Austria is a country that sets great store by tradition, and as a result boasts an incredible number of historic sights and monuments and a tangible sense of former pomp. In many places, the spirit of the former Habsburg monarchs still feels close enough to touch – like in the Salzkammergut region close to Salzburg. Emperor Franz Joseph I was a fan of this idyllic lake region, and every summer would move his household here to a summer residence to take a break from the exertion of ruling. In those days, summer holidays were a new fashion, but one that was emulated by the bourgeoisie who started eyeing the countryside with new interest. A coveted destination was the Salzkammergut and spa resort of Bad Ischl, only 20 kilometres from Lake Wolfgang and the towns of Strobl, St Gilgen and St Wolfgang.

With an area of 13 square kilometers, Lake Wolfgang is one of the largest bodies of water in the Salzkammergut. © Setfan Nink/CMR

The lake remains very popular with holidaymakers looking for a tranquil escape. You won’t find loud parties here; instead, the paddle steamer Kaiser Franz Josef I rolls majestically across the lake as it has done since the Wolfgangsee Shipping Company launched in May 1878. The Schafbergbahn, Austria’s steepest cog railway, has been running from St. Wolfgang up the Schafberg mountain for over a century, allowing tourists to enjoy a sense of nostalgia and history on each trip. No visit to Lake Wolfgang is complete without a stop at the Weisses Rössl inn, the set of a popular 1960s German film, or one of the magnificent country villas from the Habsburg empire to make your trip back in time truly perfect.

Even Emperor Franz Joseph I preferred the idyllic lake region in summer. © Illustration: Blagovesta Bakardjieva/carolineseidler.com

The present has just as many attractions to offer, albeit a little more energetic and action-packed, like jumping off the Falkenstein cliff wall: daring divers launch themselves off this 28-meter cliff – one of the highest cliff jumps in the world – into the cool water below for the ultimate adrenaline kick. The pure, crystal-clear water provides perfect conditions for scuba divers to explore thrilling dive areas, such as the bizarre underwater world at Franzosenschanze with its sunken trees, or the second world war artifacts on the bottom of the lake close to the St. Gilgen naval school. And, surrounded by the Alpine peaks of the Zwölferhorn, Schafberg and Postalm mountains, it goes without saying that you can hike and climb to your heart’s content. One of the prettiest hikes is the 27-kilometre path that takes you around this imperial lake.

There's plenty to do at the beautiful tranquil Lake Wolfgang. © Upper Austria Tourism/Weinhäupl

Good to Know

• The popular Wildpark Kleefeld petting zoo is near Strobl.
• “Gschmå-Platzln” vantage points: The signposted spots around the lake and on the slopes above it are ideal for relaxing and drinking in the view.
• St Gilgen lido: Opened a few years ago, this lakeside beach with its meadow for sunbathing is very popular. Kid-friendly bathing spot!
• Sportcamp Raudaschl: Boat hire, sailing and surf classes, stand-up paddling, wakeboard and water-skiing in St Wolfgang.
• Wellness-Alm am Leopoldhof: Rustic coziness and first-rate wellness amenities under one roof.

Back to the overview:  The Most Beautiful Lakes of the Summer