St Wolfgang Information

Apres-ski

Après-ski in St Wolfgang ranges from sophisticated hotel lounge bars to livelier venues.

Bar Grabovski (tel: +43 664 183 4530) is firmly in the latter category. Open until 0400, it's good for everything from cocktails and cigars to live music. The family-run pub Hannelore (tel: +43 613 83001) is a more relaxed option.

Don't miss the live music at Weissen Rössl (tel: +43 61 382 306; www.weissesroessl.at). The famous 1920s operetta of the same name was written here. Wallners (tel: +43 61 382 272; www.wallner24.at), located just across the road, is another long-standing establishment that's been a popular spot for a coffee and cake, or casual beer, for generations.

Eating out

There is a large choice of restaurants in St Wolfgang, though the majority are traditional Austrian establishments where meat and cheese dishes are plentiful. One local dish not to be missed is the scrumptious shredded pancake, kaiserschmarrn ('fit for an Emperor' desert).

The Dorf Alm (tel: +43 613 820 145; www.dorf-alm.at) is one of the best eateries in the resort, with a reputation for excellent regional recipes and service. Gasthof Franz Josef (tel: +43 613 82354; www.franz-josef.co.at) boasts a similarly strong reputation as a purveyor of traditional cuisine and is set on a slipway off the Market Square, affording great views over the lake.

Other native cuisines on offer include tasty pizza at Pension Rudolfshohe (tel: +43 660 433 3794; www.pension-rudolfshoehe.at) and American style burgers at Kraftstoff Bar (www.kraftstoffbar.at).

Gourmets meanwhile should head for the award-winning Kaiserterrasse at the Hotel Im Weissen Rössl (tel: +43 6138 23060; www.weissesroessl.at) by the lake.

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There are many activities in St Wolfgang, owing to the town's year-round operations, with winter activities encompassing everything from sleigh rides, snowshoeing and snow tubing to the skilful sport of curling. Toboggans can be rented from the Strobler hut (near Parkarea 3), while indoor activities include tennis at the Vital Hotel Wolfgangsee (tel: +43 6138 22770; www.tennis-hotel.at).

Those in search of pure relaxation and a spot of pampering will find a number of top-class spa and wellness facilities open to the public in the resort's various 4-star hotels. These invariably include indoor swimming pools and a range of treatments available to day pass holders.

The majority of other activities in the area are centred on Lake Wolfgangsee; from boating and water-skiing on it to paragliding above it.

Family fun

St Wolfgang is a pleasant place to spend a family holiday, but there are pros and cons to a family stay in this resort.

On the one hand, families will enjoy being together in an area of great natural beauty, with high-value, family-friendly facilities and a small and unintimidating ski area. But on the other, expect to spend a chunk of the holiday walking around and sitting on buses.

Also, there is no non-ski nursery provision for young children, although kids four and older can be catered for and taught to ski at the ski kindergarten (tel: +43 61 376 090) run by Gabriele Pilz at the Postalm ski area.

Retail therapy

A long-standing regional shopping hub, St Wolfgang has a good selection of shops that can meet both holiday and retail therapy needs. There are a dozen or so gift shops to explore, as well as plenty of quirky and specialist stores run by local craftspeople and other artisans.

Fine examples include the glass studio Glasschleiferei Wipplinger (tel: +43 613 828 273) and the antiques shop Das Gwölb (also known as Zita's) (tel: +43 66 41 124 384).

Splashing out

Eurotherme (tel: +43 6132 2040; www.eurothermen.at) in nearby Bad Ischl offers the epitome of tranquillity in its traditional spa, which incorporates a thermal bath, a large sauna area and a hot-whirlpool into its many soothing treatments. The complex is open daily and is a 30-minute bus ride from St Wolfgang.

Hotels

Accommodation is primarily in the form of hotels in St Wolfgang, with a great choice ranging from 1- to 4-star properties. There are also smaller bed and breakfast pensions, plus around 300 beds available in apartment accommodation.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap