St Johann in Tyrol holidays

© Mirja Geh / St Johann in Tyrol, Austria

Popular holidays

A friendly mountain town nestled in the Kitzbühel Alps – holidays to St Johann mean you're perfectly placed for exploring the wider Tyrol area.

Authentic Austria

St Johann itself is a laidback town with loads of personality. Spend your time wandering around the shops, relaxing with a coffee at one of the numerous street cafés, or sampling beers directly from the source at the Huber Bräu Brewery. The town is perfect for those who are on their first trip to the Austrian Alps, as an ideal location in the heart of west Austria makes it a great base to explore – you can jump on the train and be in Innsbruck, Salzburg or Munich in just a few hours.

Active days, alpine ways

In St Johann, it's all about getting out and making the most of the mountains. With over 200km of trails, you’re all set when it comes to a walk whether it's a leisurely ramble or a full day hike. For a laid-back circuit that takes in some of the area’s best bits, try the route to the Eifersbach waterfalls. Starting in the village, you’ll stroll through fields and woods to the end of a narrow valley, where a stream tumbles over a 25m drop. If it’s summit views you’re after instead, hop on the Harschbichlbahn gondola to explore mountaintop trails above the town (lift tickets or 'Trail Cards' can be bought through our rep team in resort, and with your St Johann Guest Card you'll get a free ascent and descent). And on days when walking isn’t on the agenda, take a train to the nearby Schwarzsee to cool your feet with a paddle in an alpine lake.

Out and about

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

Mountain lifts
Mountain carts
Cycle routes
Waterfalls
Alpine lakes
Waterpark
Museum
Markets

Popular hotels in St Johann in Tyrol

Top things to see and do in St Johann in Tyrol

Beaches

Badesee Going

There are no bathing lakes in St Johann itself, but just to the west of the town is Badesee Going, a beautiful natural swimming lake. There are lots of activities on offer here, including an open-air slide, adventure playground and huge beach volleyball court.

Shopping

Bargain buys

The weekly farmers' market offers local and regional products, like meats, breads, mountain cheeses, schnapps, honey, herbs and crafts. This is an ideal opportunity to pick up some bargains.

Mid-range buys

There are a few clothes shops, sports shops and a cosmetic pharmacy selling premium beauty products and perfumes. There are also specialist shops worth visiting, especially the small, independent chocolate shop just off the main square.

Nightlife

Laid-back evenings

Pick up an ice-cream from one of the cafés in the square, and spend a quiet evening strolling along the river that flows through the middle of town.

Lively evenings

The main square has restaurants that stay open into the evenings where you can enjoy some schnitzel and a drink. The town tends to be quite quiet in the evenings.

Food & drink

Coffee culture

Coffee culture is big in the Kitzbühel Alps. In St Johann, you'll find lots of hidden cafés and bistros offering delicious hot drinks and cakes. One of the favourites is CafÄ Rainer, on a sunny day to sit on the terrace upstairs and enjoy a homemade cake and a cup of coffee.

Eat by the river

You'll find some places to eat by the level crossing. If it's a sunny day, why not grab a takeaway and sit down to enjoy it by the river?

Beer with a view

The tower of the Huber Bräu Brewery has a restaurant at its top level. As well as hearty Tyrolean fare, the restaurant has an observation balcony where you can enjoy the views of the Wilder Kaiser with a locally brewed beer.

Spoilt for choice at Cafe Jagglbäck

In the centre of town, find Cafe Jagglbäck, a cosy restaurant and bar dishing up authentic Tyrolean specialties and a great atmosphere. Chat with the locals, and don't forget to try their fresh apple strudel and wiener schnitzel - great food that's worth writing home about.

Sample strudel at Grander Schupf

A favourite among the locals is the Grander Schupf, which is an uphill walk from the resort. Reasonable prices, good strudel and a quaint, comfortable atmosphere make this Austrian chalet an ideal place to stop for a hot drink, lunch or even dinner.

Getting about

Buses

If you're not looking to go as far, you can always catch a bus from the main station next to the train station. The buses stop at nearby Ellmau (25 minutes), Scheffau (30 minutes) and Söll (40 minutes) and run every half an hour Monday to Friday, every 2 hours on a Saturday, and every 3 hours on a Sunday. You'll need to buy a ticket for these buses, but note that there is also a free Okto Bus service that is helpful for accessing different hiking routes in the region.

Summer lifts

You can catch the Harschbichlbahn gondola up the mountain for some gentle walks and beautiful views. Our reps are happy to assist with buying any lift tickets you'll need for your trip plans - don't forget to whip out your St Johann Guest Card to get a free ascent and descent (you're welcome). The gondala operates from mid-May to mid-October and is open every day between 9am and 4.30pm.

Trains

Situated near the Huber Bräu Brewery is St Johann's train station. You can access Kitzbühel in 8 minutes, as well as Zell am See in 45 minutes, with trains running every half an hour. Trains also run to Innsbruck and Salzburg, departing every 2 hours. Plus, you can use your St Johann Guest Card to get lots of your train trips for free.

On foot

Take relaxing walks through the village, where the paths are gentle and the town centre is pedestrianised between 10am and 6pm.

Walking

A village amble

Whether you're after a relaxed stroll or a chance to really stretch your legs, you're sure to find something suitable along St Johann's 210km of trails. Casual walkers can spend long summer days ambling through the village, along riverside paths and through Alpine meadows.

Horn-Panorama-Runde

Catch the gondola to the top of Harschbichl mountain and head up towards the Kitzbüheler Horn, following the path through the meadows. Wind past farm pastures and the lovely little chapel to the peak of the Horn, where spectacular views await you. From there, the trail leads downhill along a narrow ridge and back to the gondola station.

Griessbachklamm Gorge

This trail takes you along an impressive ravine, following the winding river between steep rocky walls, and across a suspension bridge, four metres above the riverbed. Cross a second bridge and you'll arrive at the cascading waterfall.