The Alps attract tourists all year round. In winter it attracts skiers, in summer it attracts those who like to relax in the peace and fresh air. Near St. Johan im Pongau, close to the Alpendorf ski area, there are excellent hiking trails. Here you will find the Geisterberg family holiday centre, where the whole family can enjoy themselves.
In the warmer months, hikers have the chance to admire the Alps in full bloom, not from the lift, but by exploring the mountain trails. The route can be done on foot or by mountain bike, and the trails vary in difficulty, with some easy enough for children. One of the most beautiful cycle routes in Austria, the 300 km Tauern Cycle Path, passes through St Johan. There are also 7 trails for jogging and Nordic walking.
Other sports facilities include a swimming pool, tennis courts and a golf course. On hot summer days, however, it is much more pleasant to swim in a small forest lake, or at least to walk barefoot through a cool stream. To the delight of children, the water plays games with them, turning into a waterfall, a wooden mill or a raft.
The centre of children's entertainment is the Gernkogel, home of the Ghost Mountain. The cable car ride up the mountain will thrill children, but the real adventure is yet to come. There is a huge playground for the little ones, a zip line for the young Tarzans, water rides, trampolines, archery competitions, dinghy rides and much more. But first they'll have to find a common language with the ghosts, defeat the wooden dragon and, for the bravest, stroll through Ghost Alley and catch a glimpse of the ungodly.
If you want to see something more enjoyable, you can take a leisurely trip along the panoramic path. There are benches and umbrellas along the trail, so you can take a break anywhere. The alpine huts at Geisterberg offer restaurants where you can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine.
