Exploring Schafberg, Austria: A Travel Guide

The Schafberg mountain in Austria is a sight to behold. Standing at an elevation of 1783 meters, it is nestled within the picturesque landscapes of the Salzkammergut region. To get to the top, you have two options: hike one of the three trails or take the cog railway from St. Wolfgang. The hike will take you through stunning scenery and offer a rewarding sense of accomplishment, while the cog railway will get you to the summit in just 35 minutes, treating you to breathtaking views along the way.

The panorama from the summit is truly spectacular, offering an uninterrupted view of the Salzkammergut region and a stunning vista across Europe. Keep an eye out for the 'Heaven's Gate' or Himmelspforte Schafberg, and if you wish to extend your stay, the Schafbergspitze (also known as the Schafberg House) offers cosy accommodation with a view.

So, are you ready to plan your trip to Schafberg Mountain? Whether you hike or take the railway, you're in for an unforgettable adventure and some of the best views Austria has to offer!

Getting there: fly to Salzburg, then drive to St Wolfgang or St Gilgen

The closest airport to Schafberg Mountain is in Salzburg, so this is where you will want to fly into. From there, you can rent a car and drive to St Wolfgang or St Gilgen. The drive to St Wolfgang will take about an hour, while the drive to St Gilgen will take about half that time.

If you are keen to take a boat ride across the Wolfgangsee, you can drive to St Gilgen and then take a ferry to St Wolfgang. However, this option will require more planning, so bear that in mind if you are short on time.

If you are travelling from Hallstatt, it will only take you 40 minutes to get to St Wolfgang.

Take the Schafbergbahn cog railway up the mountain

The Schafbergbahn cog railway is Austria's steepest cog railway and has been running from St. Wolfgang up the Schafberg Mountain since 1893. The train covers a total distance of 5.85 kilometres, rising 1,190 vertical meters and reaching a height of 1,783 metres. The journey to the summit takes approximately 35 minutes.

The Schafbergbahn departs from the valley station, called the ExperienceQuarter, in St. Wolfgang. The ExperienceQuarter features a large guest hall, a souvenir store, a small museum with a historic locomotive from 1893, and the Restaurant EQ, which offers dining with a view of Lake Wolfgangsee.

On the journey to the summit, passengers can choose between two exits. One option is to disembark at the Schafbergalm halt at 1,364 metres (the middle station) after a 30-minute ride. This stop marks the tree line of the mountain and offers a view of the valley and Lake Wolfgangsee. The other option is to ride up to the mountain station at 1,732 metres, which is the final stop.

The Schafbergbahn cog railway is known for its flexibility, with departures as frequent as every 20 minutes during peak times. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and one-way trips (ascent or descent only) are available.

The Schafbergbahn is a popular attraction, especially during the summer, so booking tickets in advance is recommended. Additionally, passengers are advised to reserve a slot for their return journey once they reach the top.

The Schafbergbahn offers a memorable experience, combining the thrill of ascending Austria's steepest cog railway with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Hike up the mountain: three routes to choose from, taking 3-4 hours

There are three routes to choose from if you want to hike up Schafberg Mountain. All three routes take around 3-4 hours and offer stunning views of the Austrian landscape.

St. Wolfgang Route

The St. Wolfgang route takes approximately 3.5 hours and is considered an easy summit tour. The trail begins at the church in St. Wolfgang and takes hikers through the forest as far as the Dorneralm and the Schafbergalm (the station for the cog railway). From there, trail number 20 leads hikers steeply uphill across open terrain until you reach the "Krapfl". This is where the final climb to the summit begins.

St. Wolfgang via Mönichsee and Purtschellersteig Route

This route takes around 4 hours and is secured by safety cables in parts. It is very exposed and only recommended for mountaineers with a head for heights and good alpine equipment. The trail begins at the church in St. Wolfgang and takes hikers through the forest to the Mönichsee, surrounded by ancient forests. From there, hikers keep left until the trail divides and the Purtschellersteig trail begins, crossing a very steep mountainside and rock face.

St. Gilgen Route

The St. Gilgen route takes approximately 3 hours and is considered less challenging, although sturdy hiking shoes are still required. The trail begins at the church in St. Gilgen and takes hikers through the forest and a series of switchbacks up to the Schafbergalm. From there, hikers continue uphill across meadows, cross the train tracks, and climb several steps to reach the "Krapfl". The final stretch to the summit is a gentle climb.

Book tickets in advance for the cog railway

The Schafbergbahn cog railway is Austria's steepest, and it takes you from St. Wolfgang to the summit of Schafberg in around 35 minutes. It's been in operation since 1893, and it's a memorable part of the journey to the top. The train covers a total distance of 5.85km, rising 1190 vertical metres.

The timetable is flexible, and departures can be as frequent as every 20 minutes during peak times. However, it's still worth booking your ticket online in advance to secure your preferred departure time. One-way tickets are also available if you only want to travel one way by train.

You can buy tickets online via the SchafbergBahn website. Here, you'll also find the latest timetable and pricing information.

Tips for Booking Tickets

• The return ticket price for an adult in 2021 was €42, and half-price for children up to 14 years old.
• Combined tickets for the boat on Lake Wolfgangsee and the cog railway are available at the boat dock in St Gilgen.
• During the high season, it's recommended to arrive early, as even the first train tends to be busy.
• If you don't reserve your return journey slot at the valley station, you'll need to do this when you arrive at the mountain top.

Explore the surrounding Salzkammergut region

The Salzkammergut region is a picturesque area in Austria, known for its lakes, mountains, and charming towns. Here are some suggestions on places to visit and things to do in the surrounding Salzkammergut region:

• Fuschlsee Lake: This lake offers a relaxing 3-hour walk, crystal clear waters for swimming, and water sports such as sailing and stand-up paddling. It is also less touristy and has free, uncrowded swimming spots.
• Wolfgangsee Lake: This stunning lake is surrounded by mountains, lush forests, and charming villages like Sankt Gilgen and Sankt Wolfgang. You can take boat tours, hike surrounding peaks, or ride the cable car to Zwölferhorn.
• Hallstätter See: This lake is surrounded by towering mountains and rolling hills. The town of Hallstatt, located on the lake, is a popular tourist destination but can be crowded. Consider visiting the quieter areas around the lake for a peaceful escape.
• Gosauseen: These three glacial lakes near Hallstatt offer breathtaking views of glaciers, clear waters, and majestic peaks. There are also hiking trails and huts for food and drinks along the way.
• Altausseer See: This lake, located in the heart of Austria's Styrian region, is a hidden gem. It is known for its crystal-clear waters and tranquil atmosphere. The town of Bad Aussee, built around salt mining, is also worth a visit.
• Traunsee: This is the largest lake in Austria by volume and the second deepest. Gmunden, located on the north end, is a must-visit for its lakeside promenade, souvenir stalls, and historical sites such as the Town Hall and Parish Church.
• Attersee: As the largest lake in Austria by surface size, it offers plenty of opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. However, it lacks unique attractions compared to other lakes in the region.
• Mondsee: This lake is popular due to the famous wedding church from the movie "The Sound of Music." The town of Mondsee has a market square, a scenic promenade, and a medieval monastery. It also offers activities such as biking, hiking, and water sports.
• Bad Ischl: This town, a former summer capital of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, is known for its impressive imperial architecture and cultural offerings. It is also a great base for exploring the Salzkammergut region, with regular bus and train connections.
• Hallstatt: This picturesque mountain-side village, nestled between Lake Hallstatt and the Dachstein Mountains, is one of the most photographed places in the world. It has a rich history dating back to the Neolithic era. You can also visit the oldest salt mine in the world and take a cable car to Dachstein Krippenstein.
• Dachstein Krippenstein: This natural wonder offers breathtaking scenery and exciting activities, such as ice caves, the Five Fingers viewpoint, and the Mammut Cave.
• Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl: This was the summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph and Empress Elisabeth. You can take a guided tour of the villa and explore the surrounding Kaiserpark.
• Gmunden: This town is known for its ceramics and has a castle, Schloss Ort, built on a tiny island. It is also a great place for water sports such as windsurfing and water skiing.

Frequently asked questions