Holidays in St. Gilgen

• Grade: Easy 
• Distance: 4.8km 
• Walking time: 1 hour 30 minutes 
• Terrain: Tarmac, gravel, single-track hiking trail 

A relaxed lakeside walk with a mix of scenery, from peaceful woodland to dramatic boardwalks clinging to the rock face. Follow the path around the Bürglstein, crossing the Seeklause sluice gate before reaching the highlight—wooden walkways suspended just above the surface of Lake Wolfgang, offering stunning views. The return route winds through the forest, home to a variety of plants and wildlife, before following the Ischler Ache back to Strobl. 

• Grade: Difficult 
• Distance: 4km 
• Walking time: 1 hour 50 minutes 
• Terrain: Tarmac, gravel, single-track hiking trail 

A short but challenging hike that rewards your effort with breath-taking views from the summit. Follow a forested trail past striking rock formations before reaching the 830m peak of Plombergstein. At the top, take a break on the benches and soak in the sweeping panorama over Lake Wolfgang, St Gilgen, and the surrounding peaks, including the Schafberg, Sparber, and Zwölferhorn. The descent follows a well-marked trail back to the village. 

• Grade: Moderate 
• Distance: 11km 
• Walking time: 3 hours 
• Terrain: Tarmac, gravel, single-track hiking trail 

A scenic loop around Lake Fuschl, where the clear turquoise water stays in view for most of the walk. The trail passes through shady forest and open meadows, with chances to spot local wildlife or pause for a rest in quiet coves. The terrain has a few moderate inclines but it’s mostly gentle ups and downs, with varied views throughout. 

• Grade: Moderate-Challenging
• Distance: 9km
• Walking time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Terrain: Tarmac, single-track hiking trail 

A historic route with stunning lake views and a short, steep climb to the Falkenstein summit. Starting near Lake Wolfgang, the trail winds through woodland before ascending to the 200-metre cliff, once a key part of the old pilgrimage path. At the top, you’ll find a small chapel and panoramic views over the lake. The route then descends into St. Wolfgang, where you can explore the town before hopping on the bus or the ferry back to St. Gilgen. 

All aboard the paddle steamers and ferries of Lake Wolfgang. With six vessels and various routes, you can hop on and off at one of the seven docks to explore the surrounding villages and towns. You can sail all the way down to Strobl in just over one hour, where the largest boat on the lake holds 365 passengers.

Image: (copyright Salzkammergut Tourism Katrin Kerschbaumer)

Spend a day on the water and get involved with a range of water sports on the lake. Looking for a gentle experience, then hire a stand-up paddle board. Looking for something more thrilling? Then you can try sailing, wind surfing, water skiing or even tubing.

Image: (copyright Salzkammergut Tourism Katrin Kerschbaumer)

Lake Wolfgang is the perfect place to swim, paddle or relax on the shores. The clear water with 20-degree-celsius temperatures is home to a range of fish, so why not put some goggles and a snorkel on and see what you can spot.

Let the kids splash around in the shallow beach waters of the St. Gilgen Bay. Lay back on the decking catching some rays, or set up base on the lawn area under an umbrella for shade. Children love the lido area with jumping pier, sandy areas and most importantly, the onsite restaurant to grab an ice cream.

Image: (copyright Oberoesterreich Tourismus Wolfgangsee Moritz Ablinger)

There are a few heritage museums in the local area, great for history lovers. The musical instrument museum takes you on a journey around the world, housing approximately 6,000 instruments – some of which are used in a performance too.

Take a leisurely circular ride along the lake to enjoy the views. If you're looking for looking for more of a challenge, then the Schafberg mountain tour takes you via the little Lake Schwarzensee, covering 47.3 kilometres of trail.

Image: (copyright Salzkammergut Tourism Katrin Kerschbaumer)

There are 11 golf courses located within close proximity to St. Gilgen. Why not spend a day on the nearby lake of Mondsee where you'll find one of Austria's most outstanding golf courses. With stunning blue waters in contrast with the bright green lawn, you can pitch and putt, with a break at the end in the clubhouse as a reward.

Travel down the western side of the lake to Strobl, where you can whizz down the metal summer toboggan run. You have not only one, but two runs to choose from, both at a lengthy 1.3 kilometres each – twice the fun.

Dive into nature and quietness - motorboats are banned on Fuschlsee - instead, the little Fuschlerin barge glides between the wooden jetties on the lakeshore. You can plot your own route between turquoise bays too - by kayak, rowing boat or pedalo. Any place is an excellent place for a swim – especially in the Fuschleseebad lido, where you can also rent a paddleboard.