Schafberg Railway - Image 1
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Schafberg Railway

4.5
·7k reviews·Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Austria

Ride a historic cogwheel train to the summit of Schafberg Mountain for unparalleled panoramic views of Austrian lakes and Alps.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Afternoon trains

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
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Schafberg Railway - Image 1

Schafberg Railway

Best Time

Afternoon trains

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ride a historic cogwheel train to the summit of Schafberg Mountain for unparalleled panoramic views of Austrian lakes and Alps.

4.5
(7k reviews)

"Unique cogwheel railway to fantastic mountain-top views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Sit on the Wolfgangsee side

Try to snag a seat on the side overlooking Lake Wolfgang for the most iconic views during your ride . :camerawithflash:

💰 Check for Discounts

Look for hotel discounts or inquire at the counter; online bookings might miss out on these offers . :moneybag:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Cogwheel Train Ride

Cogwheel Train Ride

Ascent to Schafberg summit

A scenic cogwheel journey offering breathtaking views of Wolfgang Lake and the surrounding Austrian Alps.

Schafberg Summit Views

Schafberg Summit Views

Schafberg Mountain summit

Panoramic vistas of five lakes and the majestic Alps, a truly unforgettable sight.

Wolfgangsee Lake Views

Wolfgangsee Lake Views

Along the train route and summit

Marvel at the shimmering waters of Wolfgangsee and other nearby lakes from a unique vantage point.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

The Schafberg Railway has limited capacity, so booking tickets online or at the counter well in advance is crucial, especially during peak season. Consider hotel discounts for potential savings.Reddit

Dress for Mountain Weather

Temperatures at the summit can be significantly colder than in the valley. Pack layers, even in summer, to comfortably enjoy the stunning panoramic views.Reddit

Best Times

When
Afternoon trains
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium
When
Late Spring/Early Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📍Schafberg 1783m • • • #wolfgangsee#schafberg#schafbergbahn#salzburg#visitsalzburg#austrianalps#mountain#mountainadventures#mountainviews#alpsmountains#lakeviews#stwolfgang#travel#TravelMemories#travelgram#berg#bergliebe#ausflug#ausflugstipp#travelphotography#bergzeit#berge#hike#Hiking#alpenliebe_official#alpingirls#mountainsgirls#austriagram#alpin#wolfgangsee#mondsee#fuschlsee #utazzvelem#JOsalzb...
@cz_bviki
13.3K likes • 529.1K views

🎯 Sit on the Wolfgangsee side

Try to snag a seat on the side overlooking Lake Wolfgang for the most iconic views during your ride.Reddit :camerawithflash:

💰 Check for Discounts

Look for hotel discounts or inquire at the counter; online bookings might miss out on these offers.Reddit :moneybag:

#القطار_البخاري #النمسا #سانت_وولفغانغ #محمد_حملي_سياحة_وسفر
@m.hamali1408
10.8K likes • 355K views
📍 Wolfgangsee, Salzkammergut, Salzburg, Austria #wolfgangsee #sanktwolfgang #see #lake #salzkammergut #salzburg #austria #austria🇦🇹 #österreich #österreich🇦🇹 #🇦🇹 #exploreaustria #visitaustria #fy #fyp #foryou #boot #bootsfahrt #boat
@exploreaustria
6.7K likes • 177.3K views

🧥 Pack Layers

The summit is significantly colder than the base. Bring a jacket, even on warm days! :cloud:

⏳ Allow Time at the Top

Don't rush down! Spend 1-1.5 hours exploring, hiking, and enjoying the views.Reddit :stopwatch:

Schafberg - Austria 🇦🇹 _ _ _ Ausztria egyik legszebb kilátása a Schafberg hegy tetejéről. 1782m magasan, 360° panoráma. #schafberg#schafbergbahn#schafbergspitze#salzburg#visitaustria#austria#feelaustria#traveltips#visitsalzburg#steigauf#berge#wandern#alpe#bergliebe#bergwelte#natur#österreich#salzkammergut#mondsee#attersee#wolfgangsee#lakeview#ausflugtipp#utazas#utazzvelem#kirandulas#my_nature_e...
@cz_bviki
6.7K likes • 652.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Sit on the Wolfgangsee side

Try to snag a seat on the side overlooking Lake Wolfgang for the most iconic views during your ride.Reddit :camerawithflash:

💰 Check for Discounts

Look for hotel discounts or inquire at the counter; online bookings might miss out on these offers.Reddit :moneybag:

🧥 Pack Layers

The summit is significantly colder than the base. Bring a jacket, even on warm days! :cloud:

⏳ Allow Time at the Top

Don't rush down! Spend 1-1.5 hours exploring, hiking, and enjoying the views.Reddit :stopwatch:

🥪 Bring Snacks

Restaurants at the top are pricey. Consider packing your own food if you're on a budget.Reddit :sandwich:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Schafberg Railway offers a unique and scenic cogwheel train experience with breathtaking panoramic views from the summit. While the ticket price is considered high by many, the stunning vistas of Wolfgangsee and the surrounding Alps are widely praised. It's a memorable journey, especially for families, though budget-conscious travelers might want to pack their own snacks.

"👍🏻 Great experience and I think it is the best option compared to other trains in Austria.

👍🏻 The train route up and down is beautiful, allowing you to see the entire Wolfgang Lake.

👍🏻 Upon reaching the summit we were able to see very impressive views of Wolfgang Lake and other nearby lakes.

⚠️ It takes 35 minutes for the train to climb to the top and also descend the same time 35 minutes.

⚠️ In my opinion the train is a great experience for children more than adults.

⚠️ There is an overpriced adult ticket for €56 while the child ticket is €17 We request those in charge of the train management to reduce the price of the adult ticket to not exceed €35 The price is a bit reasonable.

⚠️ It is preferable to book tickets at the counter because there are discount offers because I booked online and found out that I have a discount card from the hotel, but I did not benefit from it because I actually paid.

⚠️ Restaurants and toilets are available on top.

⚠️ Always try to sit on the side overlooking Lake Wolfgang.

⚠️ Scan the ticket code on the parking lot when the final price appears and you will get a special discount, I know this by chance from the counter ticket and they don't tell anyone about it.

⚠️ Don't rush down from the top as many do, try to spend an hour to an hour and a half there to have fun and walk & For hiking lovers, I recommend staying from two to two and a half hours because there is a very beautiful and exciting trail on the edge of the mountain.

⚠️ Electronic Portals For going up and down programmed on the time set so it is not optional and you should pay attention to it.

⚠️ The location of the station is located in the Wolfgang Center and you can enjoy a walking tour that will have great views and many options of cafes and restaurants."

KHALIFA ALRAYSSI

"Unique cogwheel railway to fantastic mountain-top views. Cafe and restaurant at the top and also a kiosk (cash only, very reasonable). Trains are booked so that everyone had a seat - afternoon trains were fully unbooked, so maybe go up later if you want to avoid the crowds."

Mexikoi

"A nice experience! Pricey (€56.50 for a round trip per person), but definitely worth it. It takes around 35 minutes to get to the peak. Beware of usually colder weather there. Also, the tickets are sold for a specific departure time (return trip can be re-booked at a terminal in the restaurant on the mountain).
Along the road you’ll see picturesque countryside, beautiful hills and, if you’re lucky enough, some wildlife.
Restaurants uphill are pricey, so, if you are tight on a budget, get some food with you."

Andrey Petrikov

What People Like

Spectacular summit views
Scenic cogwheel train ride
Beautiful lake panoramas

What People Dislike

High ticket price
Pricey summit food

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Schafberg Railway station is located in the Wolfgang Center in St. Wolfgang. If you're arriving by public transport, you can take a bus to St. Wolfgang. Parking is available near the station, with some reviews mentioning around €4 for 24 hours.Reddit

Yes, St. Wolfgang is accessible by public transport, often involving a bus journey from Salzburg or other nearby towns. This makes it a viable option for travelers relying on public transit, even with retired parents.Reddit

There is parking available near the station in the Wolfgang Center. Some visitors have noted reasonable prices for daily parking.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can be quite pricey, with adult round trips costing around €56-€56.50. Child tickets are significantly less at around €17. It's recommended to check for potential discounts or book at the counter.Reddit

While online booking is convenient, some travelers recommend booking at the counter to potentially benefit from discount offers or hotel partnerships that might not be available online.Reddit The train has limited capacity, so booking ahead is advised.

Yes, discounts may be available through hotels or special offers. It's worth inquiring at the ticket counter or checking with your accommodation, as online bookings might not reflect these savings.Reddit

The trains have a limited capacity, and tickets are sold for specific departure times to ensure everyone has a seat. Afternoon trains might be less crowded than earlier ones.Reddit

Yes, your return trip can be re-booked at a terminal located in the restaurant on the mountain, offering some flexibility for your descent.Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The train journey up to the summit takes approximately 35 minutes, and the descent is also about 35 minutes.Reddit

At the summit, you can enjoy spectacular panoramic views, take photos, and explore short hiking trails. Restaurants and toilets are available.Reddit

It's recommended to spend at least an hour to an hour and a half at the top to fully appreciate the scenery and walk around. Hikers might want to allocate two to two and a half hours for more extensive trails.Reddit

Yes, many reviewers find the train ride to be a great experience for children, making it a family-friendly attraction.Reddit

The weather at the summit can be colder than at the base, and it's advisable to be prepared for cooler temperatures, even during summer months.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are restaurants and a kiosk available at the summit. However, some reviews mention that the restaurants can be pricey.Reddit

While dining options are available, some visitors suggest bringing your own food if you are on a budget, as prices can be high.Reddit

The kiosk at the summit is cash-only, so be sure to have some cash on hand if you plan to make small purchases there.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The train ride itself offers stunning views, especially from the side overlooking Lake Wolfgang. The summit provides panoramic vistas of lakes and mountains, perfect for landscape photography.Reddit

While specific times aren't detailed, the golden hours around sunrise and sunset often provide beautiful lighting for landscape photography, though access might be limited outside of operational hours.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Schafberg Railway is a fantastic outing for families. The novelty of the cogwheel train ride is captivating for children, and the stunning summit views provide a memorable experience for all ages. The journey itself is an adventure, and the open space at the top allows kids to explore safely. Remember to pack layers, as the summit can be cooler than expected, and consider bringing snacks to keep little ones happy.Reddit

Key Recommendations: Book tickets in advance to secure your spot, especially during school holidays. Allow ample time at the summit for exploration and photos. The train ride is generally considered a highlight for younger travelers, making it a worthwhile family excursion.

💰 Budget Travelers

While the Schafberg Railway is considered pricey, there are ways to manage costs. Look for potential discounts through your hotel or inquire at the ticket counter, as online bookings might not always reflect these savings.Reddit Bringing your own food and drinks for the summit is highly recommended, as on-site dining can be expensive.Reddit

Budget Tips: Prioritize the experience over extensive dining at the top. Consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn) when crowds might be smaller, potentially leading to a more relaxed experience without the peak-season rush.

🚶‍♀️ Active & Hiking Enthusiasts

For those who love to hike, the Schafberg summit offers excellent opportunities. Beyond the immediate viewing platforms, there are trails that allow for more in-depth exploration of the mountain's ridges and scenic spots. Allocate an extra hour or two beyond the standard visit to truly take advantage of the hiking potential.Reddit

Hiking Focus: Wear appropriate footwear for uneven terrain. The trails offer rewarding views and a chance to experience the alpine environment more intimately. Combine the scenic train ride with a rewarding hike for a full day of adventure.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Scenic Cogwheel Journey

The Schafberg Railway is a historic cogwheel railway that transports visitors from St. Wolfgang up to the summit of Schafberg Mountain. The journey itself is a significant part of the experience, offering increasingly dramatic views as you ascend. The train winds its way through picturesque countryside, with glimpses of the shimmering Wolfgangsee lake becoming more prominent the higher you climb. Many travelers find the ride to be a highlight, appreciating the unique engineering and the unfolding scenery.Reddit

Duration and Experience: The ride takes about 35 minutes each way.Reddit While it's a relatively short journey, the visual rewards are immense. It's often described as a great experience for children, but adults also appreciate the novelty and the stunning natural beauty it showcases.Reddit Remember to try and secure a seat on the side facing Lake Wolfgang for the most iconic views.Reddit

Booking and Capacity



The railway operates with limited capacity, meaning tickets are for specific departure times. This ensures a comfortable ride for everyone, but it also means booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. Some reviews suggest that afternoon trains might be less crowded, offering a more relaxed experience.Reddit

Summit Views and Exploration

Upon reaching the Schafberg summit, visitors are greeted with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views. This vantage point offers unparalleled vistas of Lake Wolfgangsee and four other surrounding lakes, along with the majestic Austrian Alps. It's a photographer's paradise and a perfect spot to simply soak in the natural beauty of the Salzkammergut region.

Activities at the Top: Beyond the views, there are opportunities for short hikes along the mountain's edge, offering different perspectives of the landscape. Many recommend spending at least an hour to an hour and a half at the summit to fully explore and enjoy the surroundings.Reddit For avid hikers, spending two to two and a half hours allows for more extensive exploration of the trails.Reddit

Amenities and Practicalities



There are restaurants and toilets available at the summit. However, be aware that dining options can be pricey, so some visitors opt to bring their own snacks or a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery.Reddit The kiosk is cash-only, so keep that in mind for smaller purchases.Reddit

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