Radiating far across Lake Wolfgangsee through the dark winter nights, the inviting, peaceful glow of the lantern draws guests from near and far to contemplate in, wonder at and enjoy the Lake Wolfgang Advent (Christmas) Market.
There is a joyful anticipation of Christmas in the air and visitors are able to experience fascinating customs still in practice today. The Lake Wolfgangsee Advent (Christmas) Market is celebrated in St. Gilgen, Strobl and St. Wolfgang annually and this year is no exception.
In the village of St. Wolfgang candles, torchlight and warming braziers lend a cosy atmosphere and the solid, rustically-decorated Market stalls meander from the Postplatz Square to the lakeside, whilst in the Mozart village of St. Gilgen the visitor can expect a baroque backdrop to the Advent scene. A joi de vivre and a joyful anticipation of Christmas are depicted on the Market stall facades – designed by artist Raja Schwahn-Reichmann. The idyllic village of Strobl, however, is romantically transformed into something very special – featuring exquisite Nativity-scenes.
You can find the official page HERE
The establishment of the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang goes back to a legend in 976. The Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg was living as a hermit at the Falkenstein and made the decision to build the first church here. The location of the building was inspired by his famous "Axthrow", a divine dispensation.
He threw the ax with the vow, where he found it again, to build a church. When he found the ax after three days he built the church at its find site on a rocky hill next to the lake.
Please visit our parish and pilgrimage church on the following opening times:
Summer: from 08:00 to 18:00 clock
Winter: from 08:00 to 16:00 clock
During the Wolfgangsee Advent: (Thursday to Sunday), the church is open until 19:00 clock.
The sanctuary can be visited free to all opening times.
Photographing and filming in the church are not allowed!
More info about the pilgrimage church of St. Wolfgang and their origins and legends can be found at:
In 1873 the paddle steamer "Kaiser Franz Josef I." was launched and named in honor of the ruling Austrian monarch. With its elegant silhouette and impressive side wheels, the 33m long ship continues to impress and delight all the guests that came aboard today.
The "Kaiser" has been in service since the very beginning of passenger navigation on the Wolfgangsee and remains the star of the fleet. The iconic vessel has starred in many feature films and was recently refurbished. Taking a cruise on "Kaiser Franz Josef I." or any of the modern ships is the ideal way to experience the lovely landscape of the Wolfgangsee with its different points of interest.
In operation: since 1873
Fleet: 6 ships
7 berths: St. Gilgen - Fürberg - Ried-Falkenstein - St. Wolfgang SchafbergBahn - St. Wolfgang Markt - Gschwendt Parkplatz - Strobl
Driving time: St. Gilgen - Strobl 1 hour 24 minutes
Salzkammergutbahn GmbH
Markt 35
5360 St. Wolfgang
Oberösterreich
Österreich
www.wolfgangseeschifffahrt.at
Telefon: +43 6138 / 22 32-0
Fax: +43 6138 / 22 32-9705
The SchafbergBahn is the steepest cogwheel railway in Austria. Since 1893 mighty steam locomitives have powered their way from the lake-side base station at Wolfgang to the 1783 m high summit of the Schafberg.
The SchafbergBahn allows every visitor to conquer the mountain in comfort and style, making the entire journey an unforgettable experience! Trains are in service from the end of April through to October.
Once on the top, magnificent Alpine views and warm Austrian hospitality beckon. Visit the Hotel Schafsbergspitze, Austria’s oldest mountain inn, originally dating from 1862. From the top you may see numerous Alpine lakes and the Dachstein glacier. In 2012 the Hotel Schafbergspitze celebrated its proud 150th anniversary!
In operation: since 1893, not electrified
Distance: 5.85 km
Elevation gain: 1190 m
Maximum gradient: 26%
Travel time: 35 minutes
Markt 35
5360 St. Wolfgang
Oberösterreich
Österreich
www.schafbergbahn.at
Telefon: +43 6138 / 22 32-0
Fax: +43 6138 / 22 32-9705
Recently there is a new panoramic camera on Schafberg in St. Wolfgang.