Hiking
Hiking at Lake Wolfgangsee – Routes and Tips in the Salzkammergut
From gentle lakeside walks to challenging summit trails – discover the best hikes directly from Hotel Radetzky.
From gentle lakeside walks to challenging summit trails – discover the best hikes directly from Hotel Radetzky.
The UNESCO World Heritage Salzkammergut is one of Austria's finest hiking regions. With Lake Wolfgangsee as your starting point, you can explore trails for every fitness level – from leisurely one-hour walks along the lakeshore to demanding summit ascents with panoramic views. Hotel Radetzky is the ideal base: lace up your boots and step right out the door.
This gentle walk along the northern shore of Lake Wolfgangsee is perfect for families, couples and anyone who wants to enjoy the lake without breaking a sweat. The path leads from St. Gilgen through shady forests and past secluded bathing spots to the hamlet of Fürberg.
The trail is mostly flat and well-maintained, with benches and viewpoints along the way. In summer, pack your swimwear – there are several beautiful spots to take a dip in the crystal-clear lake. Return the same way or take the boat back to St. Gilgen from the Fürberg pier.
The Zwölferhorn (1,522 m) is St. Gilgen's local mountain and offers one of the most rewarding hikes in the region. You can either hike the entire trail from the valley or take the cable car up and walk down – the bottom station is just 350 metres from the hotel.
The trail winds through alpine meadows and forest, with increasingly spectacular views over Lake Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen and the surrounding peaks. At the summit, enjoy a well-deserved meal at Das Zwölfer panorama restaurant before heading back.
For experienced hikers seeking a challenge, the Falkenstein via ferrata (Klettersteig) is an unforgettable adventure. This secured climbing route combines hiking with short climbing passages, offering dramatic views over Lake Wolfgangsee from exposed rock faces.
The route requires a good head for heights and basic via ferrata equipment (helmet, harness, via ferrata set). Equipment can be rented locally. The trail is best tackled from late spring to autumn when conditions are dry. Reward yourself with a panoramic picnic at the top.
The full circuit around Lake Wolfgangsee is the ultimate day hike for those who want to experience the lake from every angle. The trail leads through St. Gilgen, along the northern shore to Fürberg, across to St. Wolfgang by boat, and back via Strobl and the southern shore.
Alternatively, you can combine walking with boat rides – the Lake Wolfgang boat service connects St. Gilgen, St. Wolfgang and Strobl throughout the day. This makes it easy to shorten the route or simply enjoy the most scenic sections on foot.
When snow blankets the Salzkammergut, the hiking region transforms into a winter wonderland. Snowshoe hiking is increasingly popular, with guided tours available through the tourist office in St. Gilgen. Marked winter hiking trails offer safe routes through the snow-covered landscape.
For skiers and snowboarders, two ski areas are within easy reach: the Zwölferhorn (family-friendly, 350 m from hotel) and the Postalm (Austria's largest alpine plateau, approx. 10 minutes by car). Ski touring enthusiasts will find excellent routes on the Zwölferhorn and surrounding peaks.
| Trail | Duration | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Path to Fürberg | 1 h | Easy | Bathing spots, forest shade, boat return |
| Zwölferhorn Summit Trail | 3 h | Moderate | Panoramic views, cable car option, restaurant |
| Falkenstein Via Ferrata | 4 h | Challenging | Exposed rock, climbing passages, lake views |
| Lake Wolfgang Circuit | 5 h | Moderate | Full lake loop, boat combo, three villages |
