Saint Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Upper Austria, AustriaAfter breakfast at the hotel, taxi to Hertz car rental. Booked a car on line several months ago. A BMW-SUV happened to be outside, which was a much more comfortable size than the stick shift one we booked. After talking with the manager, he allowed us to upgrade and have the BMW. Hurray, an automatic plus a navigating system.
Looking forward to driving from place to place on our own schedule for the next week. Some of our best travel memories come from unexpected discoveries. Perfect way to truly experience ALL the beauty that exists in the LAKES REGION (Salzkammergut). The drive was mostly back roads with stunning scenery through picturesque alpine villages, lush green valleys, and dozens of glittering lakes.
After the tiny town of Thaigau, stopped at a roadside pullout on the hilltop overlooking the valley. Pretty spot with picnic tables and an interesting old "Thalgu" water trough.
Twisting and turning over the winding mountain road that at one point turned into one lane, a picture-perfect lake appeared before us. Fuschi (Fuschlsee) is such a cute town. Stopped at the welcome center for area maps and a snack at the local bakery. The first of many adorable little towns on turquoise lakes surrounded by alpine hills. At a pullout at the top of a hill overlooking the lake, a tour group guide was there pointing out the Sound of Music's opening scenes that were shot on the shores of the Lake Fuschl .
Drive to Mondsee followed the lake shore and had many pullouts; lots of people swimming. The town's main street looks like something out of a fairy tale. Bright blue water of the lake and mountains everywhere; pretty darn perfect. Basilica St. Michael in the town center was in The Sound of Music–marriage of Captain Von Trapp and Maria.
Drove back along Lake Mondsee to St Gilgen, which is at the top of Lake Wolfgangsee. Picnic lunch next to the lake. Then along Lake Wolfgangsee through Strobl.
In St. Wolfgang went through town to the Parking Lot for the Cog Train. The lot was extremely crowded; had to wait a bit until a car left left to get a spot Grabbed the overnight bag since we're pending the night on top of the mountain.
SchafbergBahn is Austria's steepest cog railway. Since 1893, the vintage cog huffs and puffs steeply uphill from St. Wolfgang to the top of the 5850-ft high Schafberg mountain. The leisurely 35-min trip twisting along the edge has spectacular views, even though it was a bit hazy. Views from the summit are the most magnificent in the world-famous Salzkammergut area.
Quite a steep, zigzag hike up to the Schafbergspitze Hotel that is literally PERCHED on the summit. It was built in 1862 and is owned and operated by the Pasch family since the 1960's.
We were in #11 at the end of the hall on the second floor facing the front. The room was basic but very clean; bathroom minuscule. Best part was the balcony. WOW views of the entire lake twisting around the mountains. Like being on top of the world. Just "vegged" out the rest of the afternoon overwhelmed by this extraordinary place. So tranquil with thunder in the distance and great light rays coming through the clouds.
After the crowds of day visitors left, walked around taking tons of pictures. Only saw a handful of people that were spending the night. Lots of different lookout spots, which were quite a workout since it's extremely steep everywhere.
The restaurant serves local specialties; really enjoyed the venison and schnitzel.
Sunset just ok; too much haze.
Looking forward to driving from place to place on our own schedule for the next week. Some of our best travel memories come from unexpected discoveries. Perfect way to truly experience ALL the beauty that exists in the LAKES REGION (Salzkammergut). The drive was mostly back roads with stunning scenery through picturesque alpine villages, lush green valleys, and dozens of glittering lakes.
After the tiny town of Thaigau, stopped at a roadside pullout on the hilltop overlooking the valley. Pretty spot with picnic tables and an interesting old "Thalgu" water trough.
Twisting and turning over the winding mountain road that at one point turned into one lane, a picture-perfect lake appeared before us. Fuschi (Fuschlsee) is such a cute town. Stopped at the welcome center for area maps and a snack at the local bakery. The first of many adorable little towns on turquoise lakes surrounded by alpine hills. At a pullout at the top of a hill overlooking the lake, a tour group guide was there pointing out the Sound of Music's opening scenes that were shot on the shores of the Lake Fuschl .
Drive to Mondsee followed the lake shore and had many pullouts; lots of people swimming. The town's main street looks like something out of a fairy tale. Bright blue water of the lake and mountains everywhere; pretty darn perfect. Basilica St. Michael in the town center was in The Sound of Music–marriage of Captain Von Trapp and Maria.
Drove back along Lake Mondsee to St Gilgen, which is at the top of Lake Wolfgangsee. Picnic lunch next to the lake. Then along Lake Wolfgangsee through Strobl.
In St. Wolfgang went through town to the Parking Lot for the Cog Train. The lot was extremely crowded; had to wait a bit until a car left left to get a spot Grabbed the overnight bag since we're pending the night on top of the mountain.
SchafbergBahn is Austria's steepest cog railway. Since 1893, the vintage cog huffs and puffs steeply uphill from St. Wolfgang to the top of the 5850-ft high Schafberg mountain. The leisurely 35-min trip twisting along the edge has spectacular views, even though it was a bit hazy. Views from the summit are the most magnificent in the world-famous Salzkammergut area.
Quite a steep, zigzag hike up to the Schafbergspitze Hotel that is literally PERCHED on the summit. It was built in 1862 and is owned and operated by the Pasch family since the 1960's.
We were in #11 at the end of the hall on the second floor facing the front. The room was basic but very clean; bathroom minuscule. Best part was the balcony. WOW views of the entire lake twisting around the mountains. Like being on top of the world. Just "vegged" out the rest of the afternoon overwhelmed by this extraordinary place. So tranquil with thunder in the distance and great light rays coming through the clouds.
After the crowds of day visitors left, walked around taking tons of pictures. Only saw a handful of people that were spending the night. Lots of different lookout spots, which were quite a workout since it's extremely steep everywhere.
The restaurant serves local specialties; really enjoyed the venison and schnitzel.
Sunset just ok; too much haze.
In the morning, we got up for Sunrise; still somewhat hazy so it wasn't that great. Breakfast was included, but wasn't much. Enjoyed talking with Mr. Pasch, the father of family that owns hotel, who has lived here for 50 years.
Walking down the hill to catch the cog train, a rainbow over the lake - what a wonderful way to leave. Loved spending the night in such a unique spot. The epic views were indescribable with the glistening Wolfgang Lake far below and the surrounding forested mountains!.
Walking down the hill to catch the cog train, a rainbow over the lake - what a wonderful way to leave. Loved spending the night in such a unique spot. The epic views were indescribable with the glistening Wolfgang Lake far below and the surrounding forested mountains!.
2025-05-22