Day 1 in St Wolfgang am See

Welcome to the beautiful town of St Wolfgang! Upon arrival, head to your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

Start your day strolling through the picturesque town center where you will find several cafes, restaurants and a very charming Christmas Market in the winter, right by the lake. Colorful houses, cobbled stone streets, horse carriages, and a laidback vibe - this is what you can expect from this lovely little town. Take a break from walking to retreat in one of the lovely cafes and enjoy the unique atmosphere. While strolling around you will see plenty of traditional shops with unique local products, stop in a few to take home some souvenirs.

Make sure to check out the Pfarrkirche St. Wolfgang located in the center of town. Since the 12th century, long before it was a vacation resort, St. Wolfgang was a renowned pilgrimage center. This church is said to stand on the same rocky spur of land above the lake where St. Wolfgang built a hermitage. The church contains a beautiful Michael Pacher altarpiece, pictured in many Gothic art books. Pacher`s altarpiece is adorned with panel paintings and magnificent carved figures. A museum is located within the tower of the church.

Take a ride on the Schafberg Railway, a cog railway that takes you up to the Schafberg. This is one of the best things to do while you are around the Wolfgangsee area! The views are absolutely stunning on the way up the mountain. Once you reach the top, the views are even more breathtaking! On a clear day, you can see as far as the Berchtesgaden Alps.

The cog railway takes you up to 5,688 feet, so make sure you bring warm clothes with you. If you are up for some hiking we recommend using the paths leading to the summit cross and the Himmelspforte. Also you have the possibility to walk back down from the Schafbergspitze to the Schafbergalm (about 1 hour) and continue by train down to the lake.

Spend your evening at the most popular hotel in town, the `Im Weissen Rossl` (White Horse Inn) which is well known from the comedic operetta of the same name. The hotel is located on the shore of the lake Wolfgang and boasts absolutely beautiful views of the lake and mountains. Dine on local specialties from the Salzkammergut region at one of the stylish restaurants at the White Horse Inn that offers a romantic setting with award winning cuisine and breathtaking views.

This hotel has an absolutely fantastic heated swimming pool which is floating in the lake. Whether it is winter or summer the heated 86° pool invites for a pleasant swim. Another thing that draws people in to this hotel is the wonderful breakfast with views of the lake. The hotel is a mix of traditional and modern, full of character with over 500 years of history.

Day 2 in St Wolfgang am See

Wake up early and continue your exploration of the area by taking a Wolfgangsee boat ride. A boat ride of the lake is not just a gorgeous experience, it is also a perfect way to get around between the main villages St Wolfgang, Strobl and St Gilgen. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the breathtaking views. The first steam-powered ship on Wolfgangsee was a paddle steamer Kaiser Franz Josef I and it was used for the first time in 1873. For a time travel experience you should take a boat cruise with this ancient steamer.

We recommend you get off the boat at the St Gilgen stop. The charming small town of St Gilgen is situated at the northwestern part of the Lake Wolfgangsee and is also known as `The Mozart town on the Wolfgangsee`. Wolfgang Amadeus, Mozart`s mother was born here, and Mozart`s sister Nannerl moved here after her marriage. Café Nannerl in the village, is the house where Mozart`s mother was born and his sister lived after her marriage.

Stroll through the town and enjoy the ambiance of the village. In summer you can bring your bathing suit to take in the laid back atmosphere on Lake Lido. St. Gilgen is also well-know for the picturesque Ochsenkreuz nearby and also the 12- Hour Cable Car that departs from the village center. And for all fans of the popular movie `The Sound of Music`: St. Gilgen at the Wolfgangsee was in the opening scenes of the Sound of Music.

Next, make your way to the iconic Ochsenkreuz `ox cross`. This is a small island in Lake Wolfgangsee, in the municipality of St Gilgen, and probably one of the most breathtaking spots at the lake. The shrine on the picturesque island tells the legend of the butcher and his ox. There is a hiking path that provides a wonderful view down to the cross.

If you are here in summer, spend the rest of your day enjoying a swim at Wolfgangsee. The lake offers the same quality as drinking water and in the summer months is a popular bathing spot for visitors and locals alike. Around the lake you are gong to find a great number of welcoming bathing spots. Some places are free; you just have to pay to park. A swim in the lake is a perfect way to enjoy the afternoon weather.

Another option is to take a hike at Postalm, Europe`s second largest high plateau. With its beautiful alpine huts and native charm, the Postalm is a favorite hiking spot for many. Several trails wind through this area and hiking near the cows and the horses is fun for both young and old. All the trails offer beautiful mountainous scenery with numerous picturesque alpine chalets for a quick stop.

Finish your day in the tranquil village of Strobl located on the southern side of the lake. Take in the ambiance here while strolling the lesser-known and more low-key Strobl. You`ll find a low-key ambience and access to great hiking and cycling trials as well. There are a number of options for dining in the town center as well.

Additional Days in St Wolfgang am See

Enjoy a ride on the 12-Horn, a cable car that takes you from St. Gilgen up to the 12-Horn, the most beautiful vantage point in the Salzkammergut with views into the distance and a sun terrace. This mountain excursion offers plenty of walks on the summit and the Illing Alm circular walk is particularly attractive with its interesting, themed rout. Various huts encourage you to pop in and they offer special local delicacies. Just make sure you have good weather, if it`s too windy the cable car will be closed.

In winter, there is skiing in the hills, usually December to mid-March, and you`ll also find facilities where for skating, curling, and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

Your Last Day in St Wolfgang am See

Depart your hotel for the airport or train station where you will head home or make your way to more European adventures. Savor the memories of a very special time in the St Wolfgang and the beautiful Salzkammergut region of Austria.