With its pine forests and a generous helping of powder snow, St. Johann in Tirol is famed for its skiing. Whether you’re spending a few days on the pistes or going for a more sedentary holiday, do remember to take a little time out to enjoy the culinary treats on offer in this cosy Alpine town.
The Market
St. Johann in Tirol is, historically speaking, a market town, and as such its weekly market is well worth a visit for anyone with the most passing interest in food, produce, or even just the vibrant imagery of a bustling market.
Start by having a look at the mouth-wateringly fresh, lovingly grown fresh vegetables on offer, spilling over the stalls in great bursts of colour and flavour. You’ll find all manner of locally grown vegetables here, and when you’ve seen all of those, look at the stalls offering a variety of traditional Austrian cheeses, not to mention tasty, strong-smelling hams and bacon in the traditional style, along with a number of local Austrian treats and antipasti.
As well as the cured and prepared meat vendors, you’ll find fresh meat and fish stalls, as well as stalls selling honey, herbs, baked goods and more, making St. Johann in Tirol’s historical market a favourite of many a foodie.
Cafes
Cafes are a common fixture of mountain towns, acting as not only a meeting place for social gatherings, but also somewhere to retreat for a comfy chair and a steaming hot, beautifully made cup of java when the cold draws in and the wind bites hard.
Austria is famous for its cafes, boasting its own regional brewing methods and coffee styles. Austrian brews often feature cream and ice cream, as well as more familiar foamed milk and water concoctions, and the coffee you’ll find in Austria’s cafes differs markedly from the more dominant Italian school.
When you pop in for a cup of Joe, be sure to match it with a cake or pastry! Austria’s patisserie is world famous and extends far beyond the iconic Sachertorte. You can expect a wide range of cakes and pastries, variously containing fruit jams, nougat, chocolate, cream and spirits. Many of Austria’s cakes and pastries are notoriously tricky to make, so it’s worth taking the opportunity to sample some during your visit.
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See Craftspeople in Action
Much of the produce you’ll find in the aforementioned market, as well as in the shops and restaurants around St. Johann in Tirol, is local and handmade. There are a number of businesses that are open for observers to come and see first-hand the processes by which these delicacies are made.
Distilleries and breweries are enduringly popular for holidaymakers who enjoy a drink, and you can see both in action in St. Johann in Tirol. Given the region’s reputation for both beer and schnapps, a visit to St. Johann is a fine opportunity to watch these beverages being lovingly crafted as well as perhaps treating yourself to a tipple.
For those who don’t drink, or who are more interested in food than beer and schnapps, the surrounding region will provide the opportunity to watch cheese being made and bacon being cured, both of which are likely to appeal to the gourmet with a savoury palate.
How to Get to St. Johann in Tirol
Landing at Munich Airport, you can get to St. Johann in Tirol via train in around 3 hours: start by taking the S8 towards Herrsching. When you reach Munchen Ost, change to the EC and take it in the direction of Verona Porta Nuova until you reach Wörgl Hbf, where you should change to the S6 for Salzburg Hbf. This train will pass through St. Johann in Tirol.
If you’re hiring a car or if you’ve already organised airport transfers, Munich is a two hour drive away from St. Johann in Tirol – just take the A8.
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Where to stay
Vorderstockerhof – Offering idyllic accommodations in a beautiful farmhouse, Vorderstockerhof has competitive rates and delivers a wonderful countryside experience. Your eggs and milk come from the on-site organic farm, and you can also have freshly baked bread delivered daily to your apartment.
Alimonte Apartments – Only five minutes from the town centre, Alimonte has simple but complete apartments and an unbeatable location. Rooms come complete with a terrace, offering excellent views of the town.
Hotel Tyrol – marrying the experience of a quality hotel with cosy Alpine charm, Hotel Tyrol is also located in the pedestrianised part of the town, making it perfect for anyone hoping to explore St. Johann in Tirol on foot.
