St. Wolfgang im Salzkammergut, Market municipality in Gmunden District, Austria
St. Wolfgang is a municipality on Lake Wolfgang's northern shore at 548 meters elevation, surrounded by Alpine forests and Schafberg mountain. The settlement spreads along the lake with buildings, the parish church, and hiking paths that lead upward toward the peak.
In the 10th century, Bishop Wolfgang of Regensburg founded a church at the spot where his axe reportedly landed, establishing the settlement and its name. This legend shaped the place's identity over many centuries.
The late Gothic parish church with Michael Pacher's ornate altar from 1481 drew pilgrims from across the region through its detailed religious carvings. These works continue to shape how visitors experience the place and understand its spiritual importance.
The Schafberg railway operates from April to November, carrying visitors to viewpoints at 1,783 meters with wide views over lakes and mountains. The settlement is easy to walk around the shore, with marked paths and local services to assist visitors.
The White Horse Inn, built in 1878, became the setting for an operetta that brought this small Austrian town to international attention. The building still stands by the shore today, marking this musical chapter.
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