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Wolfgangsee: A Turquoise Jewel of the Salzkammergut

Discover Wolfgangsee: Austria's stunning lake with turquoise waters, charming villages, and a rich history in the heart of the Salzkammergut.

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Lake Wolfgangsee, nestled in the Austrian Salzkammergut region, is a stunning alpine lake renowned for its turquoise waters and picturesque villages. Named after Saint Wolfgang, it has been a pilgrimage site and a popular destination for relaxation and water sports for centuries.

A brief summary to Wolfgangsee Lake

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Local tips

  • Take a boat trip on the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries to explore the charming lakeside villages.
  • Visit St. Wolfgang's parish church to see the impressive winged altar by Michael Pacher.
  • Ride the Schafbergbahn, Austria's steepest cog railway, for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
  • Enjoy water sports activities such as swimming, sailing, and stand-up paddleboarding on the lake.
  • Explore the historic towns of St. Gilgen and Strobl, each offering unique cultural and scenic attractions.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg, take the Line 150 bus from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to St. Gilgen. The bus ride takes approximately 40 minutes and costs between €6 and €9. From St. Gilgen, board a WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferry to St. Wolfgang, Strobl, or other lakeside locations. Ferry tickets vary depending on the destination, with a Wolfgangsee Ticket costing around €29.60 for adults.

  • Driving

    From Salzburg, take the A1 towards Vienna/Linz and exit at Thalgau. Follow the B158 towards St. Gilgen and then continue to St. Wolfgang or Strobl. Parking is available in St. Wolfgang, with Parking Lot 3 costing approximately €1 per hour. In St. Gilgen, parking is free for 60 minutes, or €4.50 for the whole day. Strobl offers some free parking in the town center. Be aware that parking restrictions may apply on weekends and holidays.

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Discover more about Wolfgangsee Lake

Wolfgangsee, or Lake Wolfgang, is one of Austria's most famous lakes, straddling the states of Salzburg and Upper Austria. Once known as Abersee, it was renamed after Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg, who, according to legend, established a church here in the 10th century, transforming the area into a medieval pilgrimage site. The lake's stunning turquoise color is a result of limestone crystals and the purity of its waters, fed by the Zinkenbach stream, which has earned it the status of an 'EU reference water'. Surrounded by majestic mountains like the Schafberg and Zwölferhorn, Wolfgangsee offers breathtaking views and a rich natural environment. The towns of St. Wolfgang, St. Gilgen, and Strobl, which dot its shoreline, each possess a unique charm and history. St. Wolfgang is known for its impressive parish church with a winged altar by Michael Pacher and the famed Hotel Weisses Rössl, made famous by the operetta 'Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee'. St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother, exudes musical heritage and idyllic landscapes. Strobl captivates visitors with its enchanting lakeside promenade. Today, Wolfgangsee remains a premier destination for recreation and relaxation. Visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, hiking, and climbing in the summer, while winter brings opportunities for skiing and other snow sports. Regular ferry services connect the charming villages, offering a unique perspective of the lake and its surroundings.

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