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When Muscle Power Makes Waves: World Record on Lake Wolfgangsee

Erfolgreicher Weltrekordversuch von Extremsportler Franz Müllner in St. Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee.
Er zog zwei Schiffe der Wolfgangseeflotte 20 Meter weit.
Foto: Franz Neumayr     13.5.2026

WORLD RECORD! Franz Müllner Pulls Two Passenger Vessels of WolfgangseeSchifffahrt at the Same Time

The waters of Lake Wolfgangsee lie calm. The evening sun is reflected upon the water. But then the tension begins to build. Hundreds of eyes are fixed on two boats – members of the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt fleet. Between them: one man, one rope – and a moment that will be remembered. When – on May 13, 2026 – Franz Müllner succeeds in setting the two passenger vessels in motion using nothing but his own muscle power, a murmur runs through the crowd. A few seconds later, it’s clear: the Salzburg strongman has done it – he’s set a new world record!

Extremkraftsportler Franz Müllner beim Weltrekordversuch zwei Schiffe der WolfgangseeSchifffahrt gleichzeitig über den Wolfgangsee zu ziehen. Dieser Weltrekord ist mehr als nur ein Kraftakt: Er unterstützt Kinder mit der seltenen Erkrankung Epidermolysis bullosa. Sankt Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee am 13.05.2026. // Extreme strength athlete Franz Müllner attempts a world record by pulling two Wolfgangsee shipping company vessels simultaneously across Lake Wolfgang. This world record is more than just a feat of strength: it supports children with the rare disease Epidermolysis bullosa. Sankt Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee, May 13, 2026.
Two Boats, One Goal

Using nothing but the power of his own muscles, Franz Müllner pulled the two historic passenger boats MS Österreich and MS Salzkammergut across Lake Wolfgangsee simultaneously. The challenge was enormous: a combined weight of around 200 tons had to be set in motion. Over a distance of 25 meters (82 feet), the Lungau native achieved exactly that – earning the 64th world record of his career. This astonishing feat took place at a location that holds special meaning for Müllner. For this strongman, Lake Wolfgangsee is a source of immense energy and inspiration. That said, the backdrop of mountains, water, and the evening atmosphere gave his record attempt an almost surreal quality. Spectators watched spellbound as the two boats slowly, but visibly, moved across the water.

Historic Moment for WolfgangseeSchifffahrt

The world record was also an extraordinary event for Salzburg AG Tourismus GmbH. "Seeing two of our boats moving at the same time, powered by nothing but human strength, is a historic moment for us as operators," emphasized Tobias Pürcher, Managing Director of Salzburg AG Tourismus GmbH. For decades, the WolfgangseeSchifffahrt ferries have been one of the Salzkammergut's best-known attractions. The fact that its historic vessels have now become part of an official world record once again demonstrates just how powerfully nature, emotion, and extraordinary stories come together on Lake Wolfgangsee.

"Dieser Weltrekord ist für mich weit mehr als ein sportlicher Erfolg!" - Franz Müllner

Erfolgreicher Weltrekordversuch von Extremsportler Franz Müllner in St. Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee.
Er zog zwei Schiffe der Wolfgangseeflotte 20 Meter weit.
Foto: Franz Neumayr     13.5.2026
Remarkable Achievement for a Good Cause

The world record was not only about strength and sport. Through his attempt, Franz Müllner also wanted to raise awareness for Butterfly Children - people living with the rare skin disorder epidermolysis bullosa. The event provided much-needed support for DEBRA Austria and EB House Austria in Salzburg. Donors were able to witness the record attempt from aboard the two boats while at the same time contributing to a worthwhile cause. For Franz Müllner, that was the real essence of the event. "This world record means far more to me than sporting success," he said after the successful attempt, exhausted but happy. "What mattered most to me was using this achievement to draw attention to the needs of Butterfly Children."

In total, the campaign raised around € 8,500 for DEBRA Austria.

An Evening to Remember

As the boats slowly return to shore after the successful record attempt, the excitement still lingers in the air. Once again, Lake Wolfgangsee has shown what a perfect stage it can be for special moments – where magnificent natural scenery, tradition, and powerful emotions come together.

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