This small Alpine town sits between the Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbüheler Horn mountains. Its medieval church tower and weekly farmers' market add character to the main square.
St. Johann in Tirol, a market town of 9,550 residents in Austria's Kitzbühel district, lies at the foot of the Kitzbüheler Horn and Wilder Kaiser mountains. You can ski down 40 kilometers of slopes, hike through Alpine meadows, or climb to the top of the 30-meter Huber Bräu brewery tower for mountain views. Walk through the baroque town center to see the twin-spired church, or take the Harschbichl cable car up to 1,604 meters for panoramic views of the Leukental Valley.
Winter Sports in St. Johann
You can ski 40 kilometers of north-facing slopes on Kitzbüheler Horn, with runs for beginners through to expert skiers. Eight lifts take you to the summit, where local ski schools teach basic techniques and advanced skills. Cross-country skiers can explore 200 kilometers of trails through the valley floor. The International Tirolean Koasa Race, Austria's largest open cross-country competition, brings thousands of participants to these trails each winter.
Mountain Activities Beyond Winter
From spring through fall, you can hike or cycle on marked paths around St. Johann. The Harschbichl cable car runs year-round to 1,604 meters, where several hiking trails begin. At Horn Park Aerial Forest (open May-October), you can traverse zip lines and wooden bridges 10 meters above ground. Mountain bikers will find several dedicated trails, including a challenging single-track route that descends from Harschbichl's mid-station.
Huber Bräu Brewery
The family-run Huber Bräu brewery has made beer for 300 years and now produces 30 different varieties. Its 30-meter tower dominates the town skyline. Join a guided tour to learn about the brewing process and taste traditional Austrian beers. From the tower's observation deck, you can see across the Leukental Valley to the surrounding Alps.
The Town's Past and Architecture
Celtic settlers first mined copper in the area in the 4th century BC. By the 18th century, silver mining brought wealth to St. Johann, funding the construction of baroque buildings and the prominent twin-spired church. Today, these buildings house cafes and shops in the car-free town center.
Transportation Hub
You can reach St. Johann easily by train on the Giselabahn railway line, with direct connections to Salzburg, Innsbruck, and Munich via Wörgl. Four federal highways meet in the town. This central location puts you within 30 minutes of major ski areas like Kitzbühel/Kirchberg, Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser, and Fieberbrunn.
