Where Locals Relax: Wolfgangsee & 3 Alpine Villages(Private Tour)

Your private driver picks you up in Vienna. As we leave the city behind, the scenery transforms into a paradise of mountains and lakes. We head straight to Wolfgangsee, bypassing the busy tourist routes.

Our first stop is the elegant village of St. Gilgen. Known for its connection to Mozart’s family, it feels like a sophisticated alpine resort. We stroll along the manicured promenade, admire the historic Town Hall, and enjoy the view of the lake framed by mountains. It is peaceful, clean, and incredibly photogenic.

The journey from St. Gilgen to St. Wolfgang is an experience in itself. We drive along the scenic lakeside road, offering breathtaking views of the turquoise water and steep cliffs. Since you have a private car, we can stop anytime for photos at the best panoramic spots or, in summer, pause for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear lake away from the crowds. Boat Option: If you prefer to travel by water, you can board the historic Wolfgangsee ferry in St. Gilgen. Your private guide will accompany you on the cruise to point out sights and tell stories, while your driver takes the car and meets us directly at the dock in St. Wolfgang. (Boat ticket is not included).

We arrive in St. Wolfgang, a market town that has been a major pilgrimage destination for over 1,000 years, rivaling Rome in the Middle Ages. You will explore the historic center, filled with beautifully painted townhouses and the legendary "White Horse Inn" (Im Weißen Rössl), made famous by the operetta. We visit the pilgrimage church to admire the Michael Pacher Altar, a priceless Gothic masterpiece carved in 1481. According to legend, St. Wolfgang threw his axe from the mountain, vowing to build a church wherever it landed—and you will see the exact spot where this miracle is said to have happened. This is a place where history, religion, and alpine tradition merge perfectly.

Available May–October only. For the ultimate alpine experience, you can choose to ride the Schafbergbahn, Austria’s steepest steam cog railway, which has been chugging up the mountain since 1893. The 35-minute ride takes you to the summit (1,783m), offering the iconic "Sound of Music" view over seven glittering lakes. (Note: This is an optional extra. Tickets are not included. If you choose this ride, the visit to Strobl may be shortened).

If you choose not to take the train (or during the winter season), we enjoy a more relaxed pace in St. Wolfgang before heading to the nearby village of Strobl. Located on the flatter, sunnier side of the lake, Strobl offers a peaceful contrast to the busier towns. Here, you can walk along the famous wooden boardwalks that hover over the water, watch the swans, or enjoy a coffee with a view of the Kaiser villa across the lake. It is the perfect quiet finale to our tour of the three villages.

Relax in your spacious vehicle. After a day of fresh air and "slow travel," you return to your hotel feeling recharged, not exhausted.