Abriani 3 - Silk Thread Trail

Along the Ischler Ache

The Seidenfadenpfad trail runs along the Ischler Ache through scenic surroundings while offering fascinating insights into the history of the border demarcation at Lake Wolfgang. The route combines nature experiences with cultural and historical highlights and regional memorial sites.

The trail begins in the center of Strobl. From there, the route heads toward Wolfgangsee-Klause and follows the hiking trail along the Ischler Ache. The outlet of Lake Wolfgang forms the state border between Salzburg and Upper Austria. On the Klaus Bridge—or Ach Bridge—stands a sheet-metal figure of St. Wolfgang, depicted in bishop’s vestments with a crosier and the Church of St. Wolfgang in his hands. Built around 1840, the bridge was the first permanent land connection between Strobl and St. Wolfgang.

The course of the border around Lake Wolfgang was the subject of disputes for centuries. As early as the 9th century, there were conflicting claims to parts of the area. While the “Notitia Arnonis”—the oldest known land register, dating from 788—documents that Duke Odilo gifted the entire Lake Wolfgang area to Bishop Virgil of Salzburg, the Mondsee Monastery cited an earlier deed of donation from the year 748 and claimed the Abersee Forest, located east of the Zinkenbach.

It was not until 1689 that the so-called “silk thread boundary” was contractually established between the Archdiocese of Salzburg and the parties involved. The boundary ran as an imaginary line from the mouth of the Dittelbach to the outlet of the Ischler Ache. The name derives from a silk thread that was stretched between these points to illustrate the boundary. The establishment of this boundary put an end to long-standing disputes over jurisdiction and rights of use.

The Seidenfaden Trail follows this historic boundary line for long stretches and serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and peaceful conflict resolution in the region’s history.

Along the route, there are several monuments and landmarks of cultural and historical interest. Near the Schlagermühle stands a conglomerate cross, into whose base a heart-shaped holy water font has been incorporated. The cross commemorates a young silk manufacturer’s daughter from Vienna, whose tragic fate is linked to an unrequited love.

Another monument along the trail is a plague column made of Schwarzensee marble. It commemorates the farmer’s wife Maria Unterbergerin, who died of the plague. Near the so-called Mooshäusl stands a wayside shrine depicting the Holy Family. The name of the place derives from the once mossy and marshy soil conditions near the Ischler Ache.

Finally, the route passes under Wolfgangsee Straße. The Seidenfadenpfad ends at the “Gasthof zur Wacht” bus stop, and along its course it impressively combines nature, regional history, and cultural heritage.