which is shrouded in various myths. If you are arriving by car, you can park here in the free parking lot, just off the trailhead.
Along the way there are several points of interest, benches, refreshments and a small church at the Falkenstein Wall.
The walk to Sankt Wolfgang takes about 3 hours. From there, you can board a boat and sail back to Sankt Gilgen. If you want to shorten the route, the boat also stops in Fürberg and Ried. Ried is around 2 hours from Sankt Gilgen on foot and offers more points of interest along the way than Fürberg.
The trail is also popular in the opposite direction – from Sankt Wolfgang to the Falkenstein Church, which takes about 1 hour.
🏡 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free transport around Salzburg and discounts on attractions in the surrounding area. All guests automatically receive the card when staying for at least one night.
5. Bürglstein sightseeing trail
This easy circular trail near Strobl runs partly along the lakeshore and partly through the forest. There’s a free car park at the starting point. The route is about 4 km long and takes 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It’s an ideal walk for families with children.
6. Ascent to Plombergstein
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (good footwear and sure footing required)
- Distance: 1.7 km
- Time: About 1 hour (depending on fitness and weather)
- Elevation: 210 m
Looking for one of the best viewpoints over Sankt Gilgen? Head to Plombergstein, a rocky hill above the town, reached by a short forest trail.
The hike starts in the centre of Sankt Gilgen near the town hall, where you’ll find clear trail signs. The path leads mostly through forest, passing rocks and small caves. The summit of Plombergstein sits at 920 m, so the climb isn’t long, but it does include rocky sections and steps that can be slippery when wet. Wear good shoes and bring water – there are no refreshment stops along the way.
There are several trail options to the top. For the easiest route, follow the red-marked trail; for a steeper and more adventurous descent, you can take the black-marked trail.
More information: Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Austria.
7. Sankt Gilgen – Sankt Wolfgang – Strobl
Explore the charming towns of Sankt Gilgen, Sankt Wolfgang, and Strobl, each located along the shores of Lake Wolfgangsee. All three have their own unique atmosphere – from the lakeside promenades and historic buildings to traditional shops, cafés, and boat piers.
Sankt Gilgen, with its scenic lakeside promenade, is known as the birthplace of Mozart’s mother. In Sankt Wolfgang, you’ll find the famous pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang, home to a magnificent altar carved by Michael Pacher in the late 15th century. Strobl offers a peaceful atmosphere, with a lakeside promenade, a park, and a nearby nature reserve.
8. Schwarzensee
Schwarzensee is a small lake tucked away in the forested hills above Lake Wolfgangsee. You can reach it by car – there’s a small car park nearby with low parking fees. From there, an easy one-hour walking trail circles the lake, making it a great outing for families with younger children.
9. Postalm
If you enjoy hiking, a visit to Postalm is a must. It’s the largest continuous alpine pasture in Austria and the second-largest high plateau in Europe. The area is crisscrossed with hiking trails of various lengths and difficulties, and in winter it transforms into a small ski resort.
There are four main circular hiking routes across the Postalm plateau, marked R1 to R4. The red-marked R1 trail is especially scenic. If you’re planning the shorter R3 route to the Postalm Chapel, use car park P3. For the longer routes (R1, R2, R4), car park P1 is the best starting point. These trails usually take 2.5 to 3.5 hours.
Along the way, you’ll pass traditional alpine pastures (Almen), where you can stop for a meal or buy local products.
How to get to the Postalm Plateau
The easiest way to reach the Postalm Plateau is via a 12 km private toll road from Strobl or Abtenau. The toll gate is located at the beginning of the road.
In 2025, the toll from Strobl is €17 for cars and €7 for motorbikes.
Alternatively, you can take a bus from Strobl, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:10 am between 1 June and 31 October.
🏡 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee
These accommodations include a SommerCard, which gives you free transport around Salzburg and discounts on attractions in the surrounding area. All guests automatically receive the card when staying for at least one night.
10. Bad Ischl
Bad Ischl is a historic spa town just a 15-minute drive from Lake Wolfgangsee. It’s best known for its connection to the Austrian imperial family – Emperor Franz Joseph spent many summers here.
Visit Kaiservilla, the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, or relax at the EurothermenResort thermal baths. Don’t miss a stop at the famous Zauner pastry shop, a local institution known for its traditional sweets.
For panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, take the Katrin Seilbahn cable car up to the top.
11. Hallstatt – day trip from Wolfgangsee
Hallstatt is an iconic Alpine town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled between steep mountains and a lake, the town is known for its traditional houses and the prominent church tower that rises above them.
Hallstatt is just a 30-minute drive from Strobl, making it a great option for a day trip from Lake Wolfgangsee. The town is very popular and gets crowded, especially in high season, so it’s best to arrive early. Parking can be limited – in that case, you can leave your car in Obertraun and take a boat across the lake to Hallstatt, which is an experience in itself.
If you follow the lakeside path through the town, you’ll find several great viewpoints. One of the most iconic photos of Hallstatt is taken from this place.
Take the cable car up to the Welterbeblick Skywalk, a scenic viewing platform with a bridge overlooking Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains. You can also hike up – the trail offers beautiful views of the lake along the way.
A short walk from the Skywalk takes you to the Hallstatt Salt Mine, where you can ride a small train into the tunnels, slide down wooden slides, and explore underground exhibitions with projections and videos.
For current opening times and ticket prices for both the cable car and salt mine, visit the official website.
Read more: Hallstatt and the Krippenstein hike are covered in detail in our previous article.
12. Dachstein-Krippenstein – 5 Fingers viewpoint
Krippenstein is a popular mountain area near Hallstatt, known for its dramatic views and outdoor activities. There’s a lot to explore here, so you can easily spend the whole day in the area.
You can reach the area from Obertraun, where signs will guide you to the cable car. There’s a large free car park on the left side at the lower station.
The Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car is divided into three sections:
- Section I takes you to the Giant Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave, which are both accessible from the middle station.
- Section II continues to the top station, located just below the Krippenstein summit and the famous 5 Fingers viewpoint.
- Section III descends to the Gjaidalm mountain hut on the far side of the plateau.
Dachstein Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave
The Dachstein Ice Cave (also known as the Giant Ice Cave) and the Mammoth Cave are located at the first intermediate station of the Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car.
Both caves can be visited with a combined ticket – it’s no longer possible to buy a separate ticket for just one of them. We found both worth seeing, though the ice cave was slightly more impressive. Inside, you’ll see striking ice formations enhanced by light and sound effects in several sections.
At the end of the tour, there’s also a rope bridge suspended over a 30-metre-deep abyss – a memorable highlight.
The Mammoth Cave takes you through a network of underground passages inside the Krippenstein massif. It’s one of the largest karst caves in the world and has not yet been fully explored.
The 5 Fingers viewpoint
The 5 Fingers viewpoint is located about a 30-minute walk from the second station of the cable car, just below the Krippenstein peak (2,108 m). From the station, turn right and follow a wide, easy trail with the cable car station behind you. Along the way, you’ll often see sheep and goats grazing in the alpine meadows – something children especially enjoy.
The viewing platform itself consists of five metal spurs, each extending about 4 metres over the cliff edge. It can get crowded in high season, so it’s best to take the first cable car of the day or visit on a weekday or during the off-season. Access to all viewpoints is free.
Along the trail to the 5 Fingers viewpoint, you can also make a short detour to a small chapel and another viewpoint called the World Heritage Spiral (Welterbespirale). In our opinion, it’s even more interesting than 5 Fingers. Shaped like a boat and made of aluminium, it stands out clearly against the landscape – you can’t miss it.
If you have more time, you can also do the Heilbronn Circular Trail, an easy 2–3 hour hike around the Krippenstein plateau. The trail ends at the Gjaidalm mountain hut, where the third section of the cable car departs.
Read more: For more tips on Krippenstein and the Dachstein Mountains, see our previous article.
13. Salzburg
Salzburg is a city known for its music, rich history and remarkable architecture, located just a 50-minute drive from Lake Wolfgangsee. As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg offers plenty for music lovers—don’t miss the Mozart Geburtshaus, where the famous composer was born.
Among the best places to visit in Salzburg are the impressive Hohensalzburg Fortress, the beautiful Mirabell Palace and Gardens, and the historic Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
14. Swimming at Wolfgangsee
In summer, the average water temperature at Wolfgangsee is around 24°C, making it ideal for swimming. The lake is known for its crystal-clear water, which attracts visitors looking to relax and swim. Around Wolfgangsee, you’ll find several smaller, mostly grassy beaches, each with nearby parking (typically €4–5 per day) and toilets.
At the larger beaches, you can rent a boat or pedal boat and explore the lake from the water.
Looking for more ideas? Check out our guide to the most beautiful lakes in Austria.
WolfgangseeCard: which accommodation offers it and when is it worthwhile?
Some hotels and guesthouses around Wolfgangsee offer the free WolfgangseeCard at check-in. This regional guest card provides discounts on boat rides, the Schafberg cog railway, access to natural beaches, and other local attractions.
The card isn’t included everywhere—you’ll only get it if your accommodation participates in the system. Sometimes it’s not a big benefit, since some budget-friendly places without the card can be €20–30 cheaper per night, which often outweighs the small discounts (usually €1–3 per attraction).
Compared to other regional guest cards in Austria, like the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard or the Zell am See-Kaprun Card, the Wolfgangsee Card offers fewer benefits, but it can still be a nice bonus.
No matter where you stay, all guests in the Salzburg region also receive a Guest Mobility Ticket, which allows free travel on public transport (buses and trains) throughout the area, including to Salzburg, Hallstatt, and Golling. If you’re not travelling by car, this is a great advantage.
These accommodations include the Wolfgangsee Card as a bonus during your stay:
- Moosaik Appartements: New and modern apartments in a quiet location, ideal for couples and families. Free parking available.
- Hotel Garni-Schernthaner: Family-run hotel in the centre of Sankt Gilgen, with great accessibility, friendly staff, and excellent breakfast.
- Hotel-Pension Falkensteiner: Rooms and apartments with kitchenettes, a garden, private beach access, and free parking.
- Gasthof Kleefeld: Cozy hotel in a peaceful, secluded area—great for families with children. Features an animal preserve, playroom, playground, and offers half board.
🏡 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee
Although these accommodations do not include the Wolfgangsee Card, they offer great value for money:
- Wolf & Schaf Apartments: Newly furnished apartments in St. Wolfgang
- Strandhotel Margaretha: 4-star hotel with a private beach and free parking
- Seehaus Familie Leifer: Studios and apartments with kitchenettes and free parking
🏡 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee
Best Things to do at Wolfgangsee – map
How to use this map: Above, you’ll find a detailed Lake Wolfgangsee map with all the main things to do in Wolfgangsee. Click the icon in the top left corner to view different layers, each showing highlights from this Wolfgangsee travel guide. You can show or hide these layers, or click any map icon to see the name of each place. To save the map, click the star. For a larger view, use the icon in the top right corner.
Getting around Wolfgangsee
In addition to the Wolfgangsee cruise (see above), there is a regular bus service around the lake. The main bus routes are line 150 between Sankt Gilgen and Strobl, and line 546 between Sankt Wolfgang and Strobl.
For more information about bus connections, see:
Another comfortable way to get around Wolfgangsee is by car. The well-maintained regional road 158 runs along the southern shore between Sankt Gilgen and Strobl and offers beautiful views of the lake. You’ll find several car parks along the way, often with access to small beaches and toilets.
From Strobl, you can reach Sankt Wolfgang by car or bus in just a few minutes.
Guest Mobility Ticket: Free transport throughout Salzburg
From May 2025, all guests staying in officially registered accommodation in the Federal State of Salzburg (including all options listed above) will receive the Guest Mobility Ticket free of charge. This ticket allows unlimited travel on public transport throughout the region, including buses, ÖBB and Westbahn trains, S-Bahn, city transport, and direct lines between the lakes and Salzburg.
You will receive either a digital or paper ticket at check-in, and you can even use it to reach your accommodation if you arrange it in advance. Bicycle transport is not included, and for some services (such as long-distance trains), seat reservations may be required.
If you’re not travelling by car, the Guest Mobility Ticket is an ideal way to explore Salzburg comfortably, sustainably, and with significant savings on transport.
What traditional food to try at Wolfgangsee, Austria?
The Wolfgangsee area is known for its hearty, traditional Austrian cuisine, shaped by the alpine landscape and the bounty of the lake. Here are some typical dishes to try when visiting Wolfgangsee:
- Freshwater fish: Expect to find dishes featuring fish from the lake, such as trout, pike, and whitefish, often grilled or smoked. One of the most popular local preparations is “Steckerlfisch,” a whole fish grilled on a stick.
- Tafelspitz: A classic Austrian dish of boiled beef served in broth, typically accompanied by apple and horseradish sauce.
- Wiener schnitzel: Breaded and pan-fried veal schnitzel, originally from Vienna, but a staple throughout Austria and easy to find at Wolfgangsee restaurants.
- Kaiserschmarrn: A sweet Austrian favourite—shredded, caramelized pancake with raisins, dusted with icing sugar and usually served with plum or apple sauce.
- Leberknödelsuppe: A hearty soup with leberknödel (bread and liver dumplings), a traditional Austrian comfort food you’ll find on many menus around Wolfgangsee.
- Cheese and cold cuts: Thanks to its alpine surroundings, the Wolfgangsee area is also known for local cheeses and cured meats. Sausages and speck (smoked or cured ham) are common, and you can often buy local products directly from alpine pastures.
This was our Wolfgangsee travel guide, including the best things to do at Lake Wolfgangsee, Austria. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below—we’re happy to help. Safe travels!
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