סנקט יוהאן אים פונגאו

The Liechtensteinklamm is open roughly April to October. June to September is best for hiking and cycling. December to March is ski season in nearby resorts. Spring and autumn are quiet.

• Liechtensteinklamm is a deep, narrow gorge with wooden walkways, a waterfall and a walk of about 1 hour.
• Pfarrkirche St. Johann is a large Neo-Gothic church that locals call the Cathedral in the Mountains.
• Burg Plankenau is a castle ruin on a hill near the gorge.
• Geisterberg is a themed family trail above the town.
• Lerch Streichelzoo is a small petting zoo.
• The old town centre has cafes and shops.

• Walk the Liechtensteinklamm.
• Visit the cathedral-like church.
• Cycle the Salzach path.
• Ski in a nearby resort.
• Visit Werfen on a day trip.

• Bischofshofen is about 10 minutes away by car or train.
• Wagrain is about 15 minutes away by car.
• Großarl is about 20 minutes away by car.
• Radstadt is about 25 minutes away by car.
• Bad Hofgastein is about 30 minutes away by car.
• Salzburg is about 50 minutes away by car.
• Werfen with Hohenwerfen Castle and the Eisriesenwelt ice cave is about 20 minutes away by car.

• Bischofshofen, Wagrain and Großarl are the nearest preferred destinations.

• By air: Salzburg Airport is about 50 minutes away by car.
• By train: St Johann im Pongau is on the Salzburg–Villach line, with trains from Salzburg in about 50 minutes. Check times on ÖBB.
• By car: Leave the A10 motorway at St Johann.

The centre is walkable. A shuttle bus runs to the gorge, and local buses link the villages. Cycling is easy along the Salzach.

The A10 motorway runs past the town, with toll tunnels to the south. Winter tyres or chains are required in snow. Motorways in Austria need a vignette.

Salzburg-region food includes Kasnocken, cheese dumplings, and Salzburger Nockerl, a sweet souffle. Local inns serve hearty dishes. Huts serve butter and cheese in summer.

St Johann is very safe. The gorge walkway can be slippery. Tap water is clean and safe to drink. The emergency number is 112. The mountain rescue number is 140.

The town grew on the Salzach route and was a stop for the salt and ore trade. Protestant farmers left the area in 1731–32 under the Salzburg expulsion. The large Neo-Gothic church was built in the 19th century, and the gorge was opened to visitors in 1875.

Quick practical facts for Austria at a glance: