Arriving in St. Gilgen felt like stepping into a mountain paradise. We took a public transit bus from Salzburg which turned out to be very scenic, winding past lakes and alpine meadows, and soon found ourselves in the charming village of St. Gilgen, nestled along the shores of Lake Wolfgang. St. Gilgen’s beauty is truly breathtaking, with its quaint pastel-colored houses, lush green hills, and the sparkling blue lake framed by towering mountains. The setting was perfect for a peaceful getaway with plenty of outdoor adventures.
Best Things to Do in St Gilgen
Our first stop was the village center, where the atmosphere was cozy and welcoming. We wandered around the main square, admiring the lovely old buildings, including the historic town hall and the birthplace of Mozart’s mother. St. Gilgen is proud of its connection to the famous composer, and you can feel the town’s love for classical music everywhere. We enjoyed taking pictures by the charming Mozart statue, a small tribute to the musician, and felt inspired by the rich cultural heritage in this quiet village.
Zwölferhorn Mountain
One of the highlights of our visit was taking the Zwölferhorn cable car up to the summit of the Zwölferhorn mountain. The ride itself was a treat, offering sweeping views of Lake Wolfgang, the surrounding valleys, and other nearby peaks. Once at the top, we were greeted by a panorama that seemed to stretch on forever. The air was crisp, and the scenery was postcard perfect. We took one of the well-marked hiking trails and spent a few hours exploring the alpine landscape, stopping to shoot pictures and just taking in the silence of the mountains.
Lake Wolfgang
After coming down from the mountain, we decided to explore Lake Wolfgang more. St. Gilgen has a lovely lakefront, and you can also rent small rowboats for a more intimate view of the stunning surroundings. The water in Lake Wolfgang was so clear we could see fish swimming below, and being around such a lake was peaceful and relaxing. If you prefer a more guided tour, there are also boat cruises available, which take you to other beautiful towns along the lake, such as St. Wolfgang and Strobl.
Wolfgangsee Advent Market
We took a leisurely stroll through the village, stopping at small bakeries and shops selling local crafts. We enjoyed chatting with the friendly locals, who offered tips about hidden trails and scenic spots. Before leaving, we visited the Wolfgangsee Advent Market, an enchanting lakeside market that had beautiful handmade ornaments, traditional Austrian treats, and mulled wine.
Restaurant Scene
For dinner, we couldn’t wait to sample the local Austrian cuisine. We found a cozy, traditional gasthof (inn) near the village square. We ordered the Wiener Schnitzel, served with a side of fresh potato salad, and also tried the fish, freshly caught from Lake Wolfgang, lightly pan-fried with herbs. The flavors were simple yet rich, and each bite tasted like the essence of the region.
More to see
St. Gilgen offered the perfect mix of outdoor adventure and quiet village charm. From the majestic mountains to the tranquil lake, it was a slice of alpine heaven, and we left with full hearts, feeling rejuvenated and completely in awe of the stunning Austrian landscape. Whether you’re an adventurer or just looking for a serene escape, St. Gilgen is a place where nature’s beauty truly steals the show.
When is a good time to go to St. Gilgen?
St. Gilgen is fabulous any time of the year, depending on your interests. Spring and autumn are great months to visit given the mild and dry weather. Summer is a great time if your interest leans towards hiking and boating. On the other hand, St. Gilgen is well known for its Christmas market, with its wooden stalls, crafts and of course glühwein.
How many days do you need to visit St. Gilgen?
St. Gilden is a hidden gem with many things to see and do. Depending on your interest you could explore it as a day trip from Salzburg or choose to spend a number of days discovering its many outdoor activities.
Is St. Gilgen Safe for Tourists?
St. Gilden is fairly small and very safe.
Getting Around St. Gilgen
Getting to St. Gilden is easy, and its core with many of the historical and cultural landmarks are perfect to explore on foot. We got everywhere we wanted to on foot.