Exploring Wolfgangsee: Austria's Hidden Gem In The Alps

where is wolfgangse austria

Lake Wolfgangsee, originally called Abersee, is a famous lake in Austria. It is located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region, surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range. The lake is known for its incredible beauty, attracting visitors from all over the world. The lake spans the borders of Salzburg and Upper Austria, with the larger part lying in Salzburg. The charming towns of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang are located on its shores, offering a variety of attractions and activities for visitors all year round.

Characteristics Values
Location The Salzkammergut region, Salzburg and Upper Austria
Size 12.9 to 13.1 km2
Surroundings Surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range, including Schafberg (1,782 m)
Nearby Towns St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, Strobl
Attractions SchafbergBahn (steam cog railway), Zwölferhorn cable car, WolfgangseeSchifffahrt, Gasthaus Weißes Rössl, Villa Alma Boutique Hotel
Activities Hiking, cycling, boating, gondola rides, cultural events, festivals
Water Quality EU reference water with exceptional quality

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Lake Wolfgangsee

The lake is named after Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, who, according to legend, built the first church in the area in the late 10th century. Lake Wolfgangsee stretches about 10.5 kilometres from northwest to southeast and has an area of approximately 12.9 to 13.1 square kilometres. It is surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range, with the Schafberg peak located on its northern side. The lake is known for its varying colours, which are influenced by the presence of different plants, animals, and limestone crystals in the water.

There are several popular attractions and activities around Lake Wolfgangsee. The SchafbergBahn, a historic rack railway, offers a 35-minute ride up the Schafberg, providing panoramic views of the lake and surrounding landscape. St. Gilgen, a charming town on the lake's shore, is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful scenery. It is also the location of the Hotel zum Weißen Rössl, which became famous due to its feature in the play "The White Horse Inn" and its subsequent adaptations.

The best time to visit Lake Wolfgangsee is during the warmer months, from May to September, when visitors can enjoy the natural beauty and explore the surrounding attractions and charming villages.

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The SchafbergBahn railway

Lake Wolfgangsee, originally called Abersee, is a beautiful lake in Austria. It is located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region, surrounded by mountains. The lake is a popular holiday destination, attracting visitors from around the world with its natural beauty, charming villages, and many attractions.

The SchafbergBahn is a cog railway that runs from St. Wolfgang up to the summit of Schafberg. It is Austria's steepest cog railway, covering a total distance of 5.85 kilometres and rising 1,190 vertical meters. The journey takes approximately 35 minutes. The railway was opened on 1 August 1893 and has been in operation since then, providing a memorable experience for tourists seeking to enjoy the beauty of Lake Wolfgangsee and its surroundings.

The lower station of the SchafbergBahn is located in St. Wolfgang, in front of Lake Wolfgangsee. The railway then climbs up the mountain, entering the municipal territory of St. Gilgen in the state of Salzburg. On the journey to the summit, passengers can choose between two exits. They can get off at the Schafbergalm halt at 1,364 meters, which is the middle station, or continue to the mountain station at the summit, at an altitude of 1,732 meters.

The SchafbergBahn offers a flexible timetable, with departures as frequent as every 20 minutes during peak times. Tickets can be purchased online in advance, and one-way trips for either ascent or descent are also available. The SchafbergBahn is operated by the local company SchafbergBahn und Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt (SLB), which also manages the shipping services on the adjacent Wolfgangsee lake.

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The town of St. Wolfgang

St. Wolfgang is a market town in central Austria, nestled on the northern shore of Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) in the Salzkammergut region. The town is named after Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, who, according to legend, built the first church here in the late 10th century. Saint Wolfgang is said to have thrown an axe down the mountain to find the site for the church and even tricked the Devil into helping with its construction.

Lake Wolfgang, originally called Abersee, is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range. The lake is known for its incredible beauty, with turquoise blue waters created by limestone crystals and varying plant and animal life. The area offers a relaxed lifestyle and a range of attractions, from wellness and sports to charming villages and cultural experiences.

St. Wolfgang has a rich history, with the town becoming a significant pilgrimage site after Saint Wolfgang's canonisation in 1052. The ancient "pilgrims' path" leads to the places where Saint Wolfgang is said to have worked his miracles. The town also gained fame through its association with the play "The White Horse Inn" and the 1930 operetta based on it, which led to regular flights between St. Wolfgang and Berlin.

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The province of Salzburg

Salzburg has a rich history that dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of mineral resources and settlements in the mountains and Alpine foreland. The area was invaded by the Romans in 15 BC, and the Roman city of Municipium Claudium Iuvavum was established in the old town of Salzburg. The city became a seat of the archbishop in 798 and was a centre of the Counter-Reformation in the 17th century, with numerous Baroque churches and monasteries built during this period.

The province is known for its stunning natural scenery, with nine-tenths of its land situated among the Alps. It is home to famous lakes such as Lake Wolfgangsee, surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range. The lake is a popular tourist destination, known for its unique beauty and charming villages. The province also offers attractions like the SchafbergBahn, Austria's steepest steam cog railway, which provides breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Salzburg has a diverse economy, with industries such as timber, wood products, paper, and aluminium production contributing significantly. Agriculture is also important, with cattle and dairy farming, horse breeding, and fruit growing prevalent in the region. The province has a strong Roman Catholic majority, and its historic centre, renowned for its Baroque architecture, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

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The Salzkammergut region

The region is known for its many lakes, mountains, and recreational activities. Lake Wolfgangsee, originally called Abersee, is one of Austria's most famous lakes and is located in the Salzkammergut region. The lake is surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range and is known for its incredible beauty and turquoise blue colour, attracting visitors from all over the world. The lake is mostly located in the province of Salzburg, with a smaller part belonging to Upper Austria.

The town of St. Wolfgang, located on the lake, is a popular destination. A highlight of a visit to St. Wolfgang is a ride on the SchafbergBahn, Austria's steepest steam cog railway, which leads up to the summit of Schafberg at 1,782 meters. The Hotel zum Weißen Rössl in St. Wolfgang is a legendary hotel and the setting of the famous 1897 play "The White Horse Inn" by Oscar Blumenthal and Gustav Kadelburg.

Frequently asked questions

Lake Wolfgang (German: Wolfgangsee) is located in the state of Salzburg, in the Salzkammergut resort region.

Lake Wolfgang offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, skiing, cross-country skiing, tobogganing, and winter hiking. The lake is also known for its culinary delights, with numerous restaurants, cafes, and hotels serving traditional Austrian cuisine and offering breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

The charming towns of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang are located on the shores of Lake Wolfgang.

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