View of houses near the lake
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Lake Wolfgangsee

4.8
·2k reviews·, Austria

A stunning Austrian lake nestled amidst majestic mountains, offering charming towns, scenic railways, and crystal-clear waters for relaxation and adve...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, perfect for views

CrowdMedium
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View of houses near the lake

Lake Wolfgangsee

Best Time

Summer mornings

Clear skies, perfect for views

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A stunning Austrian lake nestled amidst majestic mountains, offering charming towns, scenic railways, and crystal-clear waters for relaxation and adventure.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Wolfgangsee is a true gem in the Salzkammergut region, offering breathtaking Alpine scenery and crystal clear waters."

Vertical photo
TIP

Ride the Schafberg Railway

Don't miss the historic cogwheel train for unparalleled panoramic views of the lake and Alps! :train:

Choose Your Base Wisely

St. Wolfgang for cute towns, St. Gilgen for swimming. Both offer beautiful scenery. :housewithgarden:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Schafberg Railway

Schafberg Railway

St. Wolfgang

Historic cogwheel train ride offering breathtaking panoramic views of the lake and surrounding Alps.

St. Wolfgang Town

St. Wolfgang Town

St. Wolfgang

Picturesque resort town with quaint cafes, quiet streets, and stunning lakeside promenades.

St. Gilgen Swimming

St. Gilgen Swimming

St. Gilgen

Enjoy a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wolfgangsee from the designated swimming areas.

Lakeside Walks & Bike Paths

Lakeside Walks & Bike Paths

Around the lake

Explore scenic paths offering fantastic scenery over the lake and surrounding mountains.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Alpine Charm

Lake Wolfgangsee offers stunning mountain backdrops and crystal-clear waters. Plan for scenic walks and consider taking the cable car for panoramic views. The charming towns of St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen are great bases for exploring.

Best Towns for Your Stay

St. Wolfgang is praised for its cute, cozy town atmosphere, while St. Gilgen is recommended for swimming. Decide based on your priorities: quaint streets or lake access. Both offer beautiful lake views and access to activities.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Clear skies, perfect for views
Crowd
Medium
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light on mountains
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Beautiful places in Austria 🇦🇹❤️🤍❤️ #wolfgangsee #oberoesterreich #werfenweng #salzburgerland #enns #city #salzburg #topofsalzburg #zellamsee #kaprun #oberoesterreich #danube #donau #city #badhofgastein #salzburg #schlossalmbahn #traunkirchen #traunsee #gmunden #oberoesterreich #oberösterreich #attersee #schörfling #kammer #austria #travellife #europe #stwolfgang #fuschlsee #schafberg #kaprun...
@justviewshd
103.2K likes • 1.9M views

Ride the Schafberg Railway

Don't miss the historic cogwheel train for unparalleled panoramic views of the lake and Alps! :train:

Choose Your Base Wisely

St. Wolfgang for cute towns, St. Gilgen for swimming. Both offer beautiful scenery. :housewithgarden:

Beautiful places in Austria ❤️🤍❤️ 🇦🇹 #wolfgangsee #stgilgen #stwolfgang #fuschlsee #attersee #attersee #salzkammergut #wörthersee #velden #kärnten #gmunden #traunsee #donnerkogel #krimml #salzburgerland #kaprun #hochalpenstraße #ferleiten #wildpark #zellersee #attersee #gasselhöhe #werfenweng #salzburgerland #enns #city #salzburg #topofsalzburg #zellamsee #kaprun #oberoesterreich #danube #d...
@justviewshd
28K likes • 858.9K views
📍Schafberg 1783m • • • #wolfgangsee#schafberg#schafbergbahn#salzburg#visitsalzburg#austrianalps#mountain#mountainadventures#mountainviews#alpsmountains#lakeviews#stwolfgang#travel#TravelMemories#travelgram#berg#bergliebe#ausflug#ausflugstipp#travelphotography#bergzeit#berge#hike#Hiking#alpenliebe_official#alpingirls#mountainsgirls#austriagram#alpin#wolfgangsee#mondsee#fuschlsee #utazzvelem#JOsalzb...
@cz_bviki
13.3K likes • 529.1K views

Explore by Ferry

Take a ferry ride for a pleasant journey and different perspectives of the lake and towns. :ferry:

Walk the Lakeside Paths

Enjoy scenic walks or bike rides with fantastic views over the lake and mountains. :hiking_boot:

Mega Ausblick + super Essen am Wolfgangsee – Name des Lokals gibt’s am Ende! 😍🍽️ #travel #Foodie #creatorsearchinsights #wolfgangsee #salzburg #goviral #österreichentdecken #searchinsight #urlaubamsee
@nadinelis_
8.2K likes • 234.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Ride the Schafberg Railway

Don't miss the historic cogwheel train for unparalleled panoramic views of the lake and Alps! :train:

Choose Your Base Wisely

St. Wolfgang for cute towns, St. Gilgen for swimming. Both offer beautiful scenery. :housewithgarden:

Explore by Ferry

Take a ferry ride for a pleasant journey and different perspectives of the lake and towns. :ferry:

Walk the Lakeside Paths

Enjoy scenic walks or bike rides with fantastic views over the lake and mountains. :hiking_boot:

Visit St. Wolfgang

Experience the charm of St. Wolfgang's quaint cafes and quiet streets. :coffee:

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Lake Wolfgangsee is consistently praised for its breathtaking Alpine scenery and crystal-clear waters, embodying idyllic Austrian beauty. Visitors rave about the charming towns like St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, the scenic boat rides, and the unforgettable views from the Schafberg Railway. While generally loved, some find parking challenging during peak times.

"Personally think this is one of the prettiest lakes in the area with beautiful mountains. Great walking and bike paths around. Definitely recommend taking the cable car up the mountain. Was absolutely beautiful views up and down with the restaurants at the top!"

Grace de Graaf

"Wolfgangsee is a true gem in the Salzkammergut region, offering breathtaking Alpine scenery and crystal clear waters. It's a perfect destination for both relaxation and adventure. Visitors can enjoy swimming, various water sports, or simply soak in the stunning views from lakeside promenades. The charming towns like St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen provide a delightful base, with historical sites and cozy restaurants. Don't miss a ride on the historic Schafberg Railway for panoramic vistas that will leave you speechless. Wolfgangsee truly embodies the idyllic beauty of Austria."

Bishal Upadhyaya

"Wow this lake is beautiful. We walked clockwise from St. Gilgen for 7km towards Falkenstein, with a fantastic scenery over the lake and sorrounding mountains. We took the ferry back for a pleasant ride."

Riccardo Momoli

What People Like

Breathtaking Alpine scenery
Crystal clear waters
Charming towns

What People Dislike

Parking can be difficult

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lake Wolfgangsee is accessible by car, with major routes leading to the Salzkammergut region. Public transport options include buses from Salzburg and other nearby cities. Train travel will likely involve a connection to a bus service to reach the lake towns directly. Reddit

Driving around Lake Wolfgangsee is generally straightforward, with well-maintained roads. Parking can be limited in peak season, especially in popular towns like St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen. Reddit

The most scenic and convenient way to travel between towns like St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen is by the Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt ferries. This offers beautiful views and avoids parking hassles. Reddit

Yes, Lake Wolfgangsee is easily reachable from Salzburg. You can drive (approx. 45-60 minutes) or take public transport, typically a bus service that connects Salzburg to the lake towns. Reddit

Bike rental services are available in most of the main towns around Lake Wolfgangsee, making it easy to explore the numerous cycling paths. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Lake Wolfgangsee itself is a public natural attraction, so there are no general entry tickets. However, specific attractions like the Schafberg Railway or boat tours require tickets. Reddit

Attraction hours vary. The Schafberg Railway typically operates from spring to autumn, with daily services. Boat tours run frequently during the warmer months. Check individual attraction websites for current schedules. Reddit

Ticket prices for the Schafberg Railway vary by season and age group. It's advisable to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing information before your visit. Reddit

Swimming in designated areas of Lake Wolfgangsee is generally free. Some lidos or beach clubs might have small entry fees for facilities like changing rooms or sun loungers. Reddit

Tickets for Wolfgangsee boat tours can usually be purchased directly at the ferry terminals in the towns. For specific private tours or during peak season, booking in advance might be recommended. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Top activities include riding the Schafberg Railway for stunning views, swimming in the clear waters, exploring charming towns like St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, taking scenic boat tours, and enjoying lakeside walks and bike paths. Reddit

St. Gilgen is often recommended for swimming. You can also find good swimming spots in St. Wolfgang and other smaller lakeside areas. Look for designated public swimming areas or 'Lidos'. Reddit

Absolutely! The area around Lake Wolfgangsee offers numerous hiking trails, from gentle lakeside strolls to more challenging mountain hikes, with spectacular views. Reddit

The view from Schafberg mountain is described as absolutely beautiful, offering panoramic vistas up and down the lake and across the surrounding Alps. It's a must-see. Reddit

Yes, various water sports are available, including swimming, paddleboarding, and sometimes kayaking or boat rentals, depending on the specific town and season. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Expect traditional Austrian cuisine, including hearty dishes, pastries, and local specialties. Many restaurants offer lakeside dining with beautiful views. Reddit

St. Wolfgang has many cozy restaurants and quaint cafes, offering a delightful dining experience with local flavors and charming ambiance. Reddit

While traditional Austrian cuisine is meat-heavy, most restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask your server. Reddit

Look for regional specialties like 'Kaiserschmarrn' (shredded pancake), 'Apfelstrudel' (apple strudel), and various fish dishes if available. Reddit

Beyond formal restaurants, you can find more affordable options like bakeries for pastries and sandwiches, or casual cafes for lighter meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Iconic photo spots include the view from the Schafberg Railway, the charming streets of St. Wolfgang, lakeside promenades, and panoramic shots from hiking trails. Reddit

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers magical light for photography, casting a warm glow on the mountains and lake. Midday can be good for clear, bright shots of the water. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the mountains or distant villages. Don't forget a polarizing filter for vibrant water and sky. Reddit

Drone regulations can vary. It's essential to check local rules and restrictions regarding drone usage in national parks or near populated areas before flying. Reddit

Try capturing the train as it ascends or descends the mountain, with the stunning lake scenery as a backdrop. Experiment with different angles from various viewpoints along the track. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lake Wolfgangsee is a fantastic destination for families. The Schafberg Railway is a thrilling adventure for children, offering incredible views without strenuous hiking. Many lakeside areas, particularly around St. Gilgen, have shallow, safe spots for swimming and playing by the water. Reddit

Consider taking a ferry ride as a fun and easy way to explore different towns without the hassle of parking. The walking and bike paths are generally well-maintained and suitable for family outings, though some sections might be more challenging. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for varying weather conditions common in mountainous regions.

🚶‍♀️ Active Travelers & Hikers

For active travelers, Lake Wolfgangsee is a paradise. The area boasts an extensive network of hiking trails catering to all levels, from gentle lakeside strolls to more demanding mountain ascents. Trails like the one from St. Gilgen towards Falkenstein offer stunning lake vistas. Reddit

Cycling is also a popular activity, with dedicated paths and routes around the lake. Renting a bike in one of the towns allows for flexible exploration. Don't miss the opportunity to hike or take the train up Schafberg mountain for unparalleled panoramic views, a highlight for many active visitors.

📸 Photographers & Scenery Lovers

Lake Wolfgangsee is a dream destination for photographers. The combination of the crystal-clear lake, dramatic mountain backdrops, and charming villages like St. Wolfgang provides endless photographic opportunities. The Schafberg Railway offers iconic shots of the train against the alpine scenery. Reddit

Aim for the golden hours around sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic light. Lakeside promenades and elevated viewpoints along hiking trails offer excellent vantage points for capturing the expansive beauty of the Salzkammergut region. The historic architecture in the towns also adds character to your shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Schafberg Railway

The Schafberg Railway is an absolute must-do when visiting Lake Wolfgangsee. This historic cogwheel train, operating since 1893, ascends the Schafberg mountain from St. Wolfgang. The journey itself is an experience, winding through alpine meadows and offering increasingly spectacular views. The ride takes approximately 35-40 minutes one way. Reddit

At the summit, you're rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic vistas that stretch across Lake Wolfgangsee, its neighboring lakes, and the majestic Austrian Alps. It's a photographer's paradise and a truly unforgettable experience. Be sure to check the operating schedule, as it's seasonal, typically running from late April to late October. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season, to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Pro-tip: Consider visiting early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy clearer views. The restaurants at the top offer refreshments, allowing you to soak in the scenery for a while before descending. The descent offers a different perspective, so keep your camera ready!

Exploring St. Wolfgang vs. St. Gilgen

When planning your stay around Lake Wolfgangsee, the choice between St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen often comes down to personal preference. St. Wolfgang is frequently described as a cute, cozy town with quaint cafes and charming, quiet streets. It's the departure point for the Schafberg Railway and offers a picturesque, almost storybook atmosphere. Reddit

On the other hand, St. Gilgen is highlighted as a great spot for swimming in the lake. It boasts beautiful lakeside promenades and is a hub for water activities. While both towns offer stunning lake views and access to the ferry system, St. Gilgen might appeal more to those looking for direct lake access and swimming opportunities, whereas St. Wolfgang offers a more quintessential charming village experience. Reddit

Both towns are well-connected by ferry and road, making it easy to visit the other. Many visitors enjoy experiencing the unique character of each town during their trip, perhaps staying in one and visiting the other for a day trip. The decision often depends on whether your priority is a charming village feel or direct lake access for swimming.

Scenic Lakeside Activities

Lake Wolfgangsee is a haven for those who love the outdoors, with numerous walking and bike paths encircling the lake. These paths offer fantastic scenery, providing constant, beautiful views over the water and the surrounding mountains. A popular option is to walk from St. Gilgen towards Falkenstein, enjoying the picturesque landscape. Reddit

Beyond walking and cycling, the lake itself is a major draw. Visitors can enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear waters, with St. Gilgen being a recommended spot. For a more relaxed perspective, taking a boat ride on the lake is highly recommended. The Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt ferries not only connect the towns but also provide a wonderful way to appreciate the scale and beauty of the lake and its alpine setting. Reddit

These activities are perfect for soaking in the natural beauty of the Salzkammergut region. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual stroller, or simply want to enjoy the water, Lake Wolfgangsee offers ample opportunities to connect with nature and experience its serene charm.

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