Last news update 10/01/12

For FAQ's scroll down to bottom.

Apartments cost from 55-95 euro per night.

Chalet Houses cost from 150 euro per night.

After the Christmas season!

The Ski season starts properly. It has been unsettled weather for ski-ing, with temperatures fluctuating between perfect for snow and perfect for rain!!

At the moment, areas like Tirol have suffered treally heavy snow falls and avalanche warnings whilst other areas have just the prefect amount of snow. In our own area of Salzkammergut the weather is now heading towards return of the snow and all the resorts and lifts are open. Because of the rising value of Sterling against the Euro, there has been more interest to book an apartment or ski chalet.So, now is the time to book a bargain.

Flights Fantastic

The Red Bull Sea planes over the lake is something not to be missed! From 8-10th July the airspace over the lake becomes so busy, you could think it was a day at Gatwick, only much more exciting! If you don't believe me, have a look at their link for the Challenge: http://airchallenge.scalaria.com/ Then come and visit.

More people driving to Austria

More and more guests are deciding to drive to Austria, taking control of their journey rather than waiting at airports. Unlike a hotel or guesthouse, if you are renting an apartment or house you need not worry about late arrival, as you will always be left a key no matter how late you arrive. We understand that it is a long way from Dover...and road traffic can make timings less than accurate...

Krampus Kranchen and Perchten!

Perchten and Krampusses in many different styles and shapes can be seen throughout the Bavarian and Austrian alpine region during the winter season. They are frightening and not very appealing to the eye.

"Krampus" is the untamed, shaggy spirit that accompanies St. Nicholas. Krampusses usually roam in larger groups. Their traditional costumes and masks are elaborately handcrafted. Krampusses can usually be encountered on and a few days before December 6.

"Perchten" are wild pagan spirits widespread throughout the Austrian and Bavarian region. The appear alone or in groups, especially on three specific winter nights, called the "rough nights," i.e. the night before St. Nicholas (December 6), before the winter solstice (December 22) and before Epiphany (January 6). They carry bells and other loud instruments to dispel the winter.

Advent Markets opened 19th November!

Each of the three villages around Wolfgang lake have their own special style of Christmas market. The villages around the lake are connected by the Ferry if you prefer not to drive...a wise move after a few glasses of Gluwein!

St Gilgen at the head of the lake is the Mozart village and the theme tends to promote this fact, Strobl at the end of the lake has as it's theme the Nativity..with full size carved figures and live animals to give authenticity. St Wolfgang famous for it's white horse hotel, has a great culinary theme, but all have many huts selling Christmas specially hand made gifts..and not from mass produced China factories.

Best time to come and visit is prior to the actual 25th December..this way you can get the best price for accommodation!

Wolfgangsee lauf(marathon)

The ever popular Marathon around Wolfgangsee lake takes place next weekend, so if you want to take part or just come to watch...then now is the time to get a last minute bargain

Holidays in Austria

Austria a country with four distinct seasons for you to enjoy...warm in the Spring, hot in Summer, golden in Autumn and a wonderland of white in Winter. To visit Austria at anytime of year is the perfect holiday. Many people believe Austria is all snow and for ski-ing but this is no so...and in summer the temperatures can reach 35 degrees!!

New for this year

We have two superb Chalet houses listed for this year. One near the lake at St Wolfgang and one at Weissenbach nearer to Postalm ski area, yet only 10 minutes from the lake. Perfect for large families and groups. Prices start at only 100 euro per day.

English speaking for your bookings

Many site visitors ask us, if the holiday apartment owners are English speaking...yes, many of our Holiday apartments are English owned and even those owned by other Nationalities also speak English, so you have no need to worry. When booking our apartments, you will get all responses in English and should you wish to call us, the phone will be answered in English.

Ready, steady, snow…!

If you love winter sports then the Wolfgangsee is the right place for you! Whether it’s on skis or a snowboard our region has lots of attractive ski areas each being one more beautiful than the other:

The Postalm ski area is almost on Strobl’s doorstep - a great family ski area 1200-1900m above sea level that offers something for everyone, whether you are a beginner or expert skier. After great investment last year , a modern 4-seater chair-lift was built to enhance the existing 8 lifts. All runs lead to the valley plateau, so you can be sure the youngsters will not get lost!

The 'Zwölferhorn mountain' near St. Gilgen offers great skiing also! The peak can be comfortably reached by cable car and also offers a fantastic panoramic view of the snowy horizons around the Wolfgangsee for those who choose not to ski.

The 'Dachstein West' ski area can be reached by car or ski bus and has 140 km of sheer skiing pleasure for the whole family!

So all in all, our region is one of the most family in Austria and link that with the sports on the lake...you have almost everything you could wish for on a ski holiday. You can check out every webcam in Austria, just click here.

Taxi service from Salzburg to Wolfgangsee

Many clients ask us about a good taxi service and a reasonable priced one. We have linked up with a few of our colleagues here at Wolfgangsee and can now offer their Taxi service from the airport to any of the villages around the lake. The price is approx 95 Euro up to 8 people. The price is per journey. We can make bookings for you. Just email us.

Apartments

We have many apartments to choose from. Some are perfect for couples only and others can sleep up to 6/7 people. On this page we have listed many of the holiday apartments available to rent around Lake Wolfgang, and we have many others that are still awaiting photos. So if you cannot see something suitable just drop us an email.

Prices

Prices for bargain breaks in Austria begin as low as 35 Euros per night for an apartment for 2 people at Wolfgangsee. An example for a family of 4 would be: 55 euro per night for a one bedroom apartment, with sofabed in lounge. A 2 bed apartment would cost from 65 euros per night. You can see the savings compared to a hotel in Austria, particularly if you are a family of four! So, that ski holiday in Austria or that magical white Christmas in Austria, that you always promised your family.... you can make reality!! email catherine@amazingaustria.com for more details or exact quote

Photos and details
We can send additional and larger photos of apartments to you. Please let us know which particular apartment you are interested to book.

Long term Apartments
We have a few long term rental apartments in Austria available, one or two bedrooms, so if you would like to come and stay for a month or more to search for property or just to chill out then email us

FAQ's

What is the deposit required to reserve an apartment?
It is normal to pay 20-25% Deposit. This can be insured against cancellation.

Can I pay in sterling?
Yes, this is no problem many owners accept sterling and Euros. But the exchange rate you would get would be on the day you pay.

Are there additional costs?
There is local tourist tax (at the moment 1.15 Euro per person over 15 yrs) Also there are some on-site costs to be paid such as final cleaning and laundry for the apartment. These add about 21 Euros per person for a week.

How much is Taxi from airport?
To come to Wolfgangsee the average cost is 65-75 Euro

We arrive on a Sunday, are there shops open?
No, supermarkets are closed on Sunday in Austria, but you will find that most local Petrol stations have in-store shops, that have a small choice of food, milk, bread etc, that would at least get you by until Monday.

Can I get to Wolfgangsee by Bus or train?
There is no longer a train service, but there is an extremely good bus service from Salzburg main station. Also there is a free shuttle bus service from the airport so you can connect easily to the main bus for Wolfgangsee. The shuttles run about every 12 minutes and the main bus to Wolfgangsee every 55 minutes.

Can I hire ski equipment is the villages?
Yes, each village has a hire shop, but you can also hire at the local ski areas, which can be useful if you do not have a car to carry the equipment. You can just hop on the ski bus to the ski area and hire there.

Are there thermal baths in the area?
Yes, we have one of the largest and most famous at Bad Ischl, which is a short bus ride.

Can I bring my small dog with me?
There are a few apartment owners who are also animal lovers, so please call or email us for information. catherine@amazingaustria.com

What time can we get into the apartment?
The time is normally 2pm for arrival and 11am for departure. This ensures time for your apartment to be cleaned and made ready with fresh laundry for you. Our owners take pride in trying to ensure the highest standards of hygiene.

Will there be snow?
This is a question we are often asked. It is a difficult to give the correct answer as the weather, as in UK is unpredictable some times!! But generally the snow line at the end of November is 700+ mtrs, so above this you can normally guarantee snow, at least on the mountains for ski-ing. But this does not mean that the snow is in the villages because most villages around the lake are at 650 mtrs!! But generally....yes we have snow for Christmas!!

Where can I ski locally?
The links for our local ski areas, Postalm, Hintersee, Zwolferhorn, we have on our ski page. Here you can get all the information for ski-ing locally. The areas are all within 30 minutes drive, or a little longer with the Free ski bus.

My partner does not ski, is there anything else to do in the area?
Besides the range of other sports for a non skiers to try, such as tobogganing, ice skating or curling etc. The Wolfgangsee area is perfect for non ski-ers in winter as they can hop on the local bus to any of the other villages around the lake, the spa town of Bad Ischl for a thermal bath or go to Salzburg, where you can find more than enough to do.

Are the apartments non-smoking?
Yes, all apartments are non smoking and like UK, Austria now has a no smoking law for restaurants also.

Is it possible to get a long term rental in Austria?
Yes, many of our owners are happy to offer a their apartments for long term rental in Austria. They will also offer a monthly rate.

Holidays in Austria

On an Austrian holiday, you'll quickly discover that this is a destination whose scenery is the stuff of legends and postcards. Austria is home to fairytale mountains, massive glaciers, and sparkling Alpine lakes it also has exhilarating fresh clean air and some wonderful paths, ideal for an Austrian walking holiday. There is also cycling, swimming, golf and horse-riding. Enjoy an active Austrian holiday this summer. With picturesque villages, medieval towns, traditional folklore and music, this is a destination for those looking to truly experience the ‘Great Outdoors’, on an Austrian summer holiday.

On holiday in Austria, you'll find this is a country with scenery beyond compare. An Austrian holiday is a dream come true for keen photographers. Lush green valleys, filled with exquisite spring and summer flowers, backed by snow-capped peaks. Sparkling streams, waterfalls and the shimmering beauty of crystal-clear lakes. Add to this a whole host of activities, including, walking, cycling, swimming and golf, and you have a wonderful summer holiday destination, with the ability to exhilarate and entertain every holidaymaker! Family holidays to Austria will be exciting and active. Couples looking for a holiday to Austria will find the hardest descision is choosing what to do first. (A number of tour operators offer active holidays to Austria. If you would like more information about a specific type of active holiday to Austria, please call one of our friendly travel advisors who will be pleased to help you find your ideal summer holiday to Austria.)

Wherever you chose to stay, the warmth and hospitality of the local people will greet you and add to your Austrian holiday experience.

On holiday in Austria, you'll find the climte will vary depending on which of Austria's climatic zones you find yourself in. Austria is located in a temperate climatic zone with a Central European climate influenced by the Atlantic climate. Each season has a typical temperature and climatic character and due to the topographical diversity and the relatively large West-East expanse, there are three differentiating climatic regions: East: Pannonian climate with a continental influence – low precipitation, hot summers but only moderately cold winters. Alpine Regions: Alpine climate - high precipitation (except inner alpine valley regions such as the upper Inntal), short summers, long winters. Remainder of the country: transient climate influenced by the Atlantic (in the West) and a continental influence in the South-east.

An Austrian holiday can be a unique experience. Austria's culture over the centuries has grown into a fascinating blend of numerous European heritages. This is one reason why it has established itself as one of the continent's most popular travel destinations. Another is that, within an area of no more than 83,858 square kilometres it harbours a wealth of unique attractions: an extraordinary variety of landscapes, from Alpine peaks to rolling plains; and an immeasurably rich legacy of art treasures from every era of European history, enjoy a cultural Autrian holiday. In addition, Austria is the ideal venue for innumerable sports, from hiking to climbing, from yachting and windsurfing to diving and canoeing, from golf to cycling and mountain biking, and from hang-gliding to summer skiing, you'll be spoilt for choice if you're looking for an active Austrian holiday.

Whilst on holiday in Austria, you'l discover that despite its mountain topography, Austria's cities, towns and villages are all readily accessible via its modern road and rail network. You can even drive your car (or take a bus) close to the country's highest mountain, the Grossglockner (3,797 metres). The renowned Grossglockner High Alpine Road climbs to an altitude of 2,576 metres.

If you're looking to explore whilst on holiday in Austria, Austria's nine federal provinces, taken together, may make up a single country, but each has an entirely individual character in terms of its scenery and cultural traditions, and offers a very different type of Austrian holiday.

For car hire in Austria, please click the car hire links.

For an Austrian holiday in the far east of the country, Burgenland, in the East of Austria, is a region of fertile plains stretching to the horizon around the shores of Lake Neusiedl, Central Europe's only steppe lake. Close by is a National Park which serves as a sanctuary for countless rare bird species. Click on our colleagues Interhome link

For an Austrian holiday in and around Vienna, Lower Austria encloses Vienna on all sides. To the East it is undulating hill country, a patchwork of vineyards, and to the North the hills are densely wooded. The Wachau, the picturesque stretch of the Danube Valley between the abbeys of Melk and Göttweig, is a major tourist attraction. Click on our colleagues Interhome link

For an Austrian holiday around Graz. Crossing the Semmering southwards, you enter Styria, known as the "green province" for its vast expanses of forests. Between the glacier-clad peak of the Dachstein (2,995 metres) on its northern border and the vineyard-clad hillsides south of the provincial capital Graz, it harbours an abundance of scenic and cultural treasures. One of its most attractive areas is the Styrian Salzkammergut, a region of lakes and mountains centred around Bad Aussee. A wonderful location for an Austrian summer holiday. Click on our colleagues Interhome link

For an Austrian holiday in stunning surroundings. The enchanting Salzkammergut, also shared by Upper Austria, is famed for its natural beauty and its health resorts. Emperor Franz Joseph and his wife Elisabeth, spent many summers taking the waters in Bad Ischl. What better recommendation for an Austrian summer holiday? Further North, the Mühlviertel is an area of wooded hills extending up to the boarder of the Czech Republic. A lovely area to explore whilst on holiday in Austria.

For an Austrian holiday combining culture and beautiful lakes, Carinthia, in the south of Austria, is best known for its large bathing lakes - like Wörthersee, Ossiachersee and Millstättersee. The province also includes the highest point in Austria, the summit of the Grossglockner, and it is a treasure house of art and culture. Another enchanting area to explore whilst on holiday in Austria.

For an Austrian walking holiday, the Hohe Tauern National Park, a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, is shared by Carinthia and Salzburgerland. The City of Salzburg has long since established itself as a metropolis for superb music-making. It owes its fame partly to Mozart, who was born in the city's Getreidegasse, but also to its annual summer festival. Enjoy a weekend break in Salzburg, or combine a few days in this charming city with an Austrian walking holiday, to create a wonderful Austrian summer holiday experience.

Perhaps best known as a winter destination, but equally appealing for an Austrian summer holiday, Tirol's delightful old towns and cities are strung out along the Inn Valley like pearls on a necklace: Innsbruck, Hall, Schwaz, Rattenberg and countless others. The side-valleys of the River Inn have become household names among winter sports enthusiasts - the Zillertal, Stubaital and Ötztal are just three of many.

Whilst on holiday in Austria, visit Austria's westernmost province, Vorarlberg. Within a small area it encompasses the full range of scenic variations from the majestic peaks of the Silvretta Mountains to the Rhine Valley and the shore of Lake Constance, which it shares with Germany and Switzerland. The lake stage hosts sumptuous opera productions during the annual summer festival in Bregenz.

Whilst on holiday in Austria, you'll quickly discover that Austria has a great topographic diversity, which accounts for a great variety of flora and fauna, including endemic species that are under preservation.

In recent years, Austria has become home again to a small bear population, which can mainly be found in the heavily wooded southern and central mountainous regions.

Austria's nature parks, that stretch across 3 percent of the country, document the diversity of the landscape with its natural landscapes, such as the rain and virgin forests, ideal for exploring while on holiday in Austria.

That means out into the fresh air, for a bike ride or a dip in the lake. There are so many summer activities to choose from in Austria you’d have to stay a good three months to get through them. Europe’s foremost family holiday destination holds out the promise of endless fun while you’re out and about. There’s an unwritten law prohibiting boredom throughout the summer, so don’t expect a single dull moment. Instead, brace yourself for unforgettable memories of the countryside, thrilling adventure trails and action-packed children’s leisure programmes. Incidentally, the age limit for kids in Austria is upwards of 90, so head straight for the place where children of any age have the time of their lives.

For those looking for an active Austrian holiday, Austria's cycling trails are some of the most beautiful routes in Europe. The clearly marked paths are either exclusively for cyclists, or run along back roads with only light motor traffic. The trails often lead along scenic lake shores or river banks. A light trekking bike with tyres of medium width and good gears is ideal for cycling these routes. Hotels and inns situated along the way are used to catering to cyclists special wishes, while special cycling maps and route descriptions make it simple to see the rich variety of sights and natural wonders along the way. A wonderful option for a family holiday in Austria. Bicycles can also be transported on the baggage cars of most trains. For mountain biking holidays in Austria, there are permanent circuits and mountain bike centres have been established.