Culture
St. Gilgen – Mozart's Mother's Town on Lake Wolfgang
History, culture and charm in the heart of the Salzkammergut – from the Mozarthaus to the Salzburg Festival.
History, culture and charm in the heart of the Salzkammergut – from the Mozarthaus to the Salzburg Festival.
St. Gilgen is more than a picturesque lakeside village. It is a place steeped in history and culture, best known as the birthplace of Anna Maria Pertl – the mother of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Today, the charming old town, local markets and vibrant cultural scene make it a destination that delights visitors year-round.
Anna Maria Pertl, the mother of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was born in St. Gilgen in 1720. The Mozarthaus on the main square commemorates this connection with an intimate museum that tells the story of the Pertl and Mozart families and their ties to St. Gilgen.
Mozart's sister Nannerl also lived here after her marriage to Johann Baptist von Berchtold zu Sonnenburg, the local magistrate. The building itself is a beautifully preserved example of Salzkammergut architecture and is well worth a visit.
St. Gilgen's compact old town is a delight to explore on foot. Colourful facades, flower-draped balconies and narrow lanes lead from the main square down to the lakeside promenade. Along the way you will find independent boutiques, artisan shops and cosy cafes.
The weekly farmers' market brings regional producers to the village centre, offering fresh cheese, honey, bread and handmade crafts. In December, the Advent market transforms the square into a magical Christmas scene with mulled wine, local delicacies and handmade gifts.
Throughout the summer months, St. Gilgen comes alive with open-air concerts, lakeside serenades and cultural festivals. From classical music evenings on the waterfront to traditional folk events, there is always something to experience.
The world-famous Salzburg Festival is just a 30-minute drive away. Every July and August, it attracts music and theatre lovers from around the globe with opera, concerts and drama performances in Salzburg's historic venues. Hotel Radetzky is the perfect base – enjoy the festival and return to the tranquillity of the lake.
St. Gilgen is the gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Inner Salzkammergut. From here, fascinating day trips await in every direction. Visit Bad Ischl, the former summer residence of Emperor Franz Joseph, and explore the Kaiservilla with its imperial gardens.
The charming pilgrimage town of St. Wolfgang is just 20 minutes by boat from our hotel. Cross the lake to see the famous Weisses Rössl hotel, the medieval church with Michael Pacher's altarpiece, and the starting point of the Schafberg Railway.
Museum on the main square dedicated to Mozart's mother and sister. Open seasonally, a short walk from the hotel.
The late-Gothic parish church of St. Gilgen, where Nannerl Mozart was married, stands at the heart of the village.
A scenic waterfront walk with views across Lake Wolfgang to the mountains. Ideal for an evening stroll or morning jog.
The Salzkammergut is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landscape – centuries of salt mining, imperial history and natural beauty.
