St. Wolfgang

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St. Wolfgang: Historic town with a fantastic location on Lake Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is picturesquely situated on the northern shore of the Wolfgangsee St. Wolfgang is located in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria, directly at the foot of the 1,783-meter-high Schafberg mountain. The market town owes its name to Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, who established a cell here in the 10th century, thus laying the foundation for what would later become a pilgrimage site. Today, historic houses, narrow lanes, the famous pilgrimage church, and its location directly on the lake characterize the townscape. St. Wolfgang is also known beyond the region for... Schafberg Railway, the Wolfgangsee shipping company and the traditional White Horse Inn.

Short info:

Where is St. Wolfgang located? On the north bank of the Wolfgangsee in Upper Austria between St. Gilgen and Strobl.
How do you get to St. Wolfgang? Via the B158, by boat or by bus connections to Bad Ischl and Salzburg. A free Park & Ride at the Gschwendt pier allows onward travel by boat.
What is there to see here? The Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang with the famous Pacher altarpiece, which Schafberg Railway, the Wolfgangsee Shipping, historic alleyways and the famous White Horse Inn.
Other highlights? Strolls through Stöckl and Zipf, hikes up the Schafberg, the Bürglstein panoramic trail and in winter the Wolfgangsee Advent.
Do ships dock in St. Wolfgang? Yes. Wolfgangsee Shipping connects St. Wolfgang with St. Gilgen , Strobl and other landing stages around the lake.

Townscape and history

The oldest lanes and squares are located in Stöckl and Zipf, near the boat landing. Many buildings date back to the Gründerzeit (late 19th-century boom period). Here, one small shop follows another – from souvenir shops and cafés to traditional inns. Since the town center is car-free, it's a relaxing place to stroll. Historic houses stand directly on the lake, with the pilgrimage church as a striking backdrop, while the lakeside promenade leads to the valley station of the... Schafberg Railway leads.

Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang and Pacher Altar

The late Gothic Pilgrimage Church of St. Wolfgang With its distinctive tower, it was built around 1450. Its greatest treasure is the winged high altar by Michael Pacher – a masterpiece of woodcarving with 71 carved figures and 24 paintings. Depending on the position of the wings, the altar depicts scenes from the life of Saint Wolfgang, miracles of Christ, or Marian feasts.

The Pacher Altar is considered the only completely preserved altar by the South Tyrolean artist and is one of the most important works of the Late Gothic period. Besides the high altar, Baroque side altars, frescoes, the Wolfgang cell with the penitential stone, and a Stations of the Cross are also worth seeing.

Schafberg Railway – Austria's steepest cog railway

The [train] has been running since 1893. Schafberg Railway From St. Wolfgang, the cable car travels 5.85 km and climbs approximately 1,190 meters in altitude to the Schafberg mountain. The journey takes about 35 minutes and offers impressive views of the Salzkammergut region. The cable car is one of the most popular attractions in the area.

The "ExperienceQuarter" is located at the train station, featuring an exhibition, shop, café, and restaurant. A stop at the Schafbergalm is possible along the way. At the summit, a panoramic view awaits, offering glimpses of numerous lakes in the Salzkammergut region.

Special offers include family days, senior discounts, evening and nostalgic trips, and a day pass for dogs valid on both train and boat. The climate ticket is not valid.; Tickets can be booked online..

Wolfgangsee Shipping – traveling on one of Austria's most beautiful lakes

The Wolfgangsee shipping company connects St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen and Strobl since the 19th century. Several ships operate daily between the towns and other landing stages around the Wolfgangsee. This includes modern ships as well as the historic paddle steamer RMS Kaiser Franz Josef I.

A round trip takes just under three hours. The boats stop at several stations, including St. Wolfgang Market and St. Wolfgang. Schafberg Railway, St. Gilgen , Fürberg and Strobl. Reservations are possible for groups, and there is also a day pass for dogs, which is valid for both the boat trip and the... Schafberg Railway is valid.

Walks and nature experiences around St. Wolfgang

Numerous walking and hiking trails lead through the Salzkammergut landscape around St. Wolfgang. The Bürglstein Panorama Trail is particularly popular. Strobl and St. Wolfgang, which leads for about seven kilometers along the lake, through sections of forest and over rocky passages.

Those seeking a more active experience can hike up the Schafberg mountain and then comfortably descend by cogwheel train. In winter, the Wolfgangsee Advent market, with its atmospherically lit streets, Christmas markets, and traditional scenery, creates a truly special ambiance.

Practical tips for your visit to St. Wolfgang

Parking & Mobility: Gschwendt Pier offers free parking. The "Mountain & Ship" combination ticket includes boat transfer to the... Schafberg Railway-Valley station included.
Tickets & Discounts: Online tickets help avoid waiting times. Discounts are available, among other things, with the Salzkammergut Card. The climate ticket is not valid for trains and ships.
Dogs & Children: Dogs must be on a leash and muzzled. Children without their own seat travel free; children aged 4 to 14 are eligible for discounted fares.