Leslie Massey
Lake Wolfgangsee, originally called Abersee, is a picturesque lake in Austria, located in the Salzkammergut region. It spans across two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria, with the larger part in Salzburg. The lake is surrounded by the Salzkammergut mountain range and is known for its turquoise blue colour, created by the presence of limestone crystals. The settlements around the lake, especially St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, are popular resort towns, with St. Wolfgang being a medieval pilgrimage site. The lake offers a range of activities such as boat trips, water sports, hiking, and cultural events, making it a popular holiday destination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Lake Wolfgangsee, Austria |
| Province | Salzburg and Upper Austria |
| Municipalities | St. Gilgen, Strobl, St. Wolfgang |
| Size | 12.9 to 13.1 km² |
| Length | 10.5 km |
| Breadth | 200 m |
| Depth | 114 m |
| Shore Length | 27 km |
| Surrounding Landscape | Forests, meadows, mountains, alpine pastures |
| Activities | Boating, kayaking, waterskiing, sailing, fishing, hiking, cycling, climbing, skiing, snowboarding |
| Transport | Boat, railway, gondola, car, motorway |
| Accommodation | Villa Alma Boutique Hotel, Hotel Schafbergspitze, Weisses Rössl am Wolfgangsee |
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What You'll Learn
- Lake Wolfgangsee is shared by two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria
- The lake is surrounded by picturesque towns such as St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang
- The lake is famous for its boat trips, which have been running for over 150 years
- The Schafbergbahn is a historic, bright-red mountainside train that runs up the majestic Schafberg
- The lake is known for its exceptional water quality and beautiful turquoise colour
Lake Wolfgangsee is shared by two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria
Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee in German, is a lake in Austria that spans two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria. The larger part of the lake lies in Salzburg, while the northern part belongs to Upper Austria. The municipalities of St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang surround the lake.
The lake is situated in the Salzkammergut region, an idyllic alpine landscape nestled between the Schafberg mountain to the west and the Zwölferhorn mountain to the east. The views of the lake and the surrounding region are stunning, with green meadows, forests, and a magnificent mountain panorama. The lake is one of the best-known lakes in the region and is a popular vacation destination. The settlements around the lake, especially St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, are popular resort towns, particularly during the summer months.
Lake Wolfgang has a rich history and cultural significance. The lake and the town of St. Wolfgang are named after Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg. According to legend, Saint Wolfgang built the first church in the area in the late 10th century, and the area became a medieval pilgrimage site. The original name of the lake was "Abersee," first mentioned in records around 800 AD. Five hundred years later, it was renamed "Wolfgangsee" after Saint Wolfgang.
The lake offers a variety of activities for visitors, including boat trips, hiking, cycling, and water sports such as sailing, surfing, diving, and stand-up paddleboarding. The area is also known for its folk culture and traditions, with traditional handicrafts and local shops offering handmade, high-quality products. The Schafbergbahn, a historic and nostalgic rack-railway, is a popular attraction that offers breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding villages.
Lake Wolfgang has also served as a movie location for several films, including classics like "The White Horse Inn" and the world-famous "Sound of Music." The area's natural beauty, cultural significance, and recreational opportunities make Lake Wolfgangsee a popular destination for visitors seeking a unique Austrian experience.
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The lake is surrounded by picturesque towns such as St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang
Lake Wolfgang (German: Wolfgangsee) is a lake in Austria, surrounded by picturesque towns and villages such as St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. The lake lies mostly within the state of Salzburg and is one of the best-known lakes in the Salzkammergut resort region. The settlements around the lake, especially St. Wolfgang and St. Gilgen, are popular resort towns, particularly during the summer.
St. Gilgen is a municipality on the shore of Lake Wolfgang, with the village of Abersee and Ried. The western portion of the lake at St. Gilgen is known as the Abersee. The B154 highway branches off in St. Gilgen, leading to the A1 Westautobahn motorway. The former Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn narrow-gauge railway to Salzburg went out of service in 1957.
Strobl is another municipality on the shore of Lake Wolfgang, known for its charming blend of old and new architectural styles. The area boasts nostalgic country houses, magnificent Art Nouveau villas, and modern hotels and inns. Strobl has a long history, dating back to the 8th century, and it has been a well-known tourist resort for centuries. The town offers a wonderful natural landscape with moors, alpine pastures, and unspoiled beaches, making it a delightful vacation spot.
St. Wolfgang, the market town on the shore of Lake Wolfgang, is named after Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, who, according to legend, built the first church in the area in the late 10th century. The Gasthaus Weißes Rössl in St. Wolfgang inspired the famous 1897 play "The White Horse Inn" by Oscar Blumenthal and Gustav Kadelburg. The play was adapted into a successful operetta in 1930 by Ralph Benatzky and has been performed and filmed multiple times worldwide.
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The lake is famous for its boat trips, which have been running for over 150 years
Lake Wolfgang (German: Wolfgangsee) is a lake in Austria, located mostly in the state of Salzburg, with a smaller part belonging to Upper Austria. 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.
The boat trips offer excellent views of the lake and the surrounding mountains, villages, and landscapes. The journey from St. Wolfgang to St. Gilgen takes approximately 45 minutes, and passengers can enjoy sights such as the romantic Metzgerinsel, the only island in the lake, and the "Ox Cross", a popular photo motif. The boats are also a great way to access the various activities available on and around the lake, such as swimming, hiking, and water sports.
In addition to the regular boat services, the Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt boats can be booked for special events and festivities. The ferries are wheelchair-accessible, and dogs are allowed on board if they are kept on a leash or in a suitable container. The timetables are easily available and can be found online, making it convenient for visitors to plan their trips in advance.
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The Schafbergbahn is a historic, bright-red mountainside train that runs up the majestic Schafberg
Lake Wolfgang, or Wolfgangsee, is a lake in Austria that lies mostly within the state of Salzburg. It is one of the best-known lakes in the Salzkammergut resort region. The municipalities on its shore include St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. 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.
The Schafbergbahn departs from the valley station, known as ExperienceQuarter, located in St. Wolfgang. This station features a spacious and well-lit guest hall that houses a ticket counter, a souvenir store, and a small museum showcasing a historic locomotive from 1893. Passengers can also dine at the Restaurant EQ, which boasts a lakeside terrace with a stunning view of Lake Wolfgangsee.
The Schafbergbahn offers two exit options along its route. The first stop is the Schafbergalm halt at 1,364 meters, which can be reached after a 30-minute ride. Passengers can choose to disembark here or continue the journey to the mountain station at 1,732 meters. The train ride treats travellers to a memorable experience, with the opportunity to admire the surrounding landscape and soak in the natural beauty of the region.
The Schafberg mountain itself is a popular destination for excursions and hikes. One recommended hike is the trail from St. Wolfgang to the Schafbergspitze, which offers a unique perspective of the iconic Himmelspforte, a former mountain hut perched atop a high rock face. For those seeking a unique experience, Hotel Schafbergspitze, Austria's oldest mountain hotel, offers the opportunity to witness spectacular sunrises.
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The lake is known for its exceptional water quality and beautiful turquoise colour
Lake Wolfgangsee, located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region of Austria, is known for its exceptional water quality and beautiful turquoise colour. The lake is shared by two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria, with the larger part lying in Salzburg. The lake is surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including high mountains such as the Schafberg and the Zwölferhorn, and offers a rich natural environment for visitors to explore.
The unique turquoise hue of the lake's water is attributed to several factors, including the presence of limestone crystals, as well as the depth of the lake and the surrounding flora and fauna. Lake Wolfgangsee is one of the largest lakes in the Salzkammergut region, spanning an area of almost 13 square kilometres and reaching a maximum depth of 114 metres. The lake's water quality is so exceptional that it has earned the status of "EU reference water". This recognition is due in part to the influx of water from the Zinkenbach stream over the centuries.
The crystal-clear water of Lake Wolfgangsee provides the perfect conditions for a variety of water sports and recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, sailing, diving, stand-up paddleboarding, water skiing, and fishing. The lake is also a popular destination for boat trips, connecting the most beautiful spots around the lake for over 150 years. The romantic Metzgerinsel island, with its famous "Ox Cross" photo motif, is the only island in the lake.
The area surrounding Lake Wolfgangsee is not only known for its natural beauty but also for its charming villages, picturesque towns, and cultural attractions. The towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl offer historic centres with traditional architecture and a rich cultural heritage. St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother and home to his sister Nannerl, is particularly renowned for its musical significance. The region's stunning landscapes and traditional architecture have also served as the backdrop for numerous films and television series, including classics like "The White Horse Inn" and the world-famous "Sound of Music".
Lake Wolfgangsee's pristine water, stunning natural surroundings, and cultural offerings make it a popular holiday destination in Austria, attracting visitors from all over the world who seek to immerse themselves in the region's natural beauty and rich cultural history.
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Frequently asked questions
Lake Wolfgangsee is located in the Salzkammergut region, which is in the heart of Austria. It is surrounded by forests, meadows and mountains.
The lake is approximately 10.5 kilometres long from northwest to southeast and has an area of about 12.9 to 13.1 square kilometres. It is one of the largest lakes in the region.
Lake Wolfgangsee offers a wide range of activities, including hiking, cycling, water sports, skiing, and tobogganing. There are also many cultural events, such as the mundART Festival, which celebrates the regional cuisine, and the Strobler Seefest.
The lake is surrounded by picturesque towns and villages, including St. Gilgen, Strobl, and St. Wolfgang. These towns are known for their traditional Austrian culture and architecture.
The lake itself is a popular attraction for swimming, boating, and water sports. Other notable attractions include the SchafbergBahn, a historic steam cog railway, and the White Horse Inn, which was featured in the movie "The White Horse Inn".
