Front view of the Schafbergbahn in motion with a view of Lake Wolfgangsee
booking
Rössl landlady Mrs. Gudrun Peter in a chic traditional dirndl.
BENEFIT FOR DIRECT BOOKERS:

LAKE BALCONY ROOM ONLY DIRECTLY BOOKABLE

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR CALL!
+43 6138 2306

direct booking
UP TO DATE INFORMATION

Dear guests,

for reasons of sustainability, we will not be using bathing slippers in our rooms and in our DaySpa bathing bags in the future. Please bring flip flops with you.
On request, you can of course obtain bathing slippers in one size at reception.

Close

Fantastic vacation at Lake Wolfgangsee
Enjoy your vacation in the Salzkammergut!

A Must in Your Wolfgangsee Vacation

the Schafberg, the most scenic mountain in the Salzkammergut

Whether by the Schafberg Railway or Through a Hike, the 360-Degree View is Breathtaking

From the top of the Schafberg you will experience a phenomenal view of the lakes of the Salzkammergut, such as the turquoise-blue Wolfgangsee. You can ascend there either by taking the Schafberg Railway, the historic train, or by hiking.

Once you have reached the summit, you'll not only enjoy the view of the lakes but also an overwhelming sight of the Salzkammergut mountains. You will have a stunning panorama from Salzburg over Bavaria, towards Attersee-Attergau, all the way to the Loser mountain in Styria.

The Schafberg in the Salzkammergut - Brief Overview

  • 1783 meters (5850 feet) in height
  • Mountain located in the Salzkammergut region between Upper Austria and Salzburg
  • Breathtaking summit panorama: Views of Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, and many other lakes, including Hallstättersee (under clear conditions)
  • Highlight: Ride on the historic Schafberg Railway, the steepest cogwheel train in Austria
A technician and a conductor of the Salzburg AG stand next to the Scharfberg Bahn

From St. Wolfgang, you take the historic Schafberg Railway to the top.

The Schafberg Railway, which was inaugurated in 1893, takes you from the station in St. Wolfgang up to the summit of the mountain. Embark on a journey back in time during your vacation at Lake Wolfgang as the steam locomotive of the historic cogwheel train conquers the steep mountain. Meanwhile, you will enjoy the charming landscape all around and the approaching peak of the Schafberg. At the end of the ride, it becomes particularly spectacular, passing by nearby rock walls and through two tunnels. At the mountain station, you will marvel at the breathtaking panorama of the lakes and the Salzkammergut mountains.

The ride lasts a little over half an hour. Stops can be made at the middle station, the Schafbergalm station (1,364 meters or 4,475 feet in elevation), or at the mountain station (1,732 meters or 5,682 feet in elevation). During the journey, a distance of 5.85 km (3.63 miles) and an altitude of 1,190 meters (3,904 feet) are covered.

Many paths lead upwards - Hiking to the Schafberg

For those who wish to hike the Schafberg starting from the valley, the journey can begin either in St. Wolfgang or in Winkl near St. Gilgen. Upon reaching the top, a spectacular panoramic view of the lakes and mountains of the Salzkammergut region awaits as a reward.

Hike from St. Wolfgang to the Schafberg

The hiking route starting in St. Wolfgang begins right at the base station of the Schafberg Railway. Due to the increasing steepness, good hikers' endurance is required. The path itself leads through mostly shaded terrain, consisting of forests and rocky open areas. The trail goes to the Schafbergalpe (middle station of the Schafberg Railway) and continues upwards through several stages to the summit of the Schafberg.

Ascent Duration: 3 hours and 30 minutes
Descent Duration: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Hiking Tour to the Schafberg starting in Winkl

The hiking trail from St. Gilgen begins at the parking lot on Mondseestraße in Winkl. The path through the forest becomes very steep and later transitions into a rocky hiking trail. Good endurance while hiking is required!

After reaching the middle station, Schafbergalpe, the trail to the summit follows the same route as the variant from St. Wolfgang. Hikers can either take the concrete steps up to the summit. These were specifically constructed for Emperor Franz Joseph I so that he could be carried up the mountain by sedan chair carriers even in his advanced age.

An alternative to the summit cross of the Schafberg is the Purtschellersteig, passing numerous lakes like the Schafbergsee and through the "Himmelspforte" (Heaven's Gate), recommended only for experienced hikers.

Ascent Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes
Descent Duration: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Tip: If you need a break during the ascent to the Schafberg, simply board the Schafberg Railway at the middle station.

After the mountain adventure, refreshment awaits in Lake Wolfgang

Following your hike to the Schafberg or the impressive ride on the Schafberg Railway, taking a dip in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Wolfgang provides the perfect refreshment. Whether it's swimming or relaxing in the heated lake pool of the Lake SPA, you will find ideal relaxation. Afterwards, unwind on the hotels private beach or on the sun terrace of the Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl. It's the perfect way to unwind during your active vacation in the Salzkammergut.

Do you now want to experience the breathtaking panorama on the Schafberg for yourself and combine it with an relaxing holidays directly at Lake Wolfgang? Then enquire now for a non-binding offer or book directly online and your dream vacation right on Lake Wolfgang can become a reality!