Holidays in St. Johann in Tirol

A summer holiday in St. Johann in Tirol combines a lively and authentic Austrian atmosphere with fantastic walking opportunities in the Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbüheler Alps

This charming little market town set in the wide sunny valley close to Kitzbühel is full of Austrian traditions with a Baroque twin spire church and pretty town square filled with quaint cafés that play host to regular festivals and celebrations throughout the summer. There are plenty of shops and restaurants - guests enjoy the ‘Huber Bräu’ local Brewery with its very own tower, for traditional cuisine and views. The town is surrounded by miles of gentle walking and cycling paths, including riverside and valley walks to Kitzbühel, as well as more challenging routes up to higher peaks - some accessible by gondola. The bus and train links are excellent and its central location between Innsbruck and Salzburg make it a great base for sightseeing.

Discover the Kitzbühel Alps and the Austrian Tyrol

Unlock a world of wonder with a bundle of neighbouring villages to St. Johann. Being part of the Kitzbühel Alps, you can hop on a bus, train or cable car to enhance your stay in one of Europe's best mountain ranges. With the St. Johann guest card included, exploration, relaxation and fitness come at a discounted rate – ideal for lowering those holiday expenses.

Hike, cycle and explore

Whether it be by foot or bicycle, exploring the region comes at ease with over 200 kilometres of marked hiking and biking paths in St. Johann. Ride along the base of the Wilder Kaiser mountains to Going and Ellmau, or take to the mountain bike paths on the Kitzbüheler Horn. E-bike south to Oberndorf in Tirol one day, then north to Kirchdorf in Tirol the next. For wilderness walks and scenic hikes, many trails and challenges start in and around the centre of St. Johann, like the Eifersbach Waterfall - a beautiful eight-kilometre circular route.

Summer holidays in St. Johann

Families are spoilt for choice with endless nearby activities including adventure playgrounds, bathing lakes, high-rope courses and themed trails. St. Johann comes to life in the summer months, bursting with colourful flower baskets and local get-together events in the square. From après in the winter, to Almdudler’s in the summer, St. Johann is the perfect spot to forget the stresses of everyday life and really get connected with nature - the mountains of the Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbühel Alps are right on your doorstep.

Why book a summer holiday in St. Johann with Inghams?

At Inghams, we do walking holidays differently. With no fixed itinerary, you have more time at your destination and the freedom to walk as much or as little as you like, discovering some of St. Johann’s best walking routes and activities at your own pace.

With over 85 years of outdoor travel experience, our holiday packages to St. Johann include flights, transfers, and accommodation, so you can relax and leave the small details to us. Our experts can help you choose the best holiday for you, and our team overseas can give you the inside scoop on how to spend your time away with us.

Added value

All holidays include flights from the UK and transfers

24/7 support & tailored advice from our local resort team

Hotels in St. Johann

  • from£726pp
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    4 Rating

    We rate all of our accommodation based on their facilities, service level, character and customer feedback. Our ratings may vary from the official star rating.

  • 43 rooms
Sporthotel Austria Winterstellenweg 3 St Johann 07 2022 Garten Abend 8

The Sporthotel Austria is a cosy and traditional hotel with modern touches. Close to the mountain lifts and town centre, there's plenty of walking to enjoy. Laze in the garden, take a dip in the pool, and enjoy a soothing sauna at the end of the day.

St. Johann Guest Card - included

St. Johann Guest Card

Your Guest Card will be given to you on arrival at your hotel. Included in the guest card is local train travel and discounts on cable cars and bonus partners.

Kitzbühel Alps Summer Card - buy locally

Kitzbühel Alps Summer Card - buy locally | from €103.50 - 6 days | from €76.00 - 3 days | please present your guest card for a reduced rate.

Consecutive days only. Other durations are available.

The Summer Card includes up to 38 lifts in the region including the following lifts in the St. Johann and Kitzbühel area plus discounts on various bonus partners throughout the region.

  • Harschbichlbahn, St Johann (normally open 27 May - 8 Oct)  
  • A1 Hahnenhammbahn, Kitzbühel (normally open 18 May - 3 Nov) 
  • B1 Fleckalmbahn, Kirchberg (normally open 27 May - 8 Oct) 
  • E1 Gaisberg, Kirchberg (normally open 13 May - 26 Oct) 
  • G8/9 Panoramabahn 1 and 2, Pass Thurn (normally open 24 Jun - 8 Oct)
  • H11 Bichlalm, Aurach (normally open 8 Jun - 8 Oct)
  • H1/2 Hornbahn 1 and 2, Kitzbühel (normally open 13 May - 8 Oct)
  • H3 Hornbahn 3, Kitzbühel (normally open 27 May - 8 Oct)

In addition to these lifts, you also have access to operating lifts in St Johann in Tirol, Wildschönau, Alpbachtal, Fieberbrunn, Steinplatte Waidring, Pillersee, Lofer, Going, Ellmau, Scheffau, Söll, Brixen, Westendorf, Hopfgarten, Itter, and Kufstein, making the pass excellent value for money.

Things to do in St Johann

Things to do in St. Johann in Tirol

An authentic Austrian town

Stroll past traditional Austrian buildings, painted in light colours and intricate decorative murals. With a central square and open spaces to enjoy a break, St. Johann can be both a lively and peaceful atmosphere. It's particularly lovely when the Wednesday village evening brings the town to life, or when the locals embrace a festival.

Harschbichl cable-car

Ascending nearly 1,000 metres, the cable car quickly whisks you up the mountain ready for a world of adventures. Breaking the journey up, the mid-station is not to be passed by without a visit to the Hornpark climbing world, or Harschbichl Trail, fantastic for eager mountain bikers. For a thrilling experience, hire a mountain cart to make the decent more fun.

Explore the routes of the region

Walk, run or cycle your way through forest routes or open spaces at your own pace. With around 200 kilometres of marked walking paths and cycling trails, you can take it as slow or fast as you please - hire an e-bike for a helping hand on those steep inclines.

Swimming lake

Cool off in the St. Johann outdoor pool or head to the Badesee bathing lake at nearby Going – surrounded by beautiful scenery, and extremely refreshing on a hot summers' day. Fresh water is supplied to the man-made lake, complimenting the clean mountain air that surrounds you. Relax on the spacious lawn to recharge for another day of mountain fitness - these spots are great for kids too.

Local train station

The St. Johann train station offers easy connections for exploring further afield - it's just 10 minutes or so to Kitzbühel, or stay on to explore cities like Innsbruck or Kufstein. The fortress in Kufstein is worth a visit, but the hidden gem of the town has to be the single-person chair lift that rises up the back of the Wilder Kaiser mountains where the views are spectacular.

Visit Salzburg

Salzburg is is a hub of music and culture, famed as the filming location for many scenes in the "Sound of Music" and it's the birthplace of Mozart. The Mirabel Palace and Gardens are a spectacle at any time of the year, and it's easy to lose yourself wandering the pretty streets of the Old Town - take a look in Mozart's birthplace, a boat trip on the river, or a walk up to the Hohensalzburg Fortress.

Heritage museum

Two connected buildings in the heart of St. Johann are home to the local museum and gallery, ideal for keen exhibition enthusiasts. At a very low admission fee, this is the perfect activity to squeeze into one of those days where you want to take it slow.

Evening entertainment

On Wednesdays, St. Johann hosts the “Lang & Klang” (from early July to September). Turning the village centre into a show stage, adults can tune into the live music, night-time shop or indulge in some treats in the restaurants, bars, or gardens.

Festivals & events

Regular annual festivals and events bring St. Johann to life throughout the summer with live music, beer tents, food stalls and entertainment:

  • Weekly farmers’ market in Town square
  • Brass band concerts in Town square
  • Excellent weekly Tyrolean evening (pay locally)
  • Vintage car rally in Kitzbühel (early Jun)
  • Billy goat mountain top festival (mid Jul)
  • Summer Solstice bonfire night (mid Jun)
  • Jaggas’n town fair (mid Jul)

Hot-air balloon rides

Soar over the Kitzbüheler Alps and on a magical hot-air balloon experience. There's no better way to see the region below than from an open-top basket - especially at sunset.

Segway tours

Put your helmet on, it's time for a ride - enjoy the landscape in comfort and style. Hold on tight as you sightsee and explore in an exhilarating and unique way.

Golf

Beginner, expert, or keen to get into a new hobby? With the mountains right behind you, the golf courses in Kitzbühel or at Lärchenhof are the ideal place to either unwind or compete. Remember, practice makes perfect, so the driving range is just the place for a course “warm-up.”

Family activities in St Johann

Family activities in St. Johann

Panorama Badwelt large indoor pool

Children love nothing more than a day at the waterpark. Grab an inflatable boat and speed your way down the 38-metre turbo slide – there are even light displays inside the tube. There is also another wide slide, and a 100-metre tube slide, perfect for little ones to go again-and-again.

Tree-tops adventure course

Head to Hornpark treetop adventure in St. Johann, the Kitzbüheler Alps biggest high ropes course. With 106 obstacles, 11 different courses and immaculate views of the Wilder Kaiser, children will create forever-lasting memories here. Take the flying fox zip line over the Angereralm mountain lake, or mountain cart down to the bottom lift station – one for the thrill-seekers.

Playgrounds and bathing lakes

Let off steam at the mountain playgrounds by jumping on trampolines or climbing over giant wooden play parks. The Badesee bathing lake at nearby Going is perfect for a chilled day and has plenty to keep the kids entertained with slides, water features and plenty of grass space. 

Or, hop on a local bus to explore Ellmi's Magic World at the top of the Ellmau lift, or the Hexenwasser ("Witches Water") play park in Söll. If the weather's not playing ball, the Kaiserbad indoor pool and climbing wall near Ellmau is a great option too.

Kitzbüheler Alp adventures

Why not take a visit to one of our nearby resorts like Kitzbuhel, Ellmau, Soll or Westendorf for even more exciting adventures and days out with the kids. Be prepared, you are definitely in for an action-packed holiday.

St. Johann excursions

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Grossglockner from £48/32 per adult/child (full day)

This spectacular journey takes you over the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, an incredible feat of engineering with stunning views. From the Franz-Josef's Höhe you'll see the Pasterze glacier and maybe catch a glimpse of 3,798-metre summit of the Grossglockner. Keep a look out for the wild marmots and Ibex too - they love the high alpine conditions. You can visit the free museums and exhibitions to learn about the National Park or enjoy a walk round the area and a tasty Austrian mountain meal.

Departs: Tuesdays

Salzburg from £42/26 per adult/child (full day)

Salzburg is a city full of culture, history and music. Visit Mozart’s birthplace, enjoy the view from the Hohensalzburg Fortress, or wander the famous Getreidegasse shopping street. Immerse yourself in history as you explore the medieval Old Town, discover museums and Baroque churches or visit the Salzburg Residenz Palace - the DomQuartier. There is an optional guided walking tour which is a great way to see more of the city (payable locally, approx. €12 per person).

Departs: Thursdays

Berchtesgaden from £42/26 per adult/child (full day)

There's a few options for you to choose from on this interesting trip to Berchtesgaden. Spend the day discovering the pretty Bavarian town of Berchtesgaden itself, or choose one of the optional extras that you can add on to your day (difference payable locally).

The most famous is the Kehlsteinhaus (Eagle's Nest). Explore the historic building and surrounding area, with spectacular views on a clear day over the King's Lake. The house is famous for being Nazi-constructed and was used for government and social meetings by Hitler and the Nazi Party. Alternatively, head underground to see the Salt Mines. A network of tunnels and slides take you on an underground adventure discovering this once very important industry (optional add-ons are payable locally - Eagle's Nest approx. €30.80 per person, Salt Mines approx. €22.50 per person).

Departs: Fridays

Bookable Locally

Hidden Treasures from approx. €45/25 per adult/child

Discover some of the area's best kept secrets on this trip which combines three unique destinations. Our first 'treasure' is Kufstein, located on the banks of the River Inn. You'll have time to explore and admire this border town with its dominating Fortress. Next, you're off to the beautiful local Hechtsee lake, surrounded by forests and steeped in folklore. Our final destination is Rattenberg, rich in history and famous for Kisslinger glass - watch a glass-blowing demonstration and explore the picturesque streets of this tiny city.

Departs: Wednesdays

We act at all times as a selling agent for the suppliers. All excursions require minimum numbers to run and are subject to change. Some excursions may not be available to pre-book in low season but may be available to book locally subject to numbers. Prices will be confirmed at the time of booking. Please see our terms & conditions.

Walking

Walking in St. Johann 800-1,890m

St. Johann is set in a wide and beautiful valley between the majestic Wilder Kaiser massif and the Kitzbüheler Horn. There are many additional side valleys to explore and over 200km of marked hiking paths and nine themed walking trails. St. Johann is also the start of Austria’s famous ‘Eagles Way’ long distance walking trail from East to West Tyrol. Terrain varies from meadow walks and riverside trails to the higher peaks of the Harschbichl gondola. Excellent bus and train links also make it easy to explore the neighbouring Kitzbühel, Ellmau and Söll walking areas with ease. 

Popular Walks include the riverside and woodland trails to:

Kitzbühel | Easy | 2-4 hrs
Eiffersbacher Waterfall | Moderate | 4 hrs
Lourdes Grotto & Gmail Chapel | Moderate | 4 hrs
First stage of the ‘Eagles Way’ heading west to the Rummierhof Inn | Moderate | This stage gived fantastic views over St. Johann and the Kitzbühlerhorn.

Tourist Office Free Guided Walks

St. Johann Tourist Office runs FREE programme of guided walks that changes weekly, plus hiking booklets and stamps for those completing stages of the ‘Eagles Way’.

Good to know

Walking trails: 200km of walking trails locally plus easy access to lots more nearby

Terrain: Diverse terrain from rolling hills and wide valleys to dramatic peaks

Best time to go: end of May to end of September. It can get hot in July and August but a dip in the outdoor pool is a great way to cool off

Recommended for: Walkers of all abilities, families, nature, activities

Fly into: Innsbruck or Salzburg (approx. 2 hours)

Transfer time: approx. 2 hours from Innsbruck or 1 hour 30 mins from Salzburg by coach

24/7 Support and advice: In person or over the phone from our local resort team

Resort card: St. Johann guest card included

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