We have visited Wolfgangsee twice before. Once in week 7 and once in week 51. Both times to reach the top of the Schafberg. This time was to reach the top of the Plombergstein.

Before we began our hike, we walked through St. Gilgen, the northernmost village on the Wolfgangsee.

St. Gilgen is home to 3,784 people and is known for being Mozart’s mother’s birthplace and for its first-class international school.

As we walked the streets of the village, the town was setting up for the highly anticipated Austrian Christmas markets.

Wooden stalls, Christmas trees, and festive lights hang on every street. Next weekend kicks off the beginning of the markets and we are looking forward to visiting as many as we can this season.

After a walk through the town, we made our way up to the Plombergstein. A small ascent with big views. For one hour, we ascended uphill over wet leaves and jagged rocks.

Halfway up, we began to see rock climbers scaling the walls. Since we were not here to climb, we kept walking.

After 30 minutes and a series of canyon crevices, we reached the top. The views of the town, the blue lake, and the surrounding mountains were stunning.

Typically when you reach the top of a mountain in Austria there is a summit cross with a book to sign. That was not the case here. This summit had a cabin and a couple of benches.