Salzkammergut S-Trail section II: Hiking the Schafberg Mountain
4 lakes, 3 summits
This tour follows the early stages of the S-Trail from Lake Wolfgangsee to Lake Mondsee and Lake Fuschlsee, 3 of the region’s most popular swimming lakes. It includes a boat trip on Lake Wolfgangsee as well as an unforgettable ride on the classic, olde worlde cog-railway up the Schafberg Mountain (1,783 m). From there you will enjoy the most magnificent 360° panoramic views in the whole Salzkammergut region.
The Salzkammergut region is magnificent even by Austrian standards, with towering snow-capped peaks, wooded mountain slopes, lush green valleys and ice-blue lakes. Its defining feature has always been the dramatic visual effect created by its countless lakes framed by the immense peaks of the Northern Alps. This newly established long-distance trail links these highlights in a comprehensive way, never seen before.
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A tree for your booking
Respect for our planet’s limited resources and climate-friendly mobility are two major challenges of the 21st Century. We are therefore delighted to cooperate with the Austrian Federal Forest Authority on the “tree for your booking” project; a new tree planted for each hiking tour booked through us in the Salzkammergut region! Along with your travel documents, you will receive a photo of “your” tree, which you will even have the chance to visit during your trip. |
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| 5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS | From €660 per person sharing.*
*Discounts available for children (under 14) sharing their parents’ room |
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| ACCOMMODATION | 4 nights in ***hotels/inns in double room.
*Note: Twin-bedded rooms in Austrian resorts are normally one large base with two mattresses/duvets. These are also known as ‘Austrian Twins’ and are regarded as two beds. Separate twin beds are rare and cannot be guaranteed as available. The hotels are located close to the walking trails. |
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| AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, from May 9th to October 8th | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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| DIFFICULTY | This trip is graded moderate overall. Although the walking distances are not long, day 2 features a steep descent from the Schafberg and day 3 features quite a steep climb to Wartenfels castle ruin.
The distances can be shortened by using public transport. A reasonable fitness level and basic hiking equipment like good hiking shoes, rucksack, rain and sun protection, functional clothing and also a warmer jacket or pullover are recommended. |
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Day 1: Arrival in St. Gilgen
Arrival in the elegant village of St. Gilgen, just 29 km from Salzburg on the northern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee. This idyllic place if famed for its wonderful scenery.
You will receive your travel documents at your accommodation.
Overnight stay in St. Gilgen.
Day 2: St. Gilgen – St. Wolfgang – St. Gilgen via the Schafberg
Distance: 9 km | Ascent: 53 m | Descent: 1184 m | 3-4 hrs approx.
Although the actual walking distance is not long today, it is a busy day which is sure to be very memorable!
You begin by taking a boat trip across Lake Wolfgangsee to St. Wolfgang (35 mins). You then take the cogwheel train (another 35 mins) to the 1.783 m high Mount Schafberg. Take some time to enjoy the stunning panoramic views over the surrounding peaks and lakes before beginning your hike. You descend steeply from the mountain station to Schafbergalm. From there you follow the Schafbergtrail to Winkl, where you will find Aich abbey. Take a break to visit the splendid herb garden and sample the delicious liqueurs. Choose your favourite liqueur from more than 10 different varieties (1 per person included). Finally, you walk along the romantic lakeshore path along Wolfgangsee to St. Gilgen.
It is also possible to extend today’s walk by 9 km. To do this you would begin by walking the lakeside path to St. Wolfgang, rather than taking the boat.
Overnight stay in St. Gilgen.
Day 3: St. Gilgen to Mondsee via the Almkogel
Distance: 18 km | Ascent: 592 m | Descent: 600 m | 5-6 hrs approx.
Today’s stage leads from Lake Wolfgangsee past the Almkogel peak to Lake Mondsee. The forest peak that you climb between does not look like much from a distance, but offers a wonderful view. Otherwise your walk alternates between tranquil forest paths and cultivated farmland. When you reach Mondsee – by the shore of the lake of the same name – be sure to visit the striking gothic basilica, where the famous wedding scene from The Sound of Music was filmed. You can also stop for a refreshing drink or snack by the lakeshore before the last 4 km, a lovely riverside stroll through the Zeller Ache ravine to your hotel which is located in quiet countryside surroundings.
Today’s route can also be shortened by taking a bus or taxi for the last 4 km from Mondsee village.
Overnight stay in Hotel Prielbauer, Mondsee.
Day 4: Mondsee – Wartenfels – Fuschl am See
Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 510 m | Descent: 398 m | 4-5 hrs approx.
You begin by either walking back along the riverside path to Mondsee village or taking a bus/taxi (which would shorten today’s walk to 9 km).
The first part of the route from Mondsee is quite a steep ascent to the former forester’s hut Wartenfels, nowadays an excellent inn and guesthouse. A short detour to the nearby castle ruins Wartenfels comes highly recommended. If you feel in the mood for more walking once you reach Lake Fuschlsee it is well worth doing the beautiful circuit of the lake (10km). Bus ride from Fuschl back to St. Gilgen (ticket included).
Overnight stay in St. Gilgen.
Day 5: Departure
Your trip comes to and end this morning, unless you have booked additional nights.
Arrival and departure info
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