{{filter.label}}
Holidays in Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is one of Austria’s most famous lakes, located in the Salzkammergut region, near Salzburg. It has a rich history dating back to medieval times, strongly influenced by religious and cultural developments.
Saint Wolfgang (10th century): The lake is named after Saint Wolfgang, the Bishop of Regensburg. According to legend, he threw an axe from the mountain and vowed to build a church where it landed. This became the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang, an important religious site.
Pilgrimage and Trade (Middle Ages): St. Wolfgang's church became a major pilgrimage destination, attracting travelers and merchants.
Tourism Development (19th–20th Century): With the expansion of railways and road networks, Wolfgangsee became a popular vacation spot for Austrian and German elites, followed by international visitors.
Present Day: Wolfgangsee remains a sought-after destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Austria's cultural heritage.
Description of Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by picturesque villages, rolling hills, and towering mountains. It spans 13 km in length, covering an area of approximately 13 km², and reaches depths of 114 meters. The lake is shared by two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria.
Major towns around Wolfgangsee:
St. Wolfgang: The most famous town, home to the historic pilgrimage church and the iconic Weißes Rössl (White Horse Inn), a setting for operettas and movies.
St. Gilgen: Known for its connection to Mozart (his mother was born here), offering a charming village atmosphere and a cable car ride to the Zwölferhorn mountain.
Strobl: A quieter lakeside village with sandy beaches and excellent hiking trails.
Climate: Wolfgangsee enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers (20-30°C) and cold winters (0 to -10°C), making it suitable for year-round activities.
Typical Food of Wolfgangsee
The region offers traditional Austrian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish from the lake, hearty alpine dishes, and sweet pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steckerlfisch – Grilled fish on a stick, often freshly caught from Wolfgangsee.
Forelle Müllerin Art – Pan-fried trout, served with butter and potatoes.
Kasnocken – Austrian-style cheese dumplings, a favorite among hikers.
Bauernschmaus – A mix of roast pork, sausages, sauerkraut, and dumplings.
Apfelstrudel – Classic Austrian apple strudel with cinnamon and raisins.
Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy, shredded pancakes with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
Local taverns and lakeside restaurants offer these delicacies, often accompanied by Austrian beer or Grüner Veltliner wine.
Activities at Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is a paradise for outdoor lovers, providing opportunities for water sports, hiking, cycling, and winter activities.
Summer Activities:
Swimming & Sunbathing: The lake has excellent water quality, with several beaches in Strobl, St. Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang.
Boating & Sailing: Rent an electric boat or take a scenic boat cruise across the lake.
Hiking:
Schafberg Mountain (1,783 m): Take the Schafbergbahn, a historic cog railway, or hike up for breathtaking panoramic views.
Zwölferhorn (1,522 m): Accessible by cable car from St. Gilgen, offering scenic trails.
Cycling & E-Biking: Well-maintained paths surround the lake, with picturesque routes through forests and meadows.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: A peaceful way to explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
Fishing: Permits are available for those who want to try catching local trout and perch.
Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Nearby ski resorts like Postalm offer great slopes for beginners and families.
Christmas Markets: The towns around Wolfgangsee have beautiful, traditional Advent markets with local crafts and food.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Trails around Strobl and Postalm provide scenic winter routes.
Conclusion
Wolfgangsee is a destination that combines history, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and outdoor adventure. Whether you visit for summer hiking and lake activities or winter sports and festive markets, this Austrian gem is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Saint Wolfgang (10th century): The lake is named after Saint Wolfgang, the Bishop of Regensburg. According to legend, he threw an axe from the mountain and vowed to build a church where it landed. This became the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang, an important religious site.
Pilgrimage and Trade (Middle Ages): St. Wolfgang's church became a major pilgrimage destination, attracting travelers and merchants.
Tourism Development (19th–20th Century): With the expansion of railways and road networks, Wolfgangsee became a popular vacation spot for Austrian and German elites, followed by international visitors.
Present Day: Wolfgangsee remains a sought-after destination for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those interested in Austria's cultural heritage.
Description of Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is a stunning alpine lake surrounded by picturesque villages, rolling hills, and towering mountains. It spans 13 km in length, covering an area of approximately 13 km², and reaches depths of 114 meters. The lake is shared by two Austrian states: Salzburg and Upper Austria.
Major towns around Wolfgangsee:
St. Wolfgang: The most famous town, home to the historic pilgrimage church and the iconic Weißes Rössl (White Horse Inn), a setting for operettas and movies.
St. Gilgen: Known for its connection to Mozart (his mother was born here), offering a charming village atmosphere and a cable car ride to the Zwölferhorn mountain.
Strobl: A quieter lakeside village with sandy beaches and excellent hiking trails.
Climate: Wolfgangsee enjoys a temperate climate with warm summers (20-30°C) and cold winters (0 to -10°C), making it suitable for year-round activities.
Typical Food of Wolfgangsee
The region offers traditional Austrian cuisine with an emphasis on fresh fish from the lake, hearty alpine dishes, and sweet pastries.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steckerlfisch – Grilled fish on a stick, often freshly caught from Wolfgangsee.
Forelle Müllerin Art – Pan-fried trout, served with butter and potatoes.
Kasnocken – Austrian-style cheese dumplings, a favorite among hikers.
Bauernschmaus – A mix of roast pork, sausages, sauerkraut, and dumplings.
Apfelstrudel – Classic Austrian apple strudel with cinnamon and raisins.
Kaiserschmarrn – Fluffy, shredded pancakes with powdered sugar and fruit compote.
Local taverns and lakeside restaurants offer these delicacies, often accompanied by Austrian beer or Grüner Veltliner wine.
Activities at Wolfgangsee
Wolfgangsee is a paradise for outdoor lovers, providing opportunities for water sports, hiking, cycling, and winter activities.
Summer Activities:
Swimming & Sunbathing: The lake has excellent water quality, with several beaches in Strobl, St. Gilgen, and St. Wolfgang.
Boating & Sailing: Rent an electric boat or take a scenic boat cruise across the lake.
Hiking:
Schafberg Mountain (1,783 m): Take the Schafbergbahn, a historic cog railway, or hike up for breathtaking panoramic views.
Zwölferhorn (1,522 m): Accessible by cable car from St. Gilgen, offering scenic trails.
Cycling & E-Biking: Well-maintained paths surround the lake, with picturesque routes through forests and meadows.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking: A peaceful way to explore the lake’s crystal-clear waters.
Fishing: Permits are available for those who want to try catching local trout and perch.
Winter Activities:
Skiing & Snowboarding: Nearby ski resorts like Postalm offer great slopes for beginners and families.
Christmas Markets: The towns around Wolfgangsee have beautiful, traditional Advent markets with local crafts and food.
Snowshoeing & Cross-Country Skiing: Trails around Strobl and Postalm provide scenic winter routes.
Conclusion
Wolfgangsee is a destination that combines history, breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and outdoor adventure. Whether you visit for summer hiking and lake activities or winter sports and festive markets, this Austrian gem is sure to leave a lasting impression!
Click to show the map