24th May 2025. So, we chose to return to St Johann in Tirol in the last week in May 2025. We took a Tui package deal, which includes flights from our local airport, transfers to the hotel, where bed and breakfast is included for 7 nights.
A little earlier in the summer season than usual for us, but hey, you could hear a pin drop in the town centre, our quietest experience yet on a Saturday night compared to previous visits!
Staying at the Hotel Fischer which is very central being close to the main square where what happens happens! Beautiful room finished to a high standard. Poshmum recommends this hotel for an upscale but peaceful experience complete with a genuinely welcoming team.
25th May Poshmum rather liked a glass of prosecco at breakfast…..set us up for our rainy hike at Hochfilzen, but not before gazing at the VW Beetle convention in the main square:
Aww, shucks, saw a beautiful golden eagle at Hochfilzen very close up, but couldn’t photograph him or her before it swooped far in the distance. Majestic sight to behold! Apparently, the golden eagle is considered the emblem of the Austrian Alps and a symbol of freedom and nature’s integrity.
Hmmmm where for dinner……we have been here 24 hours so it has to be what will not be the only visit to Huberbrau stubli at St Johann. The exquisite beer has been made on the premises since 1727. Brilliant that it still survives. Great Tirolean food, think sausages and dumplings……mmmm. This didn’t disappoint. Great beer and traditional food at a reasonable price surely the best combination!
Monday 26th May
Surely the Austrian rain will run out???? Oh well, off for a decent walk (just over 10km but fairly flat) to Kitzbuhel, complete with wet gear.
Have to say, at least it’s not remotely cold. Our spirits are undampened……we manage to find an almost dry seat upon which to enjoy our hastily put-together lunch – a small bread roll, locally made cheese and fruit. Hey, who forgot the water???? Phew, luckily, Poshmum had bought 2 small bottles of Austrian gruner veltiner in a local supermarket. Mmmm, this did for a fine lunch.
Still quite deserted, few walkers or cyclists braving the wet pathways….. Nice quiet spot over there for an emergency wee wee stop……but suddenly, and I do mean midstream, the lonely pathway became a major interchange, cyclists, strollers, serious hikers and even a lorry….Poshmum had to do a quick cover up until the coast was clear! A good test of one’s pelvic floor control!
Rather nice beverage at the cafe near the cable car station before taking the train back to St Johann. This ride was free of charge with the St Johann in Tirol guestcard which provides lots of savings opportunities in the region.
Dinner was spargel (asparagus) influenced at the Villa Masianco as it’s in the height of its season over here. It’s especially nice to have white as well as green, white being somewhat hard to get hold of in the UK. But hey, has anyone noticed that one’s wee wee smells rather strange post asparagus consumption!!! Apparently, it’s due to asparagusic acid producing sulphuric by-products.
Tuesday 27th May
We took the train to Westendorf, and equipped with a delectable picnic completed the Panorama rundwanderweg. As the name suggests, we are treated to a panoramic round hike.
Supposedly, this hike was around 11km, so how come Poshmum clocked over 35,000 steps! Could hardly move at the end.
Wednesday 28th May
…….Top Poshmum tip: Consider coming at the end of June or later – still not too crowded, but almost everything will be open, alongside a better chance of drier weather! Furthermore, the superb weekly Lang & Klang event, when the centre turns into a massive children’s play area along with live music, doesn’t start until July!
Took the train to Wörgl where we did a more doable round walk.
We picnic on a bench where we also put away our 250 ml bottles of Austrian local wine. Not that we are winos at all!
Had an excellent coffee at the railway station……apart from Jimbo adding salt to his as he misread the sachet label!
Absolutely tanking down back at St Johann, with that variety of rain that drenches everything, so we take refuge at the hotel before venturing out to dinner.
Dinner options are a little limited as some places are either closed on Wednesdays or else not yet open for the summer season.
In fact, a few facilities are of the ‘not yet’ category, for example, the Okto Hiking bus and the Bummelzug, the fun train that tours the town, amongst others, including the Krimml Waterfalls train .
Thai nini Imbiss fit the bill for an impromptu and somewhat inexpensive dinner, a mere few splashes away from our hotel! Tasty dishes stir fried before your eyes. Basic setting but great food and helpful staff.
Thursday 29th May
Walked from St Johann up to the Eifersbacher Wasserfall, supposedly around 5km depending on which route you choose, it’s quite steep in places but the reward of being close to the rapidly gushing waterfall is worth the effort. I still clocked around 18,000 steps though.
On the way back we had homemade strudel and a suitable beverage at the Grander Schupf which gave us the energy to complete the final descent into St Johann.
Dinner was at Namaste Indian restaurant near the railway station in Saint Johann. Good value and decent dishes albeit milder strength as compared to many Indian restaurants based in the UK.
Friday 30th May
After a little shopping, we browsed the farmers market. It was lovely to do so in blazing sunshine. Apparently, Poshmum came here too early, weather is set to be intensely hot from hereon! Oh all this shopping called for a beverage. We each had a beautiful glass of wine from one of the market stalls.
Down to business……..we took the St Johann cable car up the kitzbuhlerhorn, as far as the middle station, then walked so far down for a delectable picnic stop.
Dinner was again happily partaken at the Huberbrau panoramic hochhaus restaurant. Great rustic food and beer made on the premises. Obviously, the brewers had foresight way back in 1757 to encourage support of local produce! Poshmum ever happy to go local particularly where beer is concerned!
31st May
Travelling home. Is it too early for one for the road? Oh, go on then …….
….a final Poshmum tip, don’t rush through security. Very little airside at Salzburg airport and it’s very crowded. Go to the panoramic restaurant upstairs and enjoy your remaining time in Austria feeling chilled out!
Posh Mum's Journeys 