Lake Wolfgang is the Salzkammergut at its purest – mountain, water, pilgrimage.

Lake Wolfgang sits at the heart of the Salzkammergut, about 40 minutes' drive east of Salzburg. It links three places, each with its own story: St. Gilgen on the western shore, Strobl at the southern end and St. Wolfgang on the northern shore. Unlike the big coach destinations, the lake can be enjoyed in a relaxed day trip – and that is exactly the idea behind this private tour.

St. Gilgen is closely tied to Mozart: Anna Maria Pertl, mother of Wolfgang Amadeus, was born here in 1720, and his sister Nannerl later lived here as the wife of the district governor. The Mozart monument on the town-hall square and the small local museum tell this family story away from the bustle of Salzburg.

From St. Gilgen we recommend the lake cruise. The Wolfgangsee shipping line has operated since 1873 and is the most beautiful way to approach St. Wolfgang: the village only appears after a bend, with the famous pilgrimage church right at the water and the Schafberg as a backdrop. We park in St. Gilgen, you cruise across in comfort, and our chauffeur collects you again in St. Wolfgang – no fighting for parking on the crowded northern shore.

St. Wolfgang itself became world-famous through the operetta "The White Horse Inn". The lakeside hotel of the same name really exists and remains family-owned to this day. The pilgrimage church houses the Pacher altarpiece of 1481 – one of Europe's most important Gothic winged altars, which most day visitors simply walk past.

To crown the day, take the Schafberg railway to the top: a cog railway from 1893 that climbs to 1,783 metres in 35 minutes. On a clear day the summit reveals up to seven lakes and the Dachstein range. The railway runs from May to October; we reserve tickets in advance because the early morning departures sell out quickly.