Where is St Gilgen and Why Should You Care?
If you’re planning a day trip from Salzburg and looking beyond Hallstatt, start with St Gilgen.
It’s often overlooked — but unfairly so.
This small village on the shores of Lake Wolfgang sits at the gateway to the Salzkammergut Lake District. You’ll pass by it on the way to Hallstatt or St Wolfgang. But instead of rushing through, stop. This place rewards those who slow down.
You’re not coming for blockbuster sights — you’re coming for alpine air, boat rides, Mozart family roots, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget to check your phone.
What to Do in St Gilgen
Everything worth doing in St Gilgen is walkable. You’ll go from the cable car station to the boat dock in less than 10 minutes — but plan to linger.
1. Ride the Zwölferhorn Cable Car
This is the best thing you can do here. No question.
The ride takes you 1,500 meters above sea level — where you’re suddenly standing above Lake Wolfgang with views over the entire Salzkammergut and all the way to the Dachstein range.
The old cable car was a squeaky, slow relic. The new one is slick, fast, and (unfortunately) likely to get crowded. Go early if you want peace.
Don’t skip the restaurant on top — it’s not a tourist trap. And the hiking paths up there are well-marked and accessible.
2. Mozartplatz and the Main Square
Mozart never visited St Gilgen. But his mother was born here. His grandfather lived here. His sister, Nannerl, later moved into the family house.
That’s why the main square has a Mozart statue, and why the whole place is wrapped in his story. Look for:
- The Mozart statue in front of the Rathaus
- The Gasthof zur Post, a historic inn once used by postmen on horseback
- Café Dallmann — famous for cakes, infamous for service (worth the visit anyway)
3. The Parish Church of Saint Egidius
This is one of those small-town churches with more history than you’d expect.
- Mozart’s mother was baptized here
- His grandparents were married here
- His brother-in-law is buried out back
Inside, look for the altar depiction of Saint Giles with his deer companion — a quiet reminder of how legends travel across Europe.
4. The Mozart House
Just before you reach the lake, stop at the Mozart family home. His grandfather built it. His sister later returned here as an adult. It’s not a museum — but it is a key part of their family story.
There’s also a small fountain out front with a child sculpture — meant to represent Mozart’s mother.
Take the Boat to St Wolfgang (+ Optional Steam Train)
Here’s where your St Gilgen visit levels up.
From the docks, take the boat across Lake Wolfgang to the town of St Wolfgang. From there, ride the Schafbergbahn, the steepest steam-powered cogwheel railway in the world.
The train takes you to 1,700 meters — and the views are worth every cent of the €40+ ticket.
Yes, it’s touristy.
Yes, it’s expensive.
But if you’ve come all the way to Austria, this is one of the best high-alpine experiences without needing to hike.
How to Get to St Gilgen
- Bus 150 from Salzburg Hauptbahnhof (central station) or Mirabellplatz
- Runs frequently, takes ~50 minutes
- Tickets cost ~€7 one way
- Get off at St Gilgen Busbahnhof
Alternative: get off early in Fuschl and walk ~2 hours to St Gilgen through the countryside.
When to Go
- Summer: Best for boat rides, cable cars, and mountain views
- December: Magical Christmas markets (in St Gilgen and St Wolfgang)
Where to Eat
Wirt am Gries — hands down.
Austrian food done right. Nothing pretentious. Friendly service. Close to the main square. Try:
- Wiener Schnitzel (meat)
- Kasnockn (vegetarian)
- Kaiserschmarrn (sweet)
More on Austrian food? [Read this guide.]