Backed by the 1,996-metre-high summit of the Kitzbüheler Horn, St. Johann in Tirol is a picturesque market town near Austria’s border with Germany. It prospered with the discovery of copper and silver in 1540 and became a popular tourism and ski resort following the arrival of the railway in 1875.
For insight into the local history, visit the Museum St. Johann in Tirol to see historic costumes, black and white mountaineering photos and a life-size primeval cave bear. The museum is located opposite the magnificent Parish Church of St. Johann in Tirol, which is renowned for its Baroque-painted ceilings by Simon Benedikt Faistenberger.
In the winter months, you can hit the downhill ski runs of the Kitzbüheler Horn or challenge yourself in the terrain park. There’s a dedicated kids area manned by “Valle” the snowman and plenty of huts with sun-drenched terraces where you can dine on local fare.
Getting there
St. Johann in Tirol is around 1.5 hours’ drive from Innsbruck and Innsbruck Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from Salzburg to St. Johann in Tirol railway station and buses travel throughout the town.