The SchafbergBahn – a masterpiece of mobility when it was inaugurated – is still the steepest cog railway in Austria. Now as then, the “Grande Dame of Cog Railways” excites people from around the world: One of the most famous attractions in the Salzkammergut, it offers excursioners a hugely enjoyable way to reach those high-alpine elevations, with fantastic scenery and unforgettable mountain experiences guaranteed.
The ride on the SchafbergBahn to just below the 1783 m high summit takes about 35 minutes, and you might wish it would last even longer considering the imposing views this cog railway treats you to along the way. With every vertical meter and every bend, your perspective of the world changes. At the top, 14 lakes lie right there at your feet. And in good visibility, you can gaze out all the way to the Hohe Tauern range and
the mighty Grossglockner.
Your journey takes you from St. Wolfgang across the provincial border between Upper Austria and Salzburg, passing through meadows and forests as far as the Dorneralm siding (elev. 1015 m). The ride continues to the Schafbergalm halt (1364 m), which has been painstakingly restored true to its historical forebear. For the last ten minutes before reaching the Schafbergspitze mountain station (1732 m), the SchafbergBahn chugs steeply uphill one last time.
The fleet of the SchafbergBahn cog railway includes modern steam locomotives and diesel-electric locomotives, which are in daily use, as well as the nostalgic steam locomotives from the founding year, which steam up the Schafberg on special trips and events. Discover all events at 5treasures.com
Tickets can be booked easily and in advance online at 5treasures.com.
A hiking paradise in the heart of the Salzkammergut
The well-maintained hiking trails of the Schafberg inspire nature lovers, sporty summiteers and connoisseurs alike. Numerous idyllic and marked hiking trails and active nature experiences await all those who want to climb the Schafberg on foot. After the climb, which involves conquering over 1,000 meters in altitude, a ride down on the SchafbergBahn cog railway is the perfect reward.
The new ExperienceQuarter of the SchafbergBahn cog railway
Unique experiences await not only on the mountain, but also in the valley station of SchafbergBahn cog railway. The so-called ExperienceQuarter doesn’t only boast an all-weather station and a shop, but also a small Museum Zone that presents a colorful history of the SchafbergBahn and WolfgangseeSchifffahrt. An old locomotive from the year 1893 is the centerpiece of the exhibition.
Culinary enjoyment isn’t neglected either, thanks to Café & Restaurant EQ in the ExperienceQuarter: Here you can also take in the breathtaking views of lake Wolfgangsee and the Schafberg from one of the most beautiful lakeside terraces on Wolfgangsee. Café & Restaurant EQ offers everything needed for successful culinary encounters and pleasurable travel experiences: Whether a small morning snack, a quick lunch, a cozy break for coffee and cake, or an exclusive à la carte dinner with stunning lake view. Menu and information about opening hours can be found online at eq-restaurant.com.
5 treasures trip with the digital pocket guide
The SchafbergBahn cog railway is one of the “Five Treasures” of Salzburg AG Tourismus GmbH alongside the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries, MönchsbergAufzug lift, Festungs-Bahn funicular and WasserSpiegel museum. A audio guide accompanying a grandfather and his granddaughter on a treasure hunt, impressive 360° views, a treasure map, interactive games and much more, just waiting for all of you treasure hunters, big and small, to discover digitally even before you have left home: 5treasures-journey.com.
5 Treasures Ticket
With our 5-Treasures-Ticket, treasure hunters are able to discover our five attractions in Salzburg and the Salzkammergut with just one ticket. All experiences can be redeemed independently of each other 365 days after purchase. Tickets online at 5treasures.com.