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Holidays in Pongau, Austria | Find villas and apartments at Italiavillas
Welcome to Pongau, the beating heart of the Salzburg region. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush at high altitude or the quiet of an alpine meadow, this district (officially known as St. Johann im Pongau) offers the quintessential Austrian experience.
Pongau is a land of dramatic contrasts, where deep, lush valleys meet jagged limestone peaks. The region is renowned for its “Gemütlichkeit” (cozy hospitality), making it a prime destination for a holiday
Pongau’s history is carved into the landscape.
Settlements date back to 2000 BC, driven primarily by copper mining.
In the 18th century, the region was a center of the Counter-Reformation. Over 20,000 Protestants were forced to emigrate from the Salzburg area to Prussia and beyond.
Although not technically a cathedral, the parish church of St. Johann got its nickname because of its massive neo-Gothic twin towers, which were rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1855.
Nature is the protagonist here. The region is dominated by the Hohe Tauern and Dachstein mountain ranges.
Liechtensteinklamm: One of the longest and deepest accessible gorges in the Alps. A new spiral staircase called the "Helix" takes you deep into the misty, roaring abyss.
Eisriesenwelt (Werfen): The world's largest ice cave, a frozen labyrinth of limestone and ice sculptures.
Tappenkarsee: A high-alpine lake near Kleinarl, often cited as one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern Alps.
Winter: Pongau is the heart of Ski amadé, one of Europe's largest ski resorts. You have access to hundreds of kilometers of pistes in areas such as Flachau, Wagrain and Bad Gastein.
Summer: The "Ghost Mountain" (Geisterberg) is a hit with families, while serious hikers can try the Salzburger Almenweg, a long-distance trail connecting 120 alpine huts.
Wellness: Relax in the world-class thermal baths in Bad Hofgastein or Altenmarkt (Therme Amadé).
Pongau's cuisine is hearty and designed to fuel a day on the mountain.
Pinzgauer Kasnockn: Small dumplings fried in a pan with spicy local cheese and topped with crispy onions.
Pongauer Wild: High-quality game and game dishes from the surrounding forests.
Salzburger Nockerl: A fluffy, sweet soufflé representing the three local mountains (Gaisberg, Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg).
Bauernkrapfen: Large, fried dough pastries, often filled with sauerkraut or apricot jam.
Tradition lives on in the village squares.
Knödelfest (Radstadt): An August festival dedicated entirely to dumplings with everything from bacon to plum.
Bauernherbst: From late August to October, "Harvest Autumn" celebrates local crafts, cattle drives (where cows are decorated with flowers) and folk music.
Paul Hofhaimer Days: An early music festival in Radstadt that celebrates the famous Renaissance organist who was born there.
Pongau is a land of dramatic contrasts, where deep, lush valleys meet jagged limestone peaks. The region is renowned for its “Gemütlichkeit” (cozy hospitality), making it a prime destination for a holiday
A layered history
Pongau’s history is carved into the landscape.
Ancient roots
Settlements date back to 2000 BC, driven primarily by copper mining.
Religious unrest
In the 18th century, the region was a center of the Counter-Reformation. Over 20,000 Protestants were forced to emigrate from the Salzburg area to Prussia and beyond.
"Pongau Cathedral"
Although not technically a cathedral, the parish church of St. Johann got its nickname because of its massive neo-Gothic twin towers, which were rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1855.
Nature's masterpieces
Nature is the protagonist here. The region is dominated by the Hohe Tauern and Dachstein mountain ranges.
Liechtensteinklamm: One of the longest and deepest accessible gorges in the Alps. A new spiral staircase called the "Helix" takes you deep into the misty, roaring abyss.
Eisriesenwelt (Werfen): The world's largest ice cave, a frozen labyrinth of limestone and ice sculptures.
Tappenkarsee: A high-alpine lake near Kleinarl, often cited as one of the most beautiful places in the Eastern Alps.
Activities: Year-round adventures
Winter: Pongau is the heart of Ski amadé, one of Europe's largest ski resorts. You have access to hundreds of kilometers of pistes in areas such as Flachau, Wagrain and Bad Gastein.
Summer: The "Ghost Mountain" (Geisterberg) is a hit with families, while serious hikers can try the Salzburger Almenweg, a long-distance trail connecting 120 alpine huts.
Wellness: Relax in the world-class thermal baths in Bad Hofgastein or Altenmarkt (Therme Amadé).
Typical foods: A taste of the Alps
Pongau's cuisine is hearty and designed to fuel a day on the mountain.
Pinzgauer Kasnockn: Small dumplings fried in a pan with spicy local cheese and topped with crispy onions.
Pongauer Wild: High-quality game and game dishes from the surrounding forests.
Salzburger Nockerl: A fluffy, sweet soufflé representing the three local mountains (Gaisberg, Mönchsberg and Kapuzinerberg).
Bauernkrapfen: Large, fried dough pastries, often filled with sauerkraut or apricot jam.
Festivals and traditions
Tradition lives on in the village squares.
Knödelfest (Radstadt): An August festival dedicated entirely to dumplings with everything from bacon to plum.
Bauernherbst: From late August to October, "Harvest Autumn" celebrates local crafts, cattle drives (where cows are decorated with flowers) and folk music.
Paul Hofhaimer Days: An early music festival in Radstadt that celebrates the famous Renaissance organist who was born there.
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