Austria's steepest cog railway has been taking visitors to the summit since 1893. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views over the Salzkammergut — reachable by boat directly from Hotel Radetzky.
The Schafberg Railway is one of the most iconic mountain railways in the Alps. Since 1893, steam and diesel locomotives have been climbing the steep tracks to the summit of the Schafberg at 1,783 metres. From the top, the views across the Salzkammergut are nothing short of spectacular — and the journey there is half the adventure.
The Schafberg Railway departs from St. Wolfgang and climbs 1,190 metres in altitude over 5.85 kilometres of track. The steepest sections reach a gradient of 26% — making it Austria's steepest cog railway. The 35-minute journey passes through Alpine meadows, past waterfalls and through a short tunnel before arriving at the summit station.
Both historic coal-fired steam locomotives and modern diesel trains operate on the line. The nostalgic steam trains are a particular highlight — their original character has remained unchanged since the 19th century. Choose the open-air carriages for the best views and photo opportunities.
At the summit, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds before you. On a clear day, you can see up to 13 lakes of the Salzkammergut, including Lake Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee and Fuschlsee. The snow-capped peaks of the Dachstein massif and the Berchtesgaden Alps complete the picture.
The summit area offers a restaurant with panoramic terrace, a historic chapel and several viewpoints. The Himmelspforte ("Gate of Heaven") lookout point provides the most iconic view — it is said to be one of the most beautiful viewpoints in all of Austria. Allow at least 1-2 hours at the top to take it all in.
The easiest and most scenic way to reach the Schafberg Railway from Hotel Radetzky is by boat. Walk just 300 metres to the St. Gilgen pier and take the Wolfgangsee boat service to St. Wolfgang — a scenic 20-minute ride across the lake. From the St. Wolfgang pier, it is just a short walk to the Schafberg Railway station.
This combination of boat cruise and mountain railway makes for a perfect day trip without needing a car. We recommend booking your Schafberg Railway tickets in advance during peak season (July/August), as the trains can sell out.
The Schafberg Railway operates from late April to late October, weather permitting. The first train departs in the early morning, with the last descent in the late afternoon. The round trip takes approximately 3-4 hours including time at the summit.
Experienced hikers can also walk up or down the Schafberg on well-marked trails (approximately 3.5 hours ascent from St. Wolfgang). A popular option is to take the train up and hike down — or vice versa. The summit can be significantly cooler than the valley, so bring a jacket even in summer.
