Day trip to St Wolfgang from Salzburg

Day trip to St Wolfgang from Salzburg

Yet another charming Austrian town located on the banks of Lake Wolfgangsee, I visited St Wolfgang in the winter when it was draped in soft white crispy snow. Getting to St Wolfgang from Salzburg is easy by road or by public transportation. Board the bus from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (main train station) to Bad Ischl and get down at St Gilgen, which is hardly 45 minutes away from Salzburg. From here, you can board a ferry which takes about 45 minutes on Wolfgangsee Lake, with gorgeous views of the lakeside villages and towns, before arriving at the pier at St Wolfgang.

Alternatively, you can take a bus all the way to St Wolfgang. However, St Gilgen is also a lovely little town where you can spend a couple of hours before you move on to St Wolfgang and thus, I recommend that you stop over at St Gilgen and then sail on the romantic lake, a unique experience as compared to taking the bus directly.

Of course, renting a car and driving in such amazing places is always the best option!

Click here to book your car.


St Gilgen

During the summer months, this scenic lakeside town is popular with visitors from Salzburg looking to enjoy some watersports on the lake, in a quieter and remote environment. This idyllic town is a hidden gem of Austria's countryside and is also closely connected to Mozart and his family. In the winter, visitors come to St Gilgen for its famous ski slopes, from one of the most beautiful peaks of the Salzkammergut region. There is also a cute Christmas Market here during the winter months (November - December) which is quite popular.

While you're in St Gilgen, whether you're a skiing enthusiast or not, do take the cable car to Zwolferhorn (cable car station is a 2-minute walk from the bus drop off) for amazing views of the sleepy town and the lake and also for the views once you get up to the mountaintop. A lovely restaurant offering superb views is located at the top, where you can enjoy the Gluhwein in the crispy cold winter months. There was a blizzard on the day I visited which did not spoil the experience at all. In fact, despite the immense snow and fog, the place was gorgeous!

St Gilgen Town

View of St Gilgen from Zwolferhorn cable car

Zwolferhorn Ski Slopes

Skiing at Zwolferhorn

Skiing at Zwolferhorn

Visiting Vienna? Read about what to do in Vienna in winter.


Ferry to St Wolfgang

From St Gilgen, you can board the ferry to St Wolfgang and sail over the romantic deep blue lake, as you watch adorable little lakeside towns of Austria go by. The ferry has a bar on board where you can buy your drinks (in the winter, you will get Gluhwein and a souvenir mug to take with you, free of charge). Do keep an eye out for the timings of the ferry to and from St Wolfgang.

St Wolfgang

The sleepy, romantic St Wolfgang

Once you arrive at the pier at St Wolfgang, you can walk through this picturesque town towards the town centre where you will find several cafes, restaurants and a very charming Christmas Market in the winter, right by the lake. The smell of baked apple is extremely enticing and the market extends from the centre of the town until the banks of the lake. Bonfires are lit at several junctions to keep yourself warm during the chilly months and these add to the romanticism of the little town.

Colorful houses, cobbled stone streets, horse carriages, narrow streets and a laid-back vibe - this is what you can expect from this delightful little town. A great way to enjoy some peace away from the hustle and bustle of a busy city, St Wolfgang from Salzburg makes for a great day trip for people looking to get an authentic Austrian countryside experience.

Pier at St Wolfgang

A walk through the romantic and sleepy town

St Wolfgang Town Centre

St Wolfgang Christmas Market

St Wolfgang Christmas Market

Tip: A lovely restaurant, SeeRestaurant at White Horse Inn, located right on the lake, with large glass windows offering views of the mountains beyond, is a great place to enjoy an authentic Austrian Schnitzel and Apple Strudel. If you're lucky, you will be able to catch a brilliant lake sunset here.

Sunset at Wolfgangsee

Wolfgangsee Lake

Optional: Hiking enthusiasts can take the 3-hour hike to Schafberg mountain.

If you are in Austria, you must also visit Hallstatt! Read here about my experience of travelling to Hallstatt from Salzburg.

 

Comments:

  • Richa Jain

    December 25, 2019

    I really loved the detailed description of such a winter wonderland. I live in Munich and your blog compelled me to plan a trip to Wolfgang soon. Can I get your email address, I have some questions before planning the trip.

    reply...
  • Ankit Bansal

    October 8, 2019

    Hi Medha,

    I am planning to visit Salzburg in October for 2 days. Have already planned for Hallstat for one day. But looking between Zell am See and Wolfgansee for one day. Could you help me which one would be better option Zell am See or Wolfgang See.

    reply...
      • Ankit Bansal

        October 9, 2019

        Many Thanks Medha but would only be going to St Wolfgang as cog railway train is not going through the top, it is only going through the second station. So Zell am See seems to be good option now.

        reply...
  • Priyasha Das

    September 26, 2019

    Hi
    I am going to Salzburg in December post Christmas. 26 and 27th I ll be in Salzburg. 26th half day and 27th full day. I was planning for hallstat on 27th. Now seeing your pictures am so in love with Wolfgang. Please suggest how I should plan. Can Hallstat and Wolfgang and St Gilgen be done in one full day??

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      • Leo

        November 29, 2023

        hi Medha, leo here .Is it safe to drive from Salzburg to St Gilgen , St wolfgang and Hallstatt during christmas time ? Will it be encounter a lot of snow ?

        reply...
  • Dominic

    May 8, 2019

    Hi,
    I’ll be going to Salzburg next week, since you been both St Wolfang and Hallstatt. Do you think both scenery similar?

    reply...
  • May 29, 2018

    Wolfgang looks so pretty in the winter! I’d love to visit Salzburg again and use it as a base to see Wolfgang and Hallstatt.

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  • May 29, 2018

    Had never heard of St Wolfgang before but it looks so beautiful. I’ve been to Salzburg but I think I need to go back since there are so many pretty places nearby that I missed.

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      • Aditya

        December 29, 2019

        I will be travelling in Feb. Is ferry operational during that season? If not, is it recommended to take a public bus to cover Wolfgang as well along with Gilgen? Which one of the two should I prioritize?

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  • May 3, 2018

    Lovely pictures. The snow laden mountains and roads looks so tempting!

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  • May 2, 2018

    The landscape looks so different in winters. We always travel during autumn season so this time of the year is unfamiliar for us. I would love to visit St.Wolfgang, even if its during winters.

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  • May 1, 2018

    Wow that looks so cold! But so beautiful, and very picturesque over the lake. Great tips about the SeeRestaurant at sunset, that view is stunning!

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  • May 1, 2018

    Yet another Austrian destination I have to visit in winter! I’ve heard so much about the Christmas market and unique winter atmosphere on the Wolfgangsee. Now I know it’s totally worth a visit. Thanks for the pictures and detailed guide. Maybe this winter?

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  • May 1, 2018

    This place looks so picturesque especially during winter time. I love how there’s so many things you can do like take a cable car or go on a ferry.

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  • April 30, 2018

    So beautiful. As much as I hate the cold, European villages in winter have such a magical quality. I’m pretty sure eating that Schnitzel and apple strudel would be pretty amazing as the sun goes down. I bet the Christmas Market is wonderful too. Your photos are really pretty and show the beauty so well.

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  • April 30, 2018

    Austria is high up on my bucket list, and I am planning to include it in my Europe trip next summer which is absolutely exciting! I doubt I will be able to tolerate the cold, as the lowest temperatures in my country are the low-20s. Spectacular scenery as expected, and definitely a great day trip out from Salzburg, the epitome of classical music and our favourite Mozart!

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  • April 30, 2018

    St Wolfgang does look magical under all the snow. And the hint of blue skies made everything seems prettier.
    But what did you do during the blizzard? Did you get stuck in St Gilgen?

    reply...
  • Blair Villanueva

    April 30, 2018

    If everything’s went well, I wish to spend Christmas season here with my Amore. It looks fantastic and I think the experience would be more different than those in Paris. You are so lucky to experience it!

    reply...
  • Lisa

    April 29, 2018

    It’s lovely to see these winter scenes, even though it’s finally spring where I am. I’ve also yet to travel to Salzburg, but would love to one day, and see St Wolfgang for myself. I have to admit, I’m over the cold weather for now, so would like to see this place in the glorious sunshine instead. As always, beautiful photos Medha, and a great read.

    reply...
  • Danila Caputo

    April 29, 2018

    We should definitely travel more during Winter. Snow gives a touch of magic to every landscape. Those colorful houses and cobbled stone streets definitely look straight out of a fairytale!

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  • April 29, 2018

    St Wolfgang – what a wonderful place you visited. We did a day trip from Salzburg to Hallstatt. I liked the description of the old towns – Colorful houses, cobbled stone streets, horse carriages, narrow streets – almost felt like I was seeing them. Only the smell of baked apples was missing. 🙂

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  • April 28, 2018

    I did Salzburg and Innsbruck but could not go through St. Wolfgang. But this city looks very beautiful when covered with snow. I would love to take ferry and go around for having view of stunning Austrian landscape. It is good they serve hot drinks in ferry. Sunset at Wolfgangsee looks splendid. Going through Christmas markets must be fun and joyful.

    reply...
  • Susanna

    April 28, 2018

    This looks like the cutest and coziest little Alpine town! I’ve been to Salzburg a few times, but haven’t heard of this. Great option for next time I go. I really enjoy skiing, so I’ll have to bring my skies! The holidays look like a great time to visit.

    reply...
  • Leah

    April 26, 2018

    You had me at “christmas markets”! St. Wolfgang is officially on my bucket list, especially taking the cable car all the way up for that beautiful and snowy view. Thanks for sharing and I hope to make it to Austria soon 🙂

    reply...
  • April 26, 2018

    Your photos of St. Wolfgang are dream-like. You wore great colors to add spice. I will be in this area in October. I hope I will see the same scenes.

    reply...
  • April 25, 2018

    Austria is on my bucket list but I had never heard of these cities! It looks so dreamy! I thought I wanted to visit Austria in the summer, but might have to make a second trip in the winter to see it like this!

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  • April 25, 2018

    Even though I live in Switzerland with similar landscape I cant get enought of it. St Wolfgang is beautiful I can imagine the smell of the baked apple at the christmas market and I get like a child again filled with christmas spirit! Or I could aswell imagine St.Wolfgang on the summer that must be equally as beautiful!

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  • April 25, 2018

    We always love places iced with snow and this one for sure is exceptionally beautiful. The clouds on the mountains are adding extra colors to it. Your pictures are gorgeous. Would love to visit St. Wolfgang fro sure. Adding it to our bucket list.

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  • April 25, 2018

    Awesome. I can’t believe there is a place called Wolfgang. I want to go just for that reason. But the shots of St Gilgen Town are just so cozy. To be honest after the wonder we just had I can’t look at any more snow right now but I do love how quaint the town looks and the mountain scenery is breathtaking. I need to add it to my to go to list.

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  • April 25, 2018

    I went from Salzburg to St Gilgen last June and it looks SO different in the winter! A winter wonderland. I would love to see it this time of year. It was so beautiful in June, so lush and green. We actually went there on my birthday which was such a memorable day!

    reply...
  • April 25, 2018

    Wolfgang seems picture perfect. Like you described, it might be sleepy but it sure gives out a mushy and romantic vibe. I am not sure if I would want to keep this for a day trip. I might just want to spend more time here. Beautifully covered, Medha

    reply...
  • Ash

    April 25, 2018

    St Wolfgang is so lovely in winter. Your photos look straight out of postcards. My favourite is that of Wolfgangsee Lake with the three swans neatly lined up as if engaged in a synchronised competition.

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  • April 24, 2018

    Now that’s a winter wonderland I would love to explore too! The view from top of St Gilgen Town is mesmerizing and reminds me of a recent trip to Wengen…snow covered and cold, yet so easy to fall in love with 🙂

    I do need to plan a visit to Salzburg…I am sure it will be awesome in summers too 🙂

    reply...
  • April 24, 2018

    Such gorgeous photography and what a charming little city. I love beautiful winter getaways and St. Wolfgang looks like the perfect place. Are there any local food specialties for the winter time? Great read.

    reply...
  • April 24, 2018

    What a beautiful little town. A winter wonderland. I really love the European Christmas Markets. They really tell a lot about the area, with their tiny shops, local trinkets and the fun shopkeepers. The sunset over the lake is so pretty.

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  • April 23, 2018

    St Wolfgang is a great place to add in my list for next Christmas. Especially when you said about the smell of baked apple, I was totally sold! It is great to find a destination combining picturesque cobblestone streets, lots of snow and these beautiful lake views.

    reply...
  • April 23, 2018

    We were in Salzburg in September last year. We how ever hadn’t heard of St Wolfgang and pack it in our schedule :(.
    The place looks spectacular in Winter especially the view of village from the top.

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  • April 23, 2018

    It looks really beautiful in the snow. We were there in the summer quite a few years ago as my brother married a girl from St Gilgen, after the wedding in the church we travelled across the lake to the White Horse Inn at St Wolfgang.

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  • April 22, 2018

    How beautiful! I really need to dedicate a trip to Austria as I’ve been reading a few posts lately about some wonderful spots. St Wolfgang is another one, the white snow makes it superbly pretty. And I love cable cars, so great trip to do that even if you are not skiing. Loving your photos of Wolfgagnsee Lake!

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  • April 22, 2018

    I looks really cold there, but the pictures turned out great with the snow in them. The SeeRestaurant t White Horse Inn sounds like the place I want to visit. Inside in the warm looking out on that beautiful view, while eating authentic Strudel!

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  • April 22, 2018

    St Wolfgang looks quintessential Austrian to me. And I love schnitzel, so I’d be right there at the White Horse Inn. I like the idea of arriving by ferry too, it’s rather romantic don’t you think?

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  • April 22, 2018

    St Wolfgang looks so picturesque like it’s out of a fairy tale, I can it being and feeling even more special through winter – There are some places that just light up through winter and this definitely looks like one of them. the sun set at Wolfgangsee reminded me of watching the sun sets over the lake in Queenstown 😀

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  • April 22, 2018

    That is a winter paradise. Reminds me a lot of the country I live – Finland. Would love to take a ski trip there.

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  • April 22, 2018

    This post really makes me thing of Christmas. I love your words with soft white crispy snow and the pictures of the cable car and lake with swan views. We are still contemplating going to Germany for Christmas markets for scenes just like this, fog and all. In fact, without a little frosting of fog, we might be a bit disappointed.

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  • April 22, 2018

    I love this part of Austria and great suggestion to take the ferry. The town of St. Wolfgang looks super charming and I’d love to check out the Christmas market.

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  • April 21, 2018

    These snow-covered towns are really beautiful. I’d love to visit Austria someday and perhaps in the winter time, thanks to these photos. Another thing that allures me to Austria is the charm of the buildings. Hopefully we’ll make it there someday

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  • April 21, 2018

    Man, there are so many great places to see in Austria! St Wolfgang looks so cute! I don’t know that I’d want to visit in winter though…it looks cold!!

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  • April 21, 2018

    I have been to Salzburg a couple of times and I could revisit it again and again. But I have never heard of St Wolfgang before. I am putting it now on the itinerary for my next Austrian trip. I love Austrian small towns , lakes, the Alps, Austrain countryside!

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  • April 21, 2018

    I’ve been to Salzburg but I’ve never heard of these towns. They are so quaint and charming, especially in the snow. Austria just seems like a magical fairytale country in your photos. I would definitely want to go and experience the Christmas markets here.

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  • April 20, 2018

    Gorgeous pictures! I’ve never heard of St Wolfgang before but it looks so picturesque. The ferry ride sounds amazing too. I’m sure you had to dress up really warm though 🙂 .

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  • aareeba

    April 20, 2018

    wow all those pictures look so gorgeous and i loved the way you described everything in this post. I am planning to visit Austria next year and so am saving this post 🙂 Thanks for sharing your knowledge

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  • April 20, 2018

    This looks absolutely beautiful! I was in Salzburg a few years back, wish I had known about St Wolfgang then. Can’t decide whether I would want to visit in Summer or Winter as your snowy pics look so beautiful!

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  • April 20, 2018

    I’m in love with Austria and I would like to go to Salzburg, nice tips 🙂 Also I would like to try skiing there, a lot of Croatians are going there just for it 🙂

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  • April 20, 2018

    It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Austria, but this post brought me right back to its charm and beauty! These look like some lovely places to spend time. *sigh*

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  • April 20, 2018

    I don’t do well with cold but if the view is something like this I would love to go even once in my life. Last time we were in Salzburg and we only had a day to tour. I promised myself that I was going back to other parts and this gave me more reason to do so. Those views are excellent.

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  • Nicola

    April 20, 2018

    Sounds very festive with all it’s Christmas Markets! The lake looks absolutely stunning. Would love to go for a ferry trip around there. St Wolfgang looks like a super cute place to visit as well.

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  • Lisa

    April 19, 2018

    Wow, that sunset at Wolfgangsee Lake is mesmerising! I’ve not been to this part of Austria yet, but my good friend is from Salzburg, and always inviting me to her place, so there’s still time! So nice to see photos of the snowy landscape there, and I would take that cable car to get a better view of the whole scene.

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  • April 19, 2018

    Your photos are magical, Medha. We visited Austria last year and while Hallstatt was on the itinerary, we could not make it to St Wolfgang. All the more reason to go back to Austria. And now your photos have only made the urge stronger!

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  • Denny George

    April 19, 2018

    I have a thing for winter landscapes, and these are just amazing winter wonderlands. On another note I wish I had read your blog before going to Austria. While I’ve been to Salzburg, I missed a lot of these little towns on the periphery.

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    • Divya Suman

      December 12, 2023

      Hi Medha. Your photos are amazing. I am planning to visit St Wolfgangsee in late april. We are looking forward for a Schafberg train ride journey to the top. But, I am a bit confused about the timings as, I have read that it may not be functional at that time. Could you please share some tips so that I can plan accordingly. Schafberg train ride is my point of interest. Thanks in advance.😊

      reply...

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