\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee<\/h4>
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. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Wolfgangsee-2.jpg\")
<\/div>Our tip – Moosaik Appartements<\/h5><\/div>
Modern and well-equipped apartments in a quiet location, ideal for couples and families<\/p>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Wolfgangsee-1.jpg\")
<\/div>Hotel-Garni Schernthaner<\/h5><\/div>
Family-run hotel in central Sankt Gilgen with great access and excellent breakfast<\/p>
Things to do at Wolfgangsee, Austria: Best places to visit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1. Zw\u00f6lferhorn<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Zw\u00f6lferhorn 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<\/a> range. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re looking for a place to spend a full day outdoors, Zw\u00f6lferhorn is a great choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are several hiking and cycling trails around Zw\u00f6lferhorn, along with mountain huts where you can stop for a meal or drink. The area is also popular for paragliding \u2013 if that\u2019s something you\u2019re interested in, you can find more information on the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/a>. The cable car runs daily, including in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Parking is available directly at the lower cable car station \u2013 it’s free for the first four hours, then charged (up to \u20ac20 per day). If you’re planning to spend more time at Zw\u00f6lferhorn and you’re not staying in Sankt Gilgen, there are several nearby outdoor car parks with all-day rates around \u20ac4.50. You\u2019ll spot them easily from the main road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n From the upper cable car station, it’s just a short walk to the summit of Zw\u00f6lferhorn, where you’ll find a lookout point marked by a cross. There are also several other easily accessible viewpoints in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of taking the cable car, you can also hike to the top of Zw\u00f6lferhorn. The trail starts at the lower cable car station in Sankt Gilgen. From there, cross the road and follow Hochreitstra\u00dfe until you reach the marked signs pointing toward Zw\u00f6lferhorn. The trail partly follows the cable car route and offers beautiful views of Wolfgangsee along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top of Zw\u00f6lferhorn, 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 Pillsteinh\u00f6he. It\u2019s about 4 km long and suitable even for strollers, making it a good choice for families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During high season, it can get very crowded, so it\u2019s a good idea to book your tickets in advance and arrive early \u2013 ideally at opening time \u2013 to enjoy a quieter ride. For current prices and schedules, check the official website.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 (\u20ac12 per day in 2025). Just a short walk away, P8 costs \u20ac8 per day, and P5 offers the lowest rate at \u20ac4 per day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The railway makes several stops along the way. The top station is located just below the summit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tip:<\/strong> 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 \u2013 a more active option with rewarding views along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 on one side you can see Wolfgangsee, and on the other Attersee and Mondsee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the top, there\u2019s a hotel and a small hut where you can get food and drinks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can hike to the top of Schafberg (1,782 m) on foot \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cruises on Lake Wolfgangsee are operated by Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt<\/strong>, a historic company founded in 1873. The fleet includes six ships \u2013 from the classic paddle steamer Kaiser Franz Josef I<\/em> to modern, eco-friendly vessels like the MS Dachstein<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The cruise offers scenic views of the Salzkammergut landscape \u2013 from high alpine peaks and green forests to picturesque lakeside villages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For up-to-date prices and schedules, visit the official Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most beautiful part of the route leads from Sankt Gilgen through F\u00fcrberg to the Falkenstein Wall, which is shrouded in various myths. If you are arriving by car, you can park here<\/a> in the free parking lot, just off the trailhead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Along the way there are several points of interest, benches, refreshments and a small church at the Falkenstein Wall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 F\u00fcrberg and Ried. Ried is around 2 hours from Sankt Gilgen on foot and offers more points of interest along the way than F\u00fcrberg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The trail is also popular in the opposite direction \u2013 from Sankt Wolfgang to the Falkenstein Church, which takes about 1 hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Newly renovated hotel just steps from the lake, with a rooftop spa and excellent on-site restaurant<\/p> Rooms and apartments with kitchenette, excellent breakfast, private beach access, and free parking<\/p> 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\u2019s an ideal walk for families with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The hike starts in the centre of Sankt Gilgen near the town hall, where you\u2019ll 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 \u2013 there are no refreshment stops along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n More information:<\/strong> Get inspired by the most beautiful places in Austria<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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 \u2013 from the lakeside promenades and historic buildings to traditional shops, caf\u00e9s, and boat piers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sankt Gilgen, with its scenic lakeside promenade, is known as the birthplace of Mozart\u2019s mother. In Sankt Wolfgang, you\u2019ll 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Schwarzensee is a small lake tucked away in the forested hills above Lake Wolfgangsee. You can reach it by car \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you enjoy hiking, a visit to Postalm is a must. It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Along the way, you’ll pass traditional alpine pastures (Almen), where you can stop for a meal or buy local products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The easiest way to reach the Postalm Plateau is via a 12 km private toll road<\/a> from Strobl or Abtenau. The toll gate is located at the beginning of the road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In 2025, the toll from Strobl is \u20ac17 for cars and \u20ac7 for motorbikes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Alternatively, you can take a bus from Strobl<\/a>, which runs every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:10 am between 1 June and 31 October.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n Comfortable and affordable stay (early booking recommended), friendly owners<\/p> Peaceful setting away from the crowds, great facilities for families, half board available<\/p> Bad Ischl is a historic spa town just a 15-minute drive from Lake Wolfgangsee. It\u2019s best known for its connection to the Austrian imperial family \u2013 Emperor Franz Joseph spent many summers here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Visit Kaiservilla, the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, or relax at the EurothermenResort thermal baths. Don\u2019t miss a stop at the famous Zauner pastry shop, a local institution known for its traditional sweets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains, take the Katrin Seilbahn cable car up to the top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s best to arrive early. Parking can be limited \u2013 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you follow the lakeside path through the town, you\u2019ll find several great viewpoints. One of the most iconic photos of Hallstatt is taken from this place<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Take the cable car<\/a> up to the Welterbeblick Skywalk, a scenic viewing platform with a bridge overlooking Hallstatt and the surrounding mountains. You can also hike up \u2013 the trail offers beautiful views of the lake along the way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For current opening times and ticket prices for both the cable car and salt mine, visit the official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Read more:<\/strong> Hallstatt and the Krippenstein hike<\/a><\/strong> are covered in detail in our previous article.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Krippenstein is a popular mountain area near Hallstatt, known for its dramatic views and outdoor activities. There\u2019s a lot to explore here, so you can easily spend the whole day in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Dachstein-Krippenstein cable car is divided into three sections:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Both caves can be visited with a combined ticket \u2013 it\u2019s 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\u2019ll see striking ice formations enhanced by light and sound effects in several sections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the tour, there\u2019s also a rope bridge suspended over a 30-metre-deep abyss \u2013 a memorable highlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Mammoth Cave takes you through a network of underground passages inside the Krippenstein massif. It\u2019s one of the largest karst caves in the world and has not yet been fully explored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll often see sheep and goats grazing in the alpine meadows \u2013 something children especially enjoy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/em>). In our opinion, it\u2019s even more interesting than 5 Fingers. Shaped like a boat and made of aluminium, it stands out clearly against the landscape \u2013 you can\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have more time, you can also do the Heilbronn Circular Trail, an easy 2\u20133 hour hike around the Krippenstein plateau. The trail ends at the Gjaidalm mountain hut, where the third section of the cable car departs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"View](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Zwalferhorn-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Cable car to Zw\u00f6lferhorn<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Cable](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/zwalferhorn.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHike to Zw\u00f6lferhorn, Wolfgangsee<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"View](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Zwalferhorn-3.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Sankt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Zwalferhorn-4.jpg\")
<\/a>2. Schafberg Railway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Schafberg,](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schawberg-zubacka-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Schafberg,](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/zubacka-Schafberg.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Schafberg,](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-Wolfgang-zubacka.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schafberg-5.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Schafberg](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schafberg-6.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-Wolfgang-Schafberg.jpg\")
<\/a>Hike to Schafberg<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Schafberg](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schafberg-4.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Schafberg](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schafberg-3.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Schafberg](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Schafberg-vstuop.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n3. Sightseeing boat cruise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sankt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-Wolfgang-2.jpg\")
<\/a>4. Trail around the lake<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Wolfgangsee,](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Wolfgangsee.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Wolfgangsee,](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Wolfgangsee-2.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Wolfgangsee](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-Gilgen-stezka.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee<\/h4>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Wolfgangsee-6.jpg\")
<\/div>Hotel Kirchenwirt<\/h5><\/div>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Wolfgangsee-5.jpg\")
<\/div>Hotel-Pension Falkensteiner<\/h5><\/div>
5. B\u00fcrglstein sightseeing trail <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Circular](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Burglestein-pohled-na-Strobl-1024x640.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Burglstein-3.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n6. Ascent to Plombergstein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
7. Sankt Gilgen \u2013 Sankt Wolfgang \u2013 Strobl<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Sankt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-gILGEN.jpg\")
<\/a>![\"Sankt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Sankt-Wolfgang-3.jpg\")
<\/a>8. Schwarzensee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Postalm<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Postalm](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Postalm-kaple.jpg\")
<\/a>How to get to the Postalm Plateau<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udfe1 Accommodation around Wolfgangsee<\/h4>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-Wolfgangsee-3.jpg\")
<\/div>Haus Amalia (great price)<\/h5><\/div>
![\"ubytov\u00e1n\u00ed](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/ubytovani-wolfgangsee-4.jpg\")
<\/div>Gasthof Kleefeld<\/h5><\/div>
10. Bad Ischl<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Baf](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Bad-Ischl-.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n11. Hallstatt – day trip from Wolfgangsee<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"what](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/hallstatt-rakousko.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"hallstatt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/hallstatt-rakousko-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Halstatt](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hallstatt-12.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Skywalk](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/hallstatt-Welterbeblick.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n12. Dachstein-Krippenstein – 5 Fingers viewpoint<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"krippenstein\"](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Krippenstein-9.jpg\")
<\/a>\n
![\"Krippenstein](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/dachstein-krippenstein-2-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Dachstein-Krippenstein](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/dachstein-krippenstein-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDachstein Ice Cave and Mammoth Cave<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Giant](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ledova-jesskyne-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Giant](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ledova-jeskyne-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"Giant](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/ledova-jeskyne-2-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\nThe 5 Fingers viewpoint <\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"5](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/krippenstein-kriz-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n![\"5](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/5-fingers3-2.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
![](\"https:\/\/smilingway.cz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/spirala-3.jpg\"){kind=link}