St. Johann im Walde brings together river landscapes, hiking and local history. The Isel flows through the village, and walks and hikes follow its banks. There are also opportunities for tours on the water and seasonal winter activities. If you are looking for hotels in St. Johann im Walde, you can tailor your stay to your interests in the river, outdoor activities or culture. Depending on your travel plans, you can focus on riverside paths, sections of the Iseltrail, water sports or historical themes.

The Isel, Hiking and Water Sports

The Isel is considered the last free-flowing glacier river in the Eastern Alps. Walks and hikes along the banks of the Isel offer an opportunity to relax in St. Johann im Walde. From here, rafting and kayaking tours on the Isel can be started in the direction of Lienz. Check with providers and confirm seasonal availability in advance for these tours.

Iseltrail and Cycle Path

The first stage of the Iseltrail ends in St. Johann im Walde, and the second begins here and leads to Matrei in Osttirol. You can reach the start of the second stage by taking bus 951 to the “St. Johann i. W. Ort” stop and then crossing a bridge. Check the bus 951 timetable when planning your specific day.

The course of the river is also a useful reference point for cycling trips: the Iseltal Cycle Path runs via Oberlienz and Ainet to St. Johann im Walde. There, the cycle path is interrupted and crosses a bridge to the west side of the river. Bear this change of riverbank in mind when navigating, and check local road conditions before setting out.

Church, Chapels and Customs

The parish church of St. Johann im Walde is dedicated to St. John the Baptist. Its oldest part, the present-day baptistery, dates from 1177. The new church windows were consecrated during a solemn service on April 14, 2024.

Four chapels are considered historic architectural monuments. The Oberleibnig Chapel stands high above the edge of a precipice, with sweeping views over the valley.

Every year, the local youth association designs the harvest crown for the harvest festival. Local customs also include the Iseltaler Ranggler association; Rangglen is a traditional folk sport practiced throughout the Alpine region. Thus, local cultural life includes both an annual festival tradition and the traditions of an association and folk sport.

The “KlangLICHTER” church concert series brings together sound and light; in 2022, it was performed in the parish church.

Cross-Country Skiing and Ice Skating in Winter

When there is sufficient snow, a cross-country ski trail is available in St. Johann im Walde. In winter, there is an ice rink for skating in front of the clubhouse. The distinction is important for planning: cross-country skiing expressly depends on sufficient snow, while the ice rink is a winter option.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Thurn, Huben im Ötztal, Oberrotte, Tristach, Lienz, St. Veit in Defereggen, Raneburg, Sankt Leonhard.

To the higher-level travel overview: Lienz.