The town of Sankt Johann im Pongau (in German, Sankt Johann im Pongau) is nestled in the Salzach Valley, surrounded by the beautiful Eastern Alps, about 50 kilometers south of Salzburg city. With over 11,000 residents, it’s the largest town in this region.
The Salzach Valley has been settled since ancient times, with findings indicating habitation as early as the Bronze Age. The town of Sankt Johann was first mentioned in writings in 1074 and was named after John the Baptist.
Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, largely thanks to its picturesque surrounding landscape. In winter, many travelers come to experience the diverse ski slopes in the area, and in summer, visitors mainly come for nature hikes among the mountain peaks.
You can get a glimpse of the town and its attractions in this video:
Why is Sankt Johann Considered an Ideal Place to Stay in Salzburger Land?
Aside from being the largest town in the area, Sankt Johann im Pongau is ideally situated for exploring Salzburger Land. The town is relatively in the heart of the region, allowing for quick and convenient access to the best attractions in Salzburger Land. For travelers who don’t want to move between accommodations during their trip, staying in Sankt Johann will be the ideal solution. Furthermore, the area around the town boasts excellent attractions and breathtaking Alpine scenery.
The town is marked on the map by the red dashed line. It’s surrounded by the excellent attractions of Salzburger Land:
- Traunstein
- Kitzbühel
- Salzburg
- Bad Reichenhall
- Kaprun
- Nationalpark Hohe Tauern
- Saalfelden am Steinernen Meer
- Berchtesgaden
- Zell am See
- Bischofshofen
- Hallstatt
- Schladming
Sankt Johann – An Ideal Location in Salzburger Land
Since it’s not a particularly small town (in terms of Salzburger Land), you’ll find everything you need for a convenient trip right here: supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, and more, without having to travel long distances. It’s also considered a livelier place compared to the surrounding villages.
Recommended Accommodations in Sankt Johann im Pongau
The town is a popular spot for lodging, which means there are plenty of accommodation options concentrated here. You can choose from luxurious hotels, holiday apartments, charming country houses, and even farm stays. We’ve handpicked some fantastic places that are ideally located and offer great value for money. This list includes hotels, farms, and holiday apartments. Click on the name of the place to see photos and reviews on the Booking.com website.
- Aktivhotel Alpendorf
- Hotel Berghof | St. Johann in Salzburg
- Hotel Alpenland St. Johann
- Urlaub am Bauernhof Rothof
- Pension Appartements Reithof
- Landhaus Alpenjuwel
- Appartements Wieshof
- Mitterbichlhof
- Das Martell
If the places on the list above are already booked, don’t worry! There’s still a variety of other suitable options. You can find a list of other recommended hotels and guesthouses here.
Excellent Attractions Near Sankt Johann im Pongau
Close to the town, you’ll find two popular and beloved attractions. One is the wonderful natural site called Liechtenstein Gorge. This is a 4-kilometer long natural gorge with well-maintained hiking trails. The second attraction is Geisterberg (Ghost Mountain), where you’ll find a lovely nature park perfect for the whole family!
About 20 kilometers north of Sankt Johann is the village of Werfen, home to the magnificent Hohenwerfen Castle and the world’s largest ice cave. Additional attractions in the area include: the Lucky Flitzer alpine coaster, Gastein Valley, Kitzloch Gorge, Amadé Spa, the Wagrain adventure area, Golling Waterfalls, and more.
If you’re looking for a different accommodation area for your trip to Salzburger Land, we recommend checking out the Flachau area or the village of Radstadt. These areas are also excellent for accommodation and aren’t far from Sankt Johann.
