Top 9 Mountain Passes around Sankt Gilgen

For an easily accessible and highly rewarding experience, the Zwölferhorn mountain is Sankt Gilgen's local gem. A modern cable car, the Zwölferhorn Seilbahn, transports visitors from the center of Sankt Gilgen to the summit in about 15 minutes, offering spectacular panoramic views. Once at the top, an easy Panorama Circuit trail allows for a leisurely stroll.

Yes, the Zwölferhorn mountain is ideal for families due to its easy access via cable car and the gentle Panorama Circuit trail at the summit. Additionally, the Postalm Scenic Alpine Plateau offers expansive alpine meadows and is a toll road accessible by vehicle, making it suitable for families to explore the high-altitude landscape.

Both the Zwölferhorn and Schafberg mountains provide unparalleled panoramic views. From the Zwölferhorn, you can see Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Fuschlsee, and Attersee. The majestic Schafberg, at 1,783 meters, offers 360-degree views across the entire Salzkammergut region, including Wolfgangsee, Mondsee, Attersee, and even extending to Lake Chiemsee and the Hohe Tauern on clear days.

The most famous way to ascend Schafberg is via the historic Schafberg Railway, Austria's steepest cog railway, which departs from St. Wolfgang. St. Wolfgang is easily reachable by a short boat trip across Wolfgangsee from Sankt Gilgen. Alternatively, challenging hiking trails lead to the summit from locations like Sankt Gilgen or Winkl, though these routes are very steep and rocky.

The Scharflingerhöhe Pass is a true mountain pass connecting Scharfling on Mondsee with Sankt Gilgen on Wolfgangsee. It's notable for its geological history, having been excavated by the Wolfgangsee glacier. Historically, the Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn traversed it, and sections of the old railway line are still preserved. It also features a spectacular gorge just before the Krotensee.

Yes, the Scharflingerhöhe Pass has a rich history. It was traversed by the Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn between 1893 and 1957, with sections of the old railway line still preserved today, adding a touch of historical interest for visitors. The Schafberg mountain also features the historic Schafberg Railway, a cog railway dating back to 1893.

The area around Sankt Gilgen offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including those with gorges and meadows, and routes for cycling. For specific hiking options, explore the Hiking around Sankt Gilgen guide. If you're interested in running, the Running Trails around Sankt Gilgen guide provides options like the Bürgelstein Panoramic Trail.

Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from spots like the Trattberg Road, which offers fantastic vistas of the Dachstein. The low-traffic climb and scenic enjoyment combined with a sporting challenge are also highlighted for routes like the Postalmstraße eastern side. The beautiful forest passages and the opportunity to stop at mountain huts like the Enzianhütte are also popular.

Cyclists looking for a challenge will appreciate the Postalmstraße eastern side. It's described as a low-traffic climb and a must-do for every mountain goat, combining scenic enjoyment with a sporting challenge. From the top, there are good options to continue off-road, for example, on the 'Alte Postalmstraße'.

The Saddle (807 m) offers a quiet spot at the highest point of its tour, providing views north towards Schwarzensee and south towards Wolfgangsee. It's a great place to take a break and enjoy the scenery before descending.

The best time to visit is generally during the warmer months, from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when the weather is most favorable for hiking and cycling, and all facilities, including cable cars and mountain huts, are typically open. During this period, you'll experience lush landscapes and clear panoramic views.

Absolutely. The Zwölferhorn and Schafberg mountains are exceptional for photography, offering 360-degree vistas of multiple lakes and distant mountain ranges. The Postalm Scenic Alpine Plateau also provides great views with its expansive alpine meadows, especially when accompanied by the Weißenbach stream.