St Wolfgang Holidays

Legend has it that Saint Wolfgang was looking for the perfect church site when he threw his axe and it landed at the edge of pine-backed Lake Wolfgangsee – that's where St Wolfgang now sits in central Austria. In the 21st century, pilgrims flock to this site – both for the religious experience and the sweeping waterfront views.

Lake Wolfgangsee's trimmed with enough sandy beaches to rival some of the Med's most well-known hotspots. Families love splashing in the turquoise water – action-seekers can sign up for boating or laidback kayaking. If you're in the market for something onshore, catch the ferry to a neighbouring alpine village – there are plenty to choose from.

Hail a horse-drawn carriage and the kids will be squealing in delight. There's also a mountainside railway that takes visitors to the icy summit, with loads of panoramic views. Later on, blaze a trail down the slopes and past the town's old wooden boathouses, where you can chill on the waterfront with local apple strudel and frothy beer.

Here are some ideas of things to do when staying in St Wolfgang:

• Lakeside promenade
• Lake bathing
• Boat trips
• Local ferries
• Rowing boats
• Mountain railway
• Horse-drawn carriage rides