St. Wolfgang: The Pacher Altar and the White Horse Inn
Pilgrimage, operetta and a cog railway on Lake Wolfgang
HighlightsOberösterreich- Duration
- 1.5 hours
- Languages
- German, English
St. Wolfgang in the Salzkammergut has been an important pilgrimage site since the Middle Ages and became world famous through the operetta The White Horse Inn. This private walk shows Michael Pacher's late Gothic altarpiece, one of the masterpieces of Gothic art in Europe.
Saint Wolfgang is said to have lived here as a hermit, and soon pilgrims came from all over Europe. Their offerings paid for Michael Pacher's magnificent altar of 1481, which still stands in its original place.
In contrast stands the Baroque double altar by Thomas Schwanthaler. According to legend, it saved the Pacher altar from being replaced by a more modern work. Your guide tells the story behind it.
The White Horse Inn on the lakeshore inspired Ralph Benatzky's operetta of 1930. Next door, the Schafberg Railway, Austria's steepest cog railway, climbs to one of the finest viewpoints in the region.
Highlights
- Late Gothic Pacher altar of 1481
- Schwanthaler altar and pilgrimage history
- White Horse Inn on the lake
- View of the Schafberg Railway
- Lakeside promenade
The route
-
1Village center
Lanes and pilgrims' path
-
2Pilgrimage church
Pacher and Schwanthaler altars
-
3Lakeshore
The White Horse Inn
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4Schafberg Railway
Optional mountain trip
Who this tour is for
Ideal for art lovers, operetta fans and day trippers from Salzburg or Bad Ischl.
Frequently asked questions
Are entrance fees included?
No. Entrance fees and tickets for cable cars, trains, boats or tastings are not included and are paid on site. Your guide is happy to tell you in advance what to expect.
Is the price per person or per group?
This is a private tour with a licensed Austrian tour guide. The price is per group, not per person, so it is just you and your own party.
Can we add a ride up the Schafberg?
Yes. In season the cog railway runs from the village to the summit. Your guide can plan it in; the ticket is not included.
