Background

Schafberg Railway: A Scenic Ascent into the Austrian Alps

Ascend Austria's steepest cog railway for panoramic Salzkammergut views from St. Wolfgang to the Schafberg summit. A historic alpine experience!

4.2

The Schafberg Railway, a historic cog railway in St. Wolfgang, Austria, ascends to the summit of the Schafberg mountain, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Salzkammergut lake region. Since 1893, it has been a unique and unforgettable journey through stunning alpine scenery.

A brief summary to St.Wolfgang im Salzk. Schafbergbf (R.Stolz-Straße)

  • St Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, AT

Local tips

  • Book tickets in advance, especially during summer and weekends, to secure a specific departure time and avoid long waits.
  • Check the Schafbergbahn timetable on the Salzburg AG website for current operating times, as the schedule varies depending on weather conditions and season.
  • Bring layers of clothing, as temperatures can drop quickly with elevation, even in summer.
  • Consider an early morning or late afternoon ride to capture the best views and avoid crowds.
  • Combine your trip with a boat ride on Lake Wolfgangsee for a complete Salzkammergut experience.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Salzburg, take bus 150 to St. Gilgen. From St. Gilgen, you can take a boat across Lake Wolfgangsee to St. Wolfgang, where the Schafbergbahn valley station is located. Alternatively, continue on bus 150 to Strobl and transfer to bus 546 to St. Wolfgang. A combi-ticket for the bus and boat is available. Bus fare from Salzburg to St. Gilgen or Strobl is approximately €10-15. Boat fare from St. Gilgen to St. Wolfgang is approximately €10-15. Bus fare from Strobl to St. Wolfgang is approximately €3-5.

  • Walking

    From the center of St. Wolfgang, the Schafbergbahn valley station is within easy walking distance. Follow the signs towards the lakefront and the prominent red and white railway. The walk is relatively flat and takes approximately 10-15 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available in St. Wolfgang, and a ride to the Schafbergbahn valley station from anywhere in the town center will be a short trip. Expect to pay around €10-€15. There are no tolls or parking fees involved.

Unlock the Best of St.Wolfgang im Salzk. Schafbergbf (R.Stolz-Straße)

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about St.Wolfgang im Salzk. Schafbergbf (R.Stolz-Straße)

The Schafberg Railway, or Schafbergbahn, is Austria's steepest cog railway, ascending from St. Wolfgang to the summit of the Schafberg mountain. The railway climbs 1,190 meters over 5.85 kilometers in approximately 35 minutes, offering stunning views of the Salzkammergut Lake District. Construction of the Schafberg Railway began in 1892, and it opened in 1893. The vision for the railway was to capitalize on tourism and offer joint services with ferries across the adjacent Wolfgangsee lake. The railway has been operated by various companies throughout its history, including Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) and Salzkammergutbahn GmbH (SKGB). Today, it is operated by SchafbergBahn und Wolfgangsee Schifffahrt (SLB), part of the Salzburg AG group. The Schafberg Railway uses both traditional steam locomotives and diesel traction, including railcars. Some of the steam locomotives date back to 1893 and 1894. The ride to the summit provides views of the Wolfgangsee and the surrounding mountain ranges. At the summit, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Salzkammergut region, including the Wolfgangsee, Irrsee, Mondsee, Fuschlsee, and Chiemsee lakes. There is also a mountain hotel and a restaurant called Himmelspforte. The Schafberg summit is also the starting point for hiking tours.

Popular Experiences near St.Wolfgang im Salzk. Schafbergbf (R.Stolz-Straße)

Popular Hotels near St.Wolfgang im Salzk. Schafbergbf (R.Stolz-Straße)

Select Currency