Sankt Johann im Pongau: Geisterberg and Culture

An important landmark in the town’s history is Annakapelle, the oldest building in Sankt Johann im Pongau. Other options range from play stations on Geisterberg to the cultural and mining history of the Salzburg Pongau.

Activities and cross-country skiing in Sankt Johann

Geisterberg has more than 40 large and small play stations along hiking trails that are mostly suitable for strollers. Drachi’s via ferrata offers a different kind of experience: it is secured with a steel cable and crosses a 40-metre-high rock face.

Another striking structure is the spiral staircase known as “Helix” in Liechtensteinklamm; it is about 30 metres high. Sankt Johann has three cross-country ski trails: in Plankenau, in Alpendorf–Ötzmoos, and the Alpendorf high-altitude trail.

Culture and mining history

The Tauernbahn Museum in Schwarzach is dedicated to the history of the Tauern Railway and is housed in a former locomotive shed. As a regional rail connection, the Tauern Railway has linked the Pongau with Carinthia since the early 20th century. The Seelacken Museum displays exhibits on the region’s folk culture, mining, literature, and agriculture.

In Pfarrwerfen, the mill trail at the 7 Mills Open-Air Museum presents the history and importance of grain cultivation, as well as the milling techniques used in historic mill buildings. Watermills were already in operation at the open-air museum site in the Middle Ages. The trail thus connects the mill buildings with insights into the history of cultivation and milling.

The UNESCO Global Geopark Ore of the Alps is located in the Salzburg Pongau. Its visitor centre offers an overview of attractions throughout the geopark, including geosites, show mines, demonstration tunnels, and museums. A joint exhibition by the geopark communities of Hüttau, Bischofshofen, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, and St. Veit im Pongau focuses on prehistoric and historic ore mining. The approximately 60-kilometre-long Ore Trail connects these same four communities, offering another way to explore the subject of mining.

Local tips and travel planning

The Maximilian Farmers’ Market in Bischofshofen is another local highlight: it takes place every Friday in the town centre. Stalls offer local specialities, handicrafts, and organic-quality fruit and vegetables from farmers in Salzburg. If you plan to visit the market, check the latest market calendar beforehand.

For a bus ride from St. Johann station to Liechtensteinklamm, route 51 is an option; check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Pfarrwerfen, Großarl, Eben im Pongau, Iglsbach, Altenmarkt im Pongau, Werfenweng, Werfen, Wagrain, Sankt Martin am Tennengebirge, Sankt Veit im Pongau, Sankt Johann im Pongau, Radstadt, Niedernfritz, Mühlbach am Hochkönig, Kleinarl, Goldegg, Filzmoos, Flachau, Bischofshofen, Dorfgastein, Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Lammertal, Reitdorf, Obertauern, Hüttschlag, Untertauern, Forstau, Harbach, Hüttau, Mandling, Sonnberg, Schwarzach im Pongau, Wimm, Neuberg, Feuersang, Tenneck, Palfen, Karteis

For the main travel overview: Salzburgerland.