We are 2 seniors staying in Bad Ischl for 2 nights in mid July. We are not interested in strenuous hiking, but want to see the natural beauty of the area. We actually only have a day and a half of time there. We were planning use our first afternoon for St. Wolfgang & St. Gilgen using the SchafbergBahn and the Wolfgangsee-Schifffahrt ferry. On the second (full) day we were planning to visit Hallstatt and the Dachstein Krippenstein riding the cable cars, walking to the 5 Fingers, but not the ice cave. We also want to experience Bad Ischl and have a chance to enjoy the Bath at our hotel, Goldener Ochs. Is this a good plan or are we trying to do too much? If so, how should we modify it? We will be travelling by bus and train where appropriate.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
6053 posts
In my opinion, the first afternoon is too much. To get from Bad Ischl to Sankt Gilgen to St. Wolfgang by the ferry will easily take two hours each way. I suggest simply visiting Sankt Gilgen and then taking the cable car up the Zwolferhorn if you want (but not necessary due to your next day). Sankt Gilgen has a lovely lakeside and charming village with good restaurants. If you want to take the ferry to St. Wolfgang from Sankt Gilgen, then St. Wolfgang is also lovely to explore. The public transportation links, however, between St. Wolfgang and Bas Ischl are not good.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you. Do you think this itinerary is better and non repetative of our day 2, visit Hallstatt and the Dachstein Krippenstein riding the cable cars,
• 11:54 AM – 12:35 PM (Bus 150): Ride from Bad Ischl to St. Gilgen.
• 12:35 PM – 2:15 PM (Explore St. Gilgen): Enjoy nearly 2 hours to get lunch at a lakeside cafe, photograph the Mozart-themed architecture, and stroll the quiet promenade.
• 2:15 PM – 2:50 PM (The Ferry): Relax on the beautiful boat cruise across the lake to St. Wolfgang.
• 2:50 PM – 4:00 PM (Explore St. Wolfgang): Spend an hour exploring the bustling pedestrian streets, visit the famous 14th-century Pilgrimage Church, or grab a pastry.
• 4:00 PM – 5:35 PM (Schafbergbahn Train): Take the spectacular train journey up the mountain and back down.
• 5:46 PM – 6:25 PM (Bus 546 + 150): Catch your evening bus loop smoothly back to Bad Ischl for dinner.
Posted by
2806 posts
Check the current time table of the Schafbergbahn:
https://www.5schaetze.at/en/schafbergbahn/prices-and-timetables.html
Beware that the last train going down is the first one to be booked out, so buy your tickets in time.
Posted by
OP
8 posts
This is our revised Itinerary. It is rather expensive so I was wondering if it is unique and worth seeing.
We will take a bus, around noon from Bad Isschl to St. Gilgen. Explore St. Gilgen, then take the Wolfgangsee-Schifffahrt ferry one way to St.Wolfgang, a round trip on the SchafbergBahn with a stop at the summit. We will take a bus Back to Bad Ischl. We expect to be back to Bad Ischl around 6-6:30 pm. Is this realistic and worthwhile?
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1652 posts
Depending on the time of year St. Wolfgang can be absolutely packed. It's really a tourist village other than the lake views (my opinion). Absolutely dead in winter. With good weather I would plan more time on the summit Schafberg walking to the top for the views of the lakes from the Bergstation (don't miss this). The train ride itself is not all that scenic. The small Katrin Seilbahn Bad Ischl is nice too with time. https://www.katrinseilbahn.com/
Posted by
OP
8 posts
Thank you. I try to avoid crowded tourist areas, We're staying in Bad Ischl and spending the followind day visiting Hallstatt and the Dachstein Krippenstein. Any suggestions for a less touristy and worthwhile afternoon from Bad Ischl. We're seniors so we're not looking for strenuous options.
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1652 posts
Nothing in particular, but the southeast side of the Attersee is quiet. You can swim there too. If you like smoked freshwater fish the Schloss Fuschl Fischerei on the Fuschlsee is nice. Had a great fish soup there. It's out of your way and unfortunately a walk up and down from the bus stop. People come here from Salzburg for lunch. https://schlossfuschlfischerei.com/ I've never been there, but I plan to visit the Altaussee someday.