Painters, artists and the imperial family were the first to discover the romantic Salzkammergut lake district. The Wolfgangsee and the Schafberg with its characteristic peak fascinated everyone who went there for the summer holidays. Austria's steepest rack railroad powered by steam was built from St. Wolfgang to the Schafberg peak in 1893. The forty-minute ride covers 5.85 kilometers up to an altitude of 1,190 meters. Each meter opens up a fantastic view into the Salzkammergut lake district and the Alpine divide with the Dachstein massif.
History of the Schafberg Railroad
Before the Schafberg Railroad was built, nearly 30 men carried the nobility to the summit at 1,783 meters in sedan chairs. A refuge was built on the Schafberg in 1863, making the climb with overnight accommodations even more romantic.
Construction of the railroad commenced in April 1892. Nearly 6,000 mules were required to carry the material and provisions up the mountain. The first locomotive for the Schafberg Railroad arrived in Ischl completely dismantled in 1893 and was brought to St. Wolfgang by sled, where it was assembled. The first locomotive reached the Schafberg summit on July 31, 1893 and the opening ceremony for the Schafberg Railroad was held on August 1.
The Schafberg Railroad today
Today most of the excursions are on trains hauled by new, oil-fired steam locomotives. The original engines dating back to the end of the 19th century are among the oldest rack railroad steam locomotives in the world still in service. Nature lovers can enjoy the sunset and the alpenglow every Tuesday evening from May to October. Delicious Salzburg-style cooking is available at Austria's finest mountaintop restaurant.
Reservations are recommended to avoid long waiting times. The train will depart with a minimum of 20 passengers. For reservations call +43 (0) 6138 22 32-0 or email berg.schiff@schafbergbahn.at.
History of the Wolfgangsee cruises
The "Emperor Franz Joseph I" paddle steamer first set sail on the Wolfgangsee in 1873 and was eulogized as a "technological achievement." Its maiden voyage officially opened scheduled ship service on the Wolfgangsee. The 33-meter nostalgic ship has been featured in a number of films and continues to be part of the fleet. Ship service experienced the anticipated upturn upon completion of the Schafberg Railroad and the fleet was significantly expanded after the war.
Wolfgangsee cruises today
Today the fleet has six motor vessels with the flagship "Wolfgang Amadeus" at the forefront. Boasting a capacity of 365 passengers, the "Österreich" is the largest ship. A trip on the renovated "Kaiserschiff" is an experience reminiscent of the Imperial and Royal Monarchy.
The vessels in the Wolfgangsee fleet operate all year round, although the service is adapted to the individual seasons. 12 cruises are schedules during the summer. The stops include: St. Gilgen - Fürberg - Ried/Falkenstein - Schafberg Railroad - St. Wolfgang - Geschwendt parking lot - Strobl.
back
