St. Gilgen is a scenic village on the northwestern shores of Lake Wolfgangsee in the Salzkammergut. This charming town is the perfect destination for a daytrip to the countryside and offers a beautiful natural landscape, with Schafberg Mountain to the east and Döllerer forest to the west. Sail on the lake, hike in the forests and take in the quaint, traditional atmosphere of the village.
Start your visit at the historic town center and see traditional Alpine architecture. Many of the traditional buildings feature brightly colored flower gardens and hanging flowerpots on the windowsills. Visit the Town Hall to see a picturesque example of customary Austrian village-style architecture.
Stop by the late-Baroque parish church dedicated to St. Giles, the city’s namesake. Visit the House of Mozart, where Mozart’s mother was born. Hear the village brass band playing concerts in the lakeside gardens in July and August.
Stroll down to the lakeside to find a charming boat dock ringed with flowerpots and gardens. Book a boat tour and sail around Wolfgangsee to St. Wolfgang. This trip offers some of the Salzkammergut’s most magnificent views of snow-peaked mountains and lush forest. From St. Wolfgang, take the scenic railway to the jagged peak of Schafberg Mountain, which you might recognize from the film The Sound of Music.
St. Gilgen is a fantastic destination for hikers, offering a range of short- and middle-distance trails around the region. Many trails feature small cafés along the way, so you can refresh yourself with a hot cup of coffee or a cool elderflower drink.
St. Gilgen is located in the picturesque Salzkammergut region of Salzburg, 18 miles (29 kilometers) east of Salzburg city. St. Gilgen is easily accessible by car and coach. Catch a train to Salzburg and then catch a coach to St. Gilgen. Visit St. Gilgen in the warmer months for scenic outdoor activities or in December to experience the Weihnachten (Christmas) markets.
