Exploring St. Johann, Austria: Activities And Adventures

what to do in st johann austria

There are two places in Austria called St Johann: St Johann in Tirol and St Johann im Pongau. Both are known as ski destinations, but there are plenty of things to do in the summer months, too. St Johann in Tirol is surrounded by mountains, meadows and forests, and is home to a 3.8km mountain carting route. St Johann im Pongau is a small town in the mountains, with a twin-towered cathedral, a two-towered parish church, and the Liechtensteinklamm, the longest and deepest gorge in the Alps.

Things to do in St. Johann in Tirol, Austria

Characteristics Values
Season Summer and winter
Activities Hiking, mountain carting, skiing, cable car rides, historical tours, sightseeing, adventure tours, food and drink tours
Attractions Waterfalls, rivers, mountains, farmsteads, inns, ski resorts, climbing forest, breweries, restaurants, bars, chapels, museums, castles, gorges, ice caves
Accessibility Easily accessible by car, train, bus, and gondola

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Mountain carting

St. Johann in Tirol is a beautiful Austrian town surrounded by mountains and lush green slopes. While it is a famous ski destination, the town offers a range of activities during the summer months as well. One such activity is mountain carting, which is a fun and adventurous way to explore the region.

The mountain carting route in St. Johann takes you through varied terrain, including meadows, forests, and pastures. You can choose to race down the mountain at high speeds or take a leisurely descent to soak in the fantastic views. The activity is suitable for all ages and offers a fun and memorable experience for individuals, groups, and families.

To enhance your mountain carting experience, you can purchase an Action Card, which includes the journey up the mountain, the mountain cart ride, and entry to the Hornpark. This provides a discounted price for accessing multiple attractions. Additionally, you will be provided with a helmet and glasses (optional) to ensure your safety during the activity.

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Hiking trails

St Johann in Tirol, Austria, is a hiker's paradise, with 300 kilometres of hiking trails and cycle paths. The area is known for its mountains, and there are trails to suit all skill levels, from short walks to full-day hikes.

One of the most popular hikes in the region is the Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Trail, which can be accessed via a cable car from St Johann. The trail is 7 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 511 metres. The views from the summit are incredible, and on a clear day, you can see the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner, which stands at 3,798 metres.

Another must-do hike in the area is the Eifersbacher Waterfall hike, which can be accessed directly from St Johann town. This trail takes you through meadows and past farmhouses before plunging into a scenic forest with a waterfall.

For those looking for a longer and more challenging hike, the Eagle Walk Stage 01 from St. Johann to Gaudeamushütte is a difficult trail with a length of 422 kilometres and an elevation gain of 30,000 metres. This hike will take approximately 33 days to complete.

There are also several intermediate-level hikes that start in St. Johann, such as the 13-kilometre trail to Rummlerhof, with an elevation gain of 1,060 metres and a total hiking time of 5 hours. Or, if you're looking for something shorter, there's an 8-kilometre trail starting in Gasteig in Kirchdorf, with an elevation gain of 365 metres and a total hiking time of 2 hours and 27 minutes.

With so many options, St Johann is the perfect place to base yourself for hiking adventures in Tirol, Austria.

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Historical tours

St. Johann in Tirol is a Baroque town with a rich history, having been a small market town and a hub for trade and the local mining industry. The wealth generated over the centuries is reflected in the colourful painted facades and decorated windows of its buildings. The town is also known for its numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular meeting point for locals and tourists alike.

One of the iconic landmarks of St. Johann in Tirol is the 30-metre-high tower of the Huber Brau brewery, where you can sample different beers from a 300-year-old business while enjoying panoramic views. The town also boasts a vibrant central square, where you can find restaurants and cafes and experience the lively atmosphere of regular fairs and events.

For those interested in exploring the region's history, St. Johann in Tirol offers easy access to the city of Salzburg, which is known for its centuries-old fascinating history and impressive sights. Salzburg, located less than an hour away by car or train, is home to landmarks such as the Hohensalzburg Fortress and Hellbrunn Palace. The city's churches, particularly Salzburg Cathedral, showcase its past wealth, and there are numerous museums, including two dedicated to the life of Mozart. Guided tours are available to help you navigate and understand the historical significance of these attractions.

In addition to its urban attractions, St. Johann in Tirol serves as a gateway to the surrounding natural wonders. The town is surrounded by majestic mountains, including Austria's highest peak, the Großglockner, and offers access to numerous hiking trails and breathtaking viewpoints. The area also features the deepest gorge in the Salzburg region and is home to the world's biggest ice cave.

Whether you're exploring the historic town centre, sampling local brews, or adventuring into the nearby mountains, St. Johann in Tirol and its environs offer a wealth of opportunities for those seeking to immerse themselves in the region's history and natural beauty.

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Adventure sports

St Johann in Tirol, Austria, is known for its ski resorts, but there are plenty of adventure sports to try during the summer months, too.

Mountain biking

St Johann is surrounded by over 120 miles of road and mountain biking routes. The Wilder Kaiser bike path, for example, takes you through serene alpine meadows, quaint hamlets, and alongside picturesque streams and rivers. The Oberndorf Trails are ideal for beginners or those looking to improve their bike-handling skills. Expect rolling meadows, verdant forests, rock gardens, and rugged mountain views.

Hiking

There are 16 hiking routes of varying difficulty in and around St Johann. These include leisurely hikes along the Salzach stream, and more challenging hikes up the Heukareck and Schuhflicker peaks. The Koasa Trail is a 40-mile hike that can be split into four individual stages over four days. Each stage offers different views of the imposing mountain massifs in the Eastern Alps.

Paragliding and parachuting

Adrenaline junkies can try a tandem parachute jump, which involves a 50-second freefall from 4,500m. Alternatively, tandem paragliding is a more serene way to experience the beauty of Tirol from the air.

Adventure parks

The Hornpark Tree Top Adventure Park features eight adrenaline-inducing routes, 14 zip lines, and 88 stations ranging from seven to 69ft. There’s also a 'flying fox' course, which sends you whizzing out on a 525ft traverse above Lake Angereralm. The Kletterwald Hornpark adventure centre also features zip lines and a ropes course. The Schnackler Adventure Trail is another great option for younger visitors, with climbing frames, ropes, nets, and balancing challenges.

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Local cuisine

St Johann im Pongau is a small city in the state of Salzburg in Austria. It is easily accessible by car and public transport. The town is known for its ski slopes, but there are also lots of things to do in the summer months. The warmer months reveal a different side of the town, with lush green slopes, hikers, and cows.

The local cuisine in St Johann im Pongau is varied and delicious. The town's restaurants offer Austrian, European, and international dishes. The region is also known for its wine, with many restaurants offering a great selection to pair with your meal.

One popular restaurant is the Oberforsthof Alm, which serves fine regional and Mediterranean cuisine in a rustic atmosphere. The views are spectacular, and the decor is warm and inviting. Another highly recommended restaurant is Rummlerhof, a quintessentially Austrian joint serving many local dishes.

For a more upscale dining experience, Platzl is a newer and more upmarket option in town. It is a popular late-night venue for drinks and dining. The Stoecklwirt is another excellent choice, known for its delicious beef dishes and carpaccio.

If you're looking for a unique local dish, try Tiroler Gröstl, a must-try when visiting the Tirol region. It is a hearty dish of cheese dumplings in beef broth, topped with a fried egg. For a sweet treat, sample the Kiachl, a fried yeast dough pastry served with cranberry jam.

St Johann im Pongau also has a vibrant farmers' market every Friday on the main square. It is well worth a visit for foodies, offering a variety of local produce and delicacies to discover and enjoy.

Frequently asked questions

St Johann in Tirol is a premier ski region in Austria. However, it is also a great destination in the summer months. Some of the best things to do in St Johann in Tirol include:

- Mountain carting down Harschbichl Mountain

- Hiking up the Kitzbuhel Horn

- Visiting the Huber Bräu (Beer Tower)

- Exploring the town centre

- Taking a gondola ride up the mountain

St Johann im Pongau is a small town in the Salzburg region, about 50 kilometres south of the city of Salzburg. It is known for its ski resorts, but there are also plenty of things to do in the summer months, including:

- Hiking up the slopes

- Visiting the Liechtensteinklamm, the longest and deepest gorge in the Alps

- Touring the Pongauer Dom, a twin-towered cathedral

- Rafting and canyoning on the Salzach waters

- Shopping in the local stores

St Johann offers a range of family-friendly activities, including:

- Skiing at SkiStar St. Johann in Tirol, which offers slopes for beginners and advanced skiers, as well as activities for children

- Mountain carting down Harschbichl Mountain

- Geisterberg St. Johann - Alpendorf, which offers a walk on ropes from one wooden platform to another through the treetops

- Visiting the Ski amade ski resort, which has a ski school with tailored instruction for all ages

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