Charming lakeside village with Mozart family ties. Explore painted buildings, ride the Zwölferhorn cable car for Alpine views, and enjoy Lake Wolfgang's calm waters.
Sankt Gilgen, a village on Lake Wolfgang in Austria's Salzkammergut region is surrounded by mountains. You can explore the Mozart family's connections to the town, ride the Zwölferhorn cable car for Alpine views, or take a boat trip on Lake Wolfgang. The town's painted buildings and squares, along with nearby natural attractions, make Sankt Gilgen appealing to travelers interested in both culture and outdoors.
Exploring Sankt Gilgen's Town Center
Sankt Gilgen's heart lies in its three main squares: Mozartplatz, Pichlerplatz, and Kirchenplatz. As you walk through the streets, you'll see buildings with colorful murals and flower-filled balconies. The Rathaus (Town Hall) in Mozartplatz stands out with its red roof and clock tower. On Lienbachweg, you'll find the Mozarts-Mutter-Brunnen fountain, which commemorates Mozart's mother who was born in the town.
Mozart Family Connection
While Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart never visited Sankt Gilgen himself, the town has strong ties to his family. Mozart's grandfather worked here, his mother was born in the town, and his sister Nannerl lived here for 17 years. You can visit Mozarthaus, now home to a permanent exhibition dedicated to Nannerl Mozart. The museum provides information about the family's life and musical legacy in the region.
Lake Wolfgang Activities
Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee) forms a scenic backdrop to Sankt Gilgen. You can walk along the town's promenade or take a boat trip to explore further. In summer, you can swim, stand-up paddleboard, and try other water sports on the lake. If you want to explore the lake at your own pace, you can rent boats from several companies near the ferry station.
Zwölferhorn Cable Car
For wide views of Sankt Gilgen, Lake Wolfgang, and the surrounding Alps, take a ride on the Zwölferhorn cable car. The 16-minute journey takes you to the summit at 1,522 meters above sea level. At the top, you'll find several family-friendly walking trails and a restaurant where you can enjoy the views.
Getting to Sankt Gilgen
You can reach Sankt Gilgen from Salzburg in about 30 minutes by car. If you're using public transport, bus 150 runs regularly from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof to Sankt Gilgen, taking approximately 45 minutes. The bus stop in Sankt Gilgen (St.Gilgen Mozartblick) is a short walk from the town center.
Where to Stay
Sankt Gilgen has a range of accommodation options for different budgets. For a central location, consider Hotel Radetzky in the heart of town. If you want lakeside views, Seehotel Billroth has rooms right on the shore of Lake Wolfgang with a private beach. For a more budget-friendly option, Hotel Gasthof Aberseehof provides comfortable rooms just 600 meters from the lake.
