Schafbergbahn: a scenic train ride to the summit of the Schafberg

Visit the colorful town of Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut in Austria and take the Schafbergbahn to the summit of the Schafberg for an amazing view. This picturesque town in Upper Austria has it all: interesting shops with local products, good lake-side restaurants, and a mountain with a view.

Schafbergbahn

The biggest tourist attraction (but not trap!) is the Schafbergbahn, an old railway track that takes you to the summit of the Schafberg. This railway track - with the bright red train - has been in use since 1893. From the peak of the Schafberg, you have a panoramic view of the Wolfgangsee and the Salzkammergut mountains. 

The train takes you to a height of 1783 meters in about 35 minutes. A wonderful excursion for kids and adults!

Amazing view

At the Schafberg you can have a drink or a meal at the Schafbergspitze restaurant. If you visit at the start or the end of the summer season, a cup of hot chocolate or goulash soup can help you get warm again.

The pavement next to the balustrade above the restaurant gives you the perfect view of the tavern at the summit. At the end of the season (October), the tavern terrace will be closed, but the iconic view from above is still a sight you can’t miss.

Hiking

From the tavern, you can follow a small path (two minutes) to the Himmelspforte. Just follow the yellow signs. There are many hikes you can do from the summit of the Schafberg. If you have the time, you can walk down the mountain instead of taking the train back.

How to get to the Schafbergbahn?

Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut is situated at the Wolfgangsee in the province Upper Austria at a 50 minutes’ drive from Salzburg. You can park your car at the St. Wolfgang Parking lot next to the start of the Schafbergbahn.

Location: Markt 165, 5360 St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Austria

Season and tickets

The Schafbergbahn only runs in the summer season (April / May - October / November), when the weather is good. If the day starts misty, stormy, or rainy, the operators might decide to run the first train later or not at all. 

You can have a lightning visit to the summit (spending 15 minutes at the peak) or take your time and catch the return train ride over two hours later. If you want to visit the Himmelspforte, take some pictures and have a drink at the restaurant or tavern, then the two hours option is ideal.

A return ticket for adults is 40.80 EUR and 20.40 for children (2020 price). Family tickets are available.

Sankt Wolfgang im Salzkammergut town

The town is a pleasure to explore. Its colorful housing and shops selling local delicacies and other (winter) products give the town a winter wonderland charm. Even on a sunny day with a blue sky.

There’s a shop selling air-dried ham for an afternoon snack and other shops selling everything you could possibly need for a cold winter.

At the lakeside restaurant Weißes Rössl (the setting of the operetta White Horse Inn) you can dine (or taste the best apfelstrudel I had on my trip to Austria). O

Location: Markt 74 St. Wolfgang, 5360, Austria

Nearby sheep farm Seegut Eisl

On the other side of the Wolfgangsee, you can buy milk, yogurt, cheese, and ice cream from sheep milk. If you visit when the farm is closed, you can still buy products from the vending machines at the back of the building (bring cash).

Location: Farchen 24, 5342 Abersee, Austria