St.Gilgen is a wonderful destination in Austria well known to be the Idyllic Mozart Village on Wolfgangsee, one of the most captivating waters basin of the entire Nation at just 30,0 kilometres from Salzburg in the fascinating district of Flachgau and part of the scenic and picturesque region of Salzkammergut.
That small jewel of approximately 3,800 inhabitants lies at an altitude of 545,0 metres at the foot of the stunning Schafberg which with its 1783,0 metres is one of the most scenic mountains of the Northern limestone Alps very close to the beautiful town of Strobl and not far from another little marvel called St.Wolfgang im Salzkammergut a shining gem of Upper Austria in the district of Gmunden.
The municipality is is the composition of some hamlets and villages scattered around an area of 98,67 square kilometres Falkenstein, Reith, Forsthub, ,Ried,Winkl, Abersee and Gschwendt all them with their strong identity and showing a radiant natural beauty.
Located on the 158 and 154 National Roads linking its boundaries to the cities of Graz and Salzburg, St. Gilgen is established on a marvellous section of the renowned and iconic Austrian Romantikstrasse, a famous cultural, historical, panoramic route of that central European country which conquers many people for its scenic landscapes and historic patrimony linking two of the most beautiful cities of the entire country such as the mentioned city of Mozart and the eternally enchanting Vienna.
One of the great captivating attractions in the immediate vicinity is a large presence of stupendous dream lakes and St. Gilgen on one of them, the stunning Wolfgangsee but other equally wonderful such as the Abersee immediately south consisting in a sort of prolongation,the Mondsee and the Attersee both situated at north, the Fuschlee located at west and also the small Krottensee.
It is not a case that with all those magnificent and striking marvels, that site is undoubtedly a great spot of Austria and that fairytale place for all that was visited by many prominent figures from different parts of the country but also from abroad once reached that heaven remained bewitched and they decided to spend unforgettable sojourns enjoying a more than wonderful Eden.
Many romanticists, poets, painters and writers fell in love with that town such as Ludwig Richter, Jakob Alt, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Viktor von Scheffel, Friedrich Gauermann ans including a notorious visitor from U.S.A as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could not resist to the fascination of St.Gilgen.
In a more contemporary era the former German Politic Leader and Chancellor Helmuth Kohl selected St.Gilgenas residence for his pleasant stays in a site which boasts a magnificent true appeal and having everything to attract tourists from all around the world in a fairytale territory surrounded by picturesque mountains and captivating virgin forests with an atmosphere totally uncontaminated making it since a long time ago a very special climatic destination of absolute prestige.
That small jewel of approximately 3,800 inhabitants lies at an altitude of 545,0 metres at the foot of the stunning Schafberg which with its 1783,0 metres is one of the most scenic mountains of the Northern limestone Alps very close to the beautiful town of Strobl and not far from another little marvel called St.Wolfgang im Salzkammergut a shining gem of Upper Austria in the district of Gmunden.
The municipality is is the composition of some hamlets and villages scattered around an area of 98,67 square kilometres Falkenstein, Reith, Forsthub, ,Ried,Winkl, Abersee and Gschwendt all them with their strong identity and showing a radiant natural beauty.
Located on the 158 and 154 National Roads linking its boundaries to the cities of Graz and Salzburg, St. Gilgen is established on a marvellous section of the renowned and iconic Austrian Romantikstrasse, a famous cultural, historical, panoramic route of that central European country which conquers many people for its scenic landscapes and historic patrimony linking two of the most beautiful cities of the entire country such as the mentioned city of Mozart and the eternally enchanting Vienna.
One of the great captivating attractions in the immediate vicinity is a large presence of stupendous dream lakes and St. Gilgen on one of them, the stunning Wolfgangsee but other equally wonderful such as the Abersee immediately south consisting in a sort of prolongation,the Mondsee and the Attersee both situated at north, the Fuschlee located at west and also the small Krottensee.
It is not a case that with all those magnificent and striking marvels, that site is undoubtedly a great spot of Austria and that fairytale place for all that was visited by many prominent figures from different parts of the country but also from abroad once reached that heaven remained bewitched and they decided to spend unforgettable sojourns enjoying a more than wonderful Eden.
Many romanticists, poets, painters and writers fell in love with that town such as Ludwig Richter, Jakob Alt, Ferdinand Georg Waldmüller, Viktor von Scheffel, Friedrich Gauermann ans including a notorious visitor from U.S.A as Henry Wadsworth Longfellow could not resist to the fascination of St.Gilgen.
In a more contemporary era the former German Politic Leader and Chancellor Helmuth Kohl selected St.Gilgenas residence for his pleasant stays in a site which boasts a magnificent true appeal and having everything to attract tourists from all around the world in a fairytale territory surrounded by picturesque mountains and captivating virgin forests with an atmosphere totally uncontaminated making it since a long time ago a very special climatic destination of absolute prestige.
The municipality took its name from St. Giles or Aegidus also known as Giles the Hermit, a holy venerated figure born in Athens and died in Languedoc, France in 710 protectors of beggars, blacksmiths, people with cancer who is also the Patron Saint of that centre.
The town is deeply linked to the great composer from Salzburg Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart because it is the birthplace of his mother Anna Maria Pertl and also site in which his sister Maria Anna well known with her popular nickname "Nannerl" lived after her marriage with the noble Baron and Governor Sonnenburg.
Those links with the family of one of the most talented and influential genius of the classical era certainly supported the increasing popularity of that Austrian gem which apart all that offers several attractions all around in its boundaries.
Many are the chances to practise different kinds of outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, Alpine and Nordic Ski in winter season but also cycling on road, mountain bike and along the mentioned Romantikstrasse cycle tourism is since a long time ago a great incentive for many visitors.
Spectacular radial excursions in the wonderful Alps and nearest centres offering Medieval and Baroque gems and the proximity of Salzburg is another divine incentive to visit one of the most charming Austrian cities,birthplace of Mozart and with an endless list of visits and things to do.
Fishing, Water sports, sailing, cruises on fantastic lakes are all great additional invitations for a very complete tourism in an area which also offers excellent comfortable Hotels in a country greatly advanced in terms of hospitality services and the local gastronomy is another aspect to take in high consideration with a very varied delicious local cuisine loyal to the oldest traditions.
The town is deeply linked to the great composer from Salzburg Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart because it is the birthplace of his mother Anna Maria Pertl and also site in which his sister Maria Anna well known with her popular nickname "Nannerl" lived after her marriage with the noble Baron and Governor Sonnenburg.
Those links with the family of one of the most talented and influential genius of the classical era certainly supported the increasing popularity of that Austrian gem which apart all that offers several attractions all around in its boundaries.
Many are the chances to practise different kinds of outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, Alpine and Nordic Ski in winter season but also cycling on road, mountain bike and along the mentioned Romantikstrasse cycle tourism is since a long time ago a great incentive for many visitors.
Spectacular radial excursions in the wonderful Alps and nearest centres offering Medieval and Baroque gems and the proximity of Salzburg is another divine incentive to visit one of the most charming Austrian cities,birthplace of Mozart and with an endless list of visits and things to do.
Fishing, Water sports, sailing, cruises on fantastic lakes are all great additional invitations for a very complete tourism in an area which also offers excellent comfortable Hotels in a country greatly advanced in terms of hospitality services and the local gastronomy is another aspect to take in high consideration with a very varied delicious local cuisine loyal to the oldest traditions.
The history of St.Gilgen is pretty
similar to other towns in its immediate surroundings, a peaceful village at the foot of the Alps populated by artisans and farmers in the shade of the towering
Schafberg who mainly lived of their activities in a local environment which was as a sort of happy oasis of serenity but pretty isolated from the major Austrian centres also for a lack of established important communications.
Despite that it was already mentioned in 790 in a medieval document called Abriani Locus with the name Abersee, one of its current neighbourhoods.
After some centuries it became known in the Middle Ages concretely in 1376 when it was recorded in official maps as an important transit on the road between Salzburg and those mentioned lakes connected to the nearest town of Sankt Wolfgang and ruled for a long time by the Prince's Archbishops from Salzburg.
The land had in several occasion since medieval times was subject of disputes between Bavarians and Austrians often protagonists of many clashes a and all that endured for a long time before the incorporation of the current town in the Austro-Hungarian Empire under rule of the House of Hapsburg in 1816.
The popularity of St.Gilgen started to reach notable peaks in the 19th century when in 1873 was developed a service of navigation on the basin of the Wolfgangsee.Thanks to that special operation many people from other Austrian towns and States were immediately attracted for that new enchanting proposal with a magnificent opportunity to take a boat sailing across that magnificent lake.
Approximately twenty years later there was the construction of the railway Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn which directly reached St.Gilgen increasing furthermore the touristic flows in a destination which was immediately loved for its intact and greatly preserved environment highlighted by fabulous landscapes which conquered every visitor in a while.
Despite that it was already mentioned in 790 in a medieval document called Abriani Locus with the name Abersee, one of its current neighbourhoods.
After some centuries it became known in the Middle Ages concretely in 1376 when it was recorded in official maps as an important transit on the road between Salzburg and those mentioned lakes connected to the nearest town of Sankt Wolfgang and ruled for a long time by the Prince's Archbishops from Salzburg.
The land had in several occasion since medieval times was subject of disputes between Bavarians and Austrians often protagonists of many clashes a and all that endured for a long time before the incorporation of the current town in the Austro-Hungarian Empire under rule of the House of Hapsburg in 1816.
The popularity of St.Gilgen started to reach notable peaks in the 19th century when in 1873 was developed a service of navigation on the basin of the Wolfgangsee.Thanks to that special operation many people from other Austrian towns and States were immediately attracted for that new enchanting proposal with a magnificent opportunity to take a boat sailing across that magnificent lake.
Approximately twenty years later there was the construction of the railway Salzkammergut-Lokalbahn which directly reached St.Gilgen increasing furthermore the touristic flows in a destination which was immediately loved for its intact and greatly preserved environment highlighted by fabulous landscapes which conquered every visitor in a while.
That period was since the beginning linked to an exclusive and elite tourism and many
distinguished characters of the highest aristocratic spheres gravitating around the Imperial Hapsburg Royalty decided to visit often that destination for many
reasons as the Emperor Franz Josef who selected as summer holidays residence Bad Ischl, that notorious Spa town on the Traun River in Upper Austria but often saw in the boundaries of St. Gilgen.
Thar choice was due a sum of magnificent features such as wonderful mountains,an unforgettable lake,a place where the word pollution did not exist, the chance to enjoy relaxing and peaceful walks and all that consolidated that resort as a sort of Austrian paradise.
Once landed in the local territory the discovery of the presence of other fairytale lakes encircling St,Gilgen became in a sort of fast promotion a magnificent incentive for many people to escape from busy cities and populated towns and that place became for many people a beloved an ideal to spend unforgettable days recharging batteries and returning home in brilliant mental and physical conditions.
Many people started to flock from the Austrian Capital but also from Innsbruck,Linz Graz or including from the nearest Germany.
The proximity to the beautiful city of Salzburg was definitely another great invitation to combine those marvellous lakes and fabulous mountains with a city which was since those times a gem of history ,architecture and a cultural hub.
St.Gilgen was also visited for the roots of Mozart considered one of the most talented produced by Austria all time, a detail which attracted fans, curious people and new tourists.
The local history after the fall of the Austrian Empire ended the 1st World War continued later as part of the current
Osterreicher Republik,the Republic of Austria with a brief period under German rule in occasion of the German occupation in 1938 with that annexation called Anschluss endured until the end of the 2nd World War when the country started with a laborious start-up to re-establish its dimension in an European continent with new borders and realities. Thar choice was due a sum of magnificent features such as wonderful mountains,an unforgettable lake,a place where the word pollution did not exist, the chance to enjoy relaxing and peaceful walks and all that consolidated that resort as a sort of Austrian paradise.
Once landed in the local territory the discovery of the presence of other fairytale lakes encircling St,Gilgen became in a sort of fast promotion a magnificent incentive for many people to escape from busy cities and populated towns and that place became for many people a beloved an ideal to spend unforgettable days recharging batteries and returning home in brilliant mental and physical conditions.
Many people started to flock from the Austrian Capital but also from Innsbruck,Linz Graz or including from the nearest Germany.
The proximity to the beautiful city of Salzburg was definitely another great invitation to combine those marvellous lakes and fabulous mountains with a city which was since those times a gem of history ,architecture and a cultural hub.
St.Gilgen was also visited for the roots of Mozart considered one of the most talented produced by Austria all time, a detail which attracted fans, curious people and new tourists.
The centre of the town is mainly
arranged behind two important arteries such as Wolfgangseestrasse and Mondsestrasse and from there along Salzburgerstrasse there is immediately the access to the centre with the central Mozartplatz and Kirchenplatz where are respectively situated the Rathaus, the Town Hall and the Pfarrkirche, the Parish Church while one of the sides of the Municipal building lies the strategic street Poststrasse which is one of the most important hallways of the historic centre.
From that important artery crossing Sonnenrburggasse you can reach Ischlerstrasse and in approximately 5/6 minutes walking you will reach the lake shore. From there you can continue enjoying a pleasant walk along the fascinating lake side promenade on which are situated the major part of the Hotels, cafes and restaurants and the charming harbour.
The local architecture reflects the typical style of the region consisting in beautiful stone houses with attractive wooden doors,decorated shutters and scenic balconies. Another great feature is it is very peaceful and calm atmosphere all around very appreciated by many visitors.
You can start the visit from Mozartplatz with the Rathaus, one of the emblematic symbols of St.Gilgen,a beautiful high building arranged on three stories with large rectangular windows and captivating painted shutters inserted on an ample scenic gable facade.
A splendid arched entrance is situated beneath a small stylish portico supported by stone columns and surmounted by a protruding architectural element. The construction is completed by a series of other windows,two attractive oval decoration and covered by a charming red roof topped by a pinnacle.
That architectural masterpiece is undoubtedly a great example as introduction of a town which will show you despite its size a multitude of surprising and pleasant attractions.
In front of that marvellous building in a rotunda you can admire a fountain surrounded by flowers, a work developed in 1927 and dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart consisting in a statue depicting that great composer playing a violin.
Do not miss a stop in the emblematic Konditorei Cafe Dallman in the same square, it is a must. Situated in a wonderful big scenic gable house with a stunning decorated front side you can enjoy there the delicious specialities of that renowned pastry shop with a long confectionery tradition boasting the production of fine chocolate and several sweet products among them the iconic Mozartkugeln.
At short distance from that distinctive establishment you can reach Pfarrkirche Sankt Gilgen the Parish Church dedicated to St. Aegidius Protector and Patron of the town.It is a Religious building which originally was elevated in the 14th century but totally remodelled in Baroque style in the 18th century and ended in 1767 with different restorations and works of refurbishment in the following centuries.
Today it shows a charming Baroque style highlighted by the presence of a high bell tower surmounted by a huge double onion dome with pinnacle.The walls are painted in white and ochre tonalities with a dark roof while on the sides were placed some long curved windows and on a wall a big Crucifix.
The interior is arranged on a nave with a ample apse in which was established a splendid Baroque altarpiece and furthermore you will notice the presence of three splendid altars developed in a magnificent Rococo and Neo-Classic styles and statues depicting the Saints Nikolaus and Wolfgang.
Other great highlights are the presence of relevant frescoes executed on a splendid dome, a Baroque Virgin Mary with Child by the sculptor Meinrad Guggenbicher, paintings by Pietro Antonio Lorenzoni, an Italian artist from Cles a town of Trentino Alto Adige and a Mozart's pipe organ made in 1990.
The Church was consecrated two years later of its construction and it was the place of the weddings of Mozart grand parents and also the site in which the mother of the famed composer Anna Maria Pertl was baptised.
Next to the Pfarrkirche you can see Friedhof Sankt Gilgen ,the local cemetery dating back the 15th century and notorious place in which Wolfgang Nikolaus Pertl the grand father of Mozart was buried.
Another charming building is certainly Gasthof Zur Post,a splendid structure offering comfortable and lovely accommodations and representing the traditional local architecture in all its essence, canons and splendour.
It consists huge house arranged on four stories with fine frescoes on its facade and picturesque windows with painted shutters.You can admire as highlight a long wooden flowered balcony surmounted by another smaller one and spectacular is the view of that construction which shows a perfect harmony within colours, architectural details and perfect lines beneath a captivating wide gable roof.
Mozarthaus is definitely one of the great attractions and iconic symbols presents in the municipality.It is the house in which Wolfgang Nikolaus Pertl, the grandfather of the great composer of Salzburg lived and where the mum of that master Anna Maria was born and it
became the residence of the sister Maria Anna after her wedding with the aristocratic character Sonnenburg.
That construction is a hymn and dedication to the composer and his family since the year 2005 date in which St,Gilgen was awarded with the title of Mozart Village.
Currently it is a property of the Mozartdforf Cultural Association and it is also used as seat for events, cultural centre and in addition it hosts a Museum dedicated to Anna Maria Walburga Mozart.
From that important artery crossing Sonnenrburggasse you can reach Ischlerstrasse and in approximately 5/6 minutes walking you will reach the lake shore. From there you can continue enjoying a pleasant walk along the fascinating lake side promenade on which are situated the major part of the Hotels, cafes and restaurants and the charming harbour.
The local architecture reflects the typical style of the region consisting in beautiful stone houses with attractive wooden doors,decorated shutters and scenic balconies. Another great feature is it is very peaceful and calm atmosphere all around very appreciated by many visitors.
You can start the visit from Mozartplatz with the Rathaus, one of the emblematic symbols of St.Gilgen,a beautiful high building arranged on three stories with large rectangular windows and captivating painted shutters inserted on an ample scenic gable facade.
A splendid arched entrance is situated beneath a small stylish portico supported by stone columns and surmounted by a protruding architectural element. The construction is completed by a series of other windows,two attractive oval decoration and covered by a charming red roof topped by a pinnacle.
That architectural masterpiece is undoubtedly a great example as introduction of a town which will show you despite its size a multitude of surprising and pleasant attractions.
In front of that marvellous building in a rotunda you can admire a fountain surrounded by flowers, a work developed in 1927 and dedicated to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart consisting in a statue depicting that great composer playing a violin.
Do not miss a stop in the emblematic Konditorei Cafe Dallman in the same square, it is a must. Situated in a wonderful big scenic gable house with a stunning decorated front side you can enjoy there the delicious specialities of that renowned pastry shop with a long confectionery tradition boasting the production of fine chocolate and several sweet products among them the iconic Mozartkugeln.
At short distance from that distinctive establishment you can reach Pfarrkirche Sankt Gilgen the Parish Church dedicated to St. Aegidius Protector and Patron of the town.It is a Religious building which originally was elevated in the 14th century but totally remodelled in Baroque style in the 18th century and ended in 1767 with different restorations and works of refurbishment in the following centuries.
Today it shows a charming Baroque style highlighted by the presence of a high bell tower surmounted by a huge double onion dome with pinnacle.The walls are painted in white and ochre tonalities with a dark roof while on the sides were placed some long curved windows and on a wall a big Crucifix.
The interior is arranged on a nave with a ample apse in which was established a splendid Baroque altarpiece and furthermore you will notice the presence of three splendid altars developed in a magnificent Rococo and Neo-Classic styles and statues depicting the Saints Nikolaus and Wolfgang.
Other great highlights are the presence of relevant frescoes executed on a splendid dome, a Baroque Virgin Mary with Child by the sculptor Meinrad Guggenbicher, paintings by Pietro Antonio Lorenzoni, an Italian artist from Cles a town of Trentino Alto Adige and a Mozart's pipe organ made in 1990.
The Church was consecrated two years later of its construction and it was the place of the weddings of Mozart grand parents and also the site in which the mother of the famed composer Anna Maria Pertl was baptised.
Next to the Pfarrkirche you can see Friedhof Sankt Gilgen ,the local cemetery dating back the 15th century and notorious place in which Wolfgang Nikolaus Pertl the grand father of Mozart was buried.
Another charming building is certainly Gasthof Zur Post,a splendid structure offering comfortable and lovely accommodations and representing the traditional local architecture in all its essence, canons and splendour.
It consists huge house arranged on four stories with fine frescoes on its facade and picturesque windows with painted shutters.You can admire as highlight a long wooden flowered balcony surmounted by another smaller one and spectacular is the view of that construction which shows a perfect harmony within colours, architectural details and perfect lines beneath a captivating wide gable roof.
Mozarthaus is definitely one of the great attractions and iconic symbols presents in the municipality.It is the house in which Wolfgang Nikolaus Pertl, the grandfather of the great composer of Salzburg lived and where the mum of that master Anna Maria was born and it
became the residence of the sister Maria Anna after her wedding with the aristocratic character Sonnenburg.
That construction is a hymn and dedication to the composer and his family since the year 2005 date in which St,Gilgen was awarded with the title of Mozart Village.
Currently it is a property of the Mozartdforf Cultural Association and it is also used as seat for events, cultural centre and in addition it hosts a Museum dedicated to Anna Maria Walburga Mozart.
That site is definitely a considerable heritage patrimony linked to one of the most relevant talents of music all time,a genius who with his music delighted Emperors and millions of people but despite Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart has his roots there curiously that prominent figure never visited the town.
Next to the museum you can see a fountain depicting the image of Mozart mother when it was a young girl. It is a work by Toni Schneider-Manzell an Austrian-German sculptor born in Friedrichshafen who also worked in different important cities and towns such as Vienna, Salzburg, Essen and Augsburg among others.
The town also boasts the presence of other exhibitions as Eimatkundliches Musem hosted in a building dated 1655 which was called Wetzl Haus and also known as the Hermit's House situated in Pichlerplatz and it is a fantastic crhronological narration of the history of St. Gilgen and the region in an exhibition arranged along 11 rooms.
That special Musem received different kinds of awards in 1994 by the Ministry of Science and Research,some years later in 2001 it was awarded as First museum in Salzburg key while in 2003 it achieved a further title when it was declared Austrian Museum of Approval.
In Aberseestrasse at the civic number 11 you can visit St.Gilgen Museum of Musical Instruments. It is a very interesting place, a great Educational visit to admire over 2000 different music instruments from different countries and cultures of the world.
There are many opportunities to discover other beauties by a boat tour on the superb Wolfgangsee, a spectacular and unique experience and mandatory sailing on a beautiful waters basin of approximately 13,0 square kilometres and 10,5 kilometres long.
That idyllic lake with a maximum depth of 114,0 metres is surrounded by marvellous mountains with a scenic peninsula called Enge dividing it in two sections.Its western side is formed by a sort of prolongation called Abersee and that small lake inside another has a special feature because during winter season it is not frozen as the rest of the basin due a different climatic condition and different temperatures of the water.
On it you will the great chance to visit two other fascinating places such as Strobl and Sankt Wolfgang, considered two other little gems and highlights of that cruise.
That lake is like a sort of mirror with uncontaminated blue waters and in every corner showing unforgettable landscapes,something simply unique elevated as one of the most picturesque of the entire Austria for its fairytale scenery and selected since a long time ago by several landscape painters.
The excursion by cable car to Zwölferhorn
is another must.It is simply beautiful because from the top of that mountain there is an ample
panoramic view on all the Wolfgangsee and also to the nearest dream lakes Mondsee and Fuschlsee.
Those two basins are absolutely spectacular and worth to be visited. The Mondsee is situated north of St.Gilgen and it is characterised by a scenic shape with two spectacular headlands forming two charming and picturesque little bay a great image to immortalise that shining diamond in a multitude of pictures from different perspectives.
It has a surface of 14,2 square kilometres and its southwestern shore marks the frontier between Upper Austria and the State of Salzburg. It is situated at an altitude of 481,0 metres, its maximum depth is of 58,0 metres and it has a length of approximately 11,0 kilometres.
That marvellous waters basin inspired the British author Ian Fleming who mentioned it in Thunderball in one of his novels of James Bond in which one of the protagonists, Ernst Stavro Blofeld head of the organisation SPECTRE reports to the Russian special intelligence department SMERSH officers that their German unit has successfully retrieved in secret the hoard of jewels of Heinrich Himmler the Ministry of Interior of the Third Reich in that lake.
In 1864 according to archeological researched were found rests of neolithic pile dwellings and in addition it also boasts a curiosity because it is an Austria's last privately owned and the owner Marie Wachter in 2008 decided it was up for sale.
The Fuschlsee is located at short distance west of the town and despite its very small size is equally beautiful for its tiny inlets and a wonderful natural environment surrounding it.Situated at an altitude of 667,0 metres, it is 4,1 kilometres long, 0,9 kilometres wide and its surface is just 2,7 square kilometres with a maximum depth of 66,0 metres.
It is formed by the stream Fuscher Ache which ends its course in the Abersee and it is part of the hydrologic system of the Danube. The beauty of that tiny waters basin is also highlighted by a large wonderful green woodland and dominated by scenic Alpine peaks.
Very recommended is also the excursion taking the rack railway which leads to the summit of the majestic Schafberg a beautiful peak which offers the brilliant opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views of the entire local area.
Next to the museum you can see a fountain depicting the image of Mozart mother when it was a young girl. It is a work by Toni Schneider-Manzell an Austrian-German sculptor born in Friedrichshafen who also worked in different important cities and towns such as Vienna, Salzburg, Essen and Augsburg among others.
The town also boasts the presence of other exhibitions as Eimatkundliches Musem hosted in a building dated 1655 which was called Wetzl Haus and also known as the Hermit's House situated in Pichlerplatz and it is a fantastic crhronological narration of the history of St. Gilgen and the region in an exhibition arranged along 11 rooms.
That special Musem received different kinds of awards in 1994 by the Ministry of Science and Research,some years later in 2001 it was awarded as First museum in Salzburg key while in 2003 it achieved a further title when it was declared Austrian Museum of Approval.
In Aberseestrasse at the civic number 11 you can visit St.Gilgen Museum of Musical Instruments. It is a very interesting place, a great Educational visit to admire over 2000 different music instruments from different countries and cultures of the world.
There are many opportunities to discover other beauties by a boat tour on the superb Wolfgangsee, a spectacular and unique experience and mandatory sailing on a beautiful waters basin of approximately 13,0 square kilometres and 10,5 kilometres long.
That idyllic lake with a maximum depth of 114,0 metres is surrounded by marvellous mountains with a scenic peninsula called Enge dividing it in two sections.Its western side is formed by a sort of prolongation called Abersee and that small lake inside another has a special feature because during winter season it is not frozen as the rest of the basin due a different climatic condition and different temperatures of the water.
On it you will the great chance to visit two other fascinating places such as Strobl and Sankt Wolfgang, considered two other little gems and highlights of that cruise.
That lake is like a sort of mirror with uncontaminated blue waters and in every corner showing unforgettable landscapes,something simply unique elevated as one of the most picturesque of the entire Austria for its fairytale scenery and selected since a long time ago by several landscape painters.
Very interesting is another excursion to the hamlet of Falkenstein, it is a neighbourhood of Sankt Gilgen, a suggestive place in which you can admire Falkenkirche, a site famous for the legend of the farmer and his ox and today you can see in that place the notorious Ochsenkreutz,
the Cross of the ox.
That symbol represents a story which tells that a farmer was crossing the lake with that animal when he fell in the water due to a breaking ice and that quadruped saved him. After that event that character decided to thank it establishing a very small shrine in that point on an islet of the lake.
That symbol represents a story which tells that a farmer was crossing the lake with that animal when he fell in the water due to a breaking ice and that quadruped saved him. After that event that character decided to thank it establishing a very small shrine in that point on an islet of the lake.
Those two basins are absolutely spectacular and worth to be visited. The Mondsee is situated north of St.Gilgen and it is characterised by a scenic shape with two spectacular headlands forming two charming and picturesque little bay a great image to immortalise that shining diamond in a multitude of pictures from different perspectives.
It has a surface of 14,2 square kilometres and its southwestern shore marks the frontier between Upper Austria and the State of Salzburg. It is situated at an altitude of 481,0 metres, its maximum depth is of 58,0 metres and it has a length of approximately 11,0 kilometres.
That marvellous waters basin inspired the British author Ian Fleming who mentioned it in Thunderball in one of his novels of James Bond in which one of the protagonists, Ernst Stavro Blofeld head of the organisation SPECTRE reports to the Russian special intelligence department SMERSH officers that their German unit has successfully retrieved in secret the hoard of jewels of Heinrich Himmler the Ministry of Interior of the Third Reich in that lake.
In 1864 according to archeological researched were found rests of neolithic pile dwellings and in addition it also boasts a curiosity because it is an Austria's last privately owned and the owner Marie Wachter in 2008 decided it was up for sale.
The Fuschlsee is located at short distance west of the town and despite its very small size is equally beautiful for its tiny inlets and a wonderful natural environment surrounding it.Situated at an altitude of 667,0 metres, it is 4,1 kilometres long, 0,9 kilometres wide and its surface is just 2,7 square kilometres with a maximum depth of 66,0 metres.
It is formed by the stream Fuscher Ache which ends its course in the Abersee and it is part of the hydrologic system of the Danube. The beauty of that tiny waters basin is also highlighted by a large wonderful green woodland and dominated by scenic Alpine peaks.
Very recommended is also the excursion taking the rack railway which leads to the summit of the majestic Schafberg a beautiful peak which offers the brilliant opportunity to enjoy unforgettable views of the entire local area.
Local cuisine is considered among the best in Austria and one of the local gastronomic highlights is the presence of a large variety of soups.
The Rindsuppe is a traditional one prepared with beef meat, parsley, onion and carrot and there are many other variants using other kind of meat as the famous Klaschelsuppe which is prepared with pork meat while others also have an use of eggs,potatoes and bread. A further pretty common is the Gemusesuppe cooked with only vegetables and another one is the Zwiebelsuppe consisting in an onion soup.
The Rindsuppe is a traditional one prepared with beef meat, parsley, onion and carrot and there are many other variants using other kind of meat as the famous Klaschelsuppe which is prepared with pork meat while others also have an use of eggs,potatoes and bread. A further pretty common is the Gemusesuppe cooked with only vegetables and another one is the Zwiebelsuppe consisting in an onion soup.
Do not forget to try the typical Knodeln sort of delicious dumplings which can be served also in broth. Very appreciated are the Fleischknodeln prepared filling those kinds of gnocchi with ham or meat or taste the exquiste Kasnocken made just with cheese.
Another famous dish is the Bierfleisch a meat stew using a good quantity of beer in its preparation, very popular is the Tafelspitz, a tender boiled beef preapred with sauce and also usual is the presence of the emblematic Wiener Schnitzel, that breaded cutlet consisting in one of the most famous national plates.Relevant is also great variety of excellent sausages and well known is a local Bratwurst served with pickled cabbage and potaotes.
Another famous dish is the Bierfleisch a meat stew using a good quantity of beer in its preparation, very popular is the Tafelspitz, a tender boiled beef preapred with sauce and also usual is the presence of the emblematic Wiener Schnitzel, that breaded cutlet consisting in one of the most famous national plates.Relevant is also great variety of excellent sausages and well known is a local Bratwurst served with pickled cabbage and potaotes.
Austria is one of the most important and famous countries in the world about bakery, cakes and desserts.The famous local Strudeln and the famed Apfelstrudel are excellent.Very famous are also the delicious Mozartkugeln,those notorious chocolate balls with the name of the great composer,a traditional product of the Region and notorious is also the Salzburg Nockerl, a delicious souffle of eggs and sugar.
About beverages there are beers of high quality as Märzen and Dunkles Hefewzein but also fine wines such as Grüner,Riesling,an excellent local Chardonnay and Zweigelt among others.
Those local wines are the result of an accurate and meticulous choice of selected grapes which thanks a favourable climate produce wines of high level.The local Chardonnay is really excellent,an elegant and fine wine with body and highly palatable while the local Riesling is very similar for taste and straw colour to the Rieslings produced in the Italian Alto Adige and Hungary.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Flughafen Salzburg Airport is situated at just 42,0 kilometres from the town and in 30/35 minutes driving you will reach that great place by A1 Autobahn Motorway and continuing along the National Road B158.
About beverages there are beers of high quality as Märzen and Dunkles Hefewzein but also fine wines such as Grüner,Riesling,an excellent local Chardonnay and Zweigelt among others.
Those local wines are the result of an accurate and meticulous choice of selected grapes which thanks a favourable climate produce wines of high level.The local Chardonnay is really excellent,an elegant and fine wine with body and highly palatable while the local Riesling is very similar for taste and straw colour to the Rieslings produced in the Italian Alto Adige and Hungary.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Flughafen Salzburg Airport is situated at just 42,0 kilometres from the town and in 30/35 minutes driving you will reach that great place by A1 Autobahn Motorway and continuing along the National Road B158.
Sankt Gilgen is something special for its historical links with Mozart family but also for its unique appeal, one of the best destinations a tourist can choose in the marvellous State of Salzburg.
That town is a perfect place to spend holidays thanks to the numerous options it offers and if you are a history, art lover, and a fan of that superb composer, the idyllic Mozart village on Wolfgangsee is something absolutely unforgettable, that fairytale site will conquer you with all its charm, splendour and magnificent authenticity, a shining Austrian pearl in a stunning coffer which once opened will bewitch you.
That town is a perfect place to spend holidays thanks to the numerous options it offers and if you are a history, art lover, and a fan of that superb composer, the idyllic Mozart village on Wolfgangsee is something absolutely unforgettable, that fairytale site will conquer you with all its charm, splendour and magnificent authenticity, a shining Austrian pearl in a stunning coffer which once opened will bewitch you.
Francesco Mari
Recommended Accommodations In St. Gilgen
Hotel Abeersehof
Hotel Hollweger
Hotel Radetzky
Gasthof Zur Post
Gasthof Fürberg
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Thanks a lot to read and note.