Holidays in St. Johann in Tirol

On an Inghams walking holiday, you have the freedom to explore the area at your own pace. Each day, a new adventure, with as much or as little walking as you like.

Why we love walking holidays in St. Johann

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 200 kilometres 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 and Wilder Kaiser mountains. Excellent bus and train links also make it easy to explore the neighbouring Kitzbühel, Ellmau and Söll walking areas.

Guided walks

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

St.Johann has a great network of public transport and lifts that make getting around the area really easy.

Lifts

There are plenty of lifts in and around the region for you to access hiking routes from. Some of the most relevant ones are below, however if you purchase the Kitzbühel Alps card you have access to up to 38 in total.

• Harschbichlbahn, St Johann (normally open 17 May - 27 Oct)
• A1 Hahnenhammbahn, Kitzbühel (normally open 18 May - 3 Nov)
• B1 Fleckalmbahn, Kirchberg (normally open 15 Jun - 13 Oct)
• E1 Gaisberg, Kirchberg (normally open 9 May – 20 May and 25 May - 27 Oct)
• G8/9 Panoramabahn 1 and 2, Pass Thurn (normally open 22 Jun - 13 Oct)
• H11 Bichlalm, Aurach (normally open 15 Jun - 27 Oct)
• H1/2 Hornbahn 1 and 2, Kitzbühel (normally open 9 May – 13 Oct)
• H3 Hornbahn 3, Kitzbühel (normally open 18 May - 13 Oct)

You can also use your included St. Johann Guest Card to receive discounts on certain cable car tickets.

Train

You can use your included St. Johann Guest Card to access train services from Kirchbichl to Hochfilzen free of charge – allowing you access to lots of areas with various hiking routes, such as on the Wilder Kaiser and many more mountain ranges.

The train stops at the following places:

• Kirchbichl
• Wörgl
• Hopfgarten
• Kirchberg
• Kitzbühel
• St. Johann in Tirol
• Fieberbrunn
• Hochfilzen

Buses

The bus service in this area is exceptional, with travel being free of charge as part of your included St. Johann Guest Card.

The bus stops at the following places:

• St. Johann in Tirol
• Oberndorf
• Kirchdorf
• Erpfendorf
• Waidring
• St. Ulrich
• St. Jakob
• Fieberbrunn
• Hochfilzen
• Going
• Ellmau
• Kitzbühel

Oberndorf to Harschbichlalm circular

• Moderate walk
• 14.4km
• Expect to take all day

Hop on the PostBus south to Oberdorf where this route starts. Perfect for the whole family or anyone keen to get their steps in, this hike will take you by the Dickat Chapel, past the Angereralm lake, through alpine meadows, and provide ultimate Kitzbüheler Horn views. You can even stop by the Angerer Alm hut, which stocks over 400 different wines. The main reward of this walk is the incredible panoramic views from the top of the Harschbichl.

Eiffersbacher Waterfall

• Moderate walk
• 8.3km
• Expect to take around three hours

Check out the running streams and plummeting waterfalls as you pass through wooded areas and over rockface bridges from the village square. Follow the yellow signs and you may even cool down the with refreshing water spray along the way.

Lourdes Grotto & Gmail Chapel

• Moderate walk
• 7.8km
• Expect to take around four hours

Trek your way through forests, pastures, and beautiful flower meadows along this route. Complete the circular hike while discovering carved sculptors, old buildings, and a few hidden gems as well. You will end with a nice leisurely stroll back, along the narrow forest road.

Recommended equipment

Suitable walking shoes with good grip, appropriate clothing, rain jacket, sun cream, sun glasses, rucksack, at least a litre of water, a re-usable water bottle, a snack and cash. You may find walking poles useful.

Walking maps

We recommend Mayr Map number 452, which has a scale of 1:25,000. The maps show the walking routes which are numbered and match the yellow signposts around the area. They will have a key which will help you understand the nature of the trail before you set out on your walk.

Walking guidelines

The mountains are a natural paradise, with lots to explore and discover. To help it stay that way, and remain an enjoyable and safe place for everyone, we recommend following our little list of do's and don'ts:

• Plan your route well and don't overestimate yourself
• Check the weather forecast
• Tell someone where you're planning to walk and what time you're expecting to be back
• Take all the recommended equipment
• Make a note of emergency numbers:
  • Austrian Emergency Services: 112
  • Mountain Rescue: 140
• Don't leave the marked trails or go onto a glacier without a guide
• Let nature stay wild by not picking alpine flowers (it's illegal in some places) or getting close to/making contact with wild animals
• Always leave gates as you found them
• Leave no trace

Check out our Responsible Walking insider guide if you want more tips for your summer walking holiday.

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 | 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 17 May - 27 Oct)
• A1 Hahnenhammbahn, Kitzbühel (normally open 18 May - 3 Nov)
• B1 Fleckalmbahn, Kirchberg (normally open 15 Jun - 13 Oct)
• E1 Gaisberg, Kirchberg (normally open 9 May – 20 May and 25 May - 27 Oct)
• G8/9 Panoramabahn 1 and 2, Pass Thurn (normally open 22 Jun - 13 Oct)
• H11 Bichlalm, Aurach (normally open 15 Jun - 27 Oct)
• H1/2 Hornbahn 1 and 2, Kitzbühel (normally open 9 May – 13 Oct)
• H3 Hornbahn 3, Kitzbühel (normally open 18 May - 13 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 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

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.

Pre-book your excursions online or give us a call

Grossglockner from £54/36 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 £48/30 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.