St Anton am Arlberg - premier alpine destination in Austria

St. Anton am Arlberg, nestled in the Austrian Alps, is a premier destination for both winter sports enthusiasts and summer adventurers. Known as the cradle of alpine skiing, it offers over 300 kilometers of slopes and a vibrant après-ski scene. In summer, the region transforms into a haven for hikers and cyclists, with extensive trails and breathtaking mountain views.

Herzlich Willkommen

Is St Anton and Sankt Anton the same place?

Yes, St. Anton am Arlberg and Sankt Anton refer to the same place. The name Sankt Anton is the full, formal version, with “Sankt” meaning “Saint” in German, while St. Anton am Arlberg is the more commonly used name, which includes “am Arlberg” to specify its location in the Arlberg mountain range in Austria. Both names are used interchangeably, but you’ll typically see St. Anton am Arlberg in travel guides and signage.

What is St. Anton am Arlberg known for?

It’s renowned for its extensive ski area and lively après-ski culture.

St. Anton am Arlberg, perched at 1,304 meters in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps, offers a blend of exhilarating alpine adventures and serene mountain beauty. In winter, its vast ski terrain and dynamic après-ski venues create a lively atmosphere. Come summer, the snow gives way to lush trails and panoramic vistas, inviting exploration and relaxation in equal measure.

Where is St. Anton am Arlberg located?

In the Tyrolean Alps of Austria, near the Arlberg Pass.

How do you get to St. Anton am Arlberg?
St. Anton am Arlberg is conveniently located and easily accessible by both train and car. If you’re traveling by train, St. Anton station connects directly to major cities like Zurich, Innsbruck, and Vienna. For those driving, the S16 Arlberg Schnellstraße provides a smooth and scenic route to the village. In the winter, snow chains might be necessary, so always check the weather and road conditions before your trip.

Best time to visit St Anton am Arlberg

Best Time to Visit

Winter (December to April): Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and après-ski fun.
Summer (June to September): Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Any time of the year is a good time to visit the beautiful village of St Anton am Arlberg.

Winter

During winter the ski resort is busy. At times almost too busy for the beginner, but it certainly is a beautiful and fun time to visit. If you love snow-ski, this popular ski destination will definitely not disappoint. After all St Anton am Arlberg is also called the “cradle of alpine skiing”. The reason being for the role it played in the invention of snow ski as a sport.

Winter time also brings the most magical time of the year:

Christmas Time!!!

If you’re looking for beautiful Austrian Advent markets, look no further. Everywhere in Tyrol you will discover beautiful vistas during Christmas time and St Anton is no different. In fact it is beautiful during this time of year. Sip on a traditional Glühwein while you take in the charming atmosphere of this little village: Holiday lights illuminating the Christmas Market and pretty streets.

Christmas holidays in St Anton is big. You’ll find not just one, but many, Father Christmas figures climbing up and down the chimneys. They’re just as busy in the mountains as down in the village.

New Year’s Eve !!

On New Year’s Eve, there is a service in the town’s church, the Midnight Mass. This in itself is an experience as the church is usually packed, with people standing in the entrance doors, and even if you don’t understand the language you can not help but get a sense of calmness and peace. It sure is a recommendation from “Travel-and Home”, irrespective of your religious denomination.

You can not miss seeing the small but impressive Baroque church. It dates back to the 17th century, and what’s quite outstanding is that there is a 15th-century stunning altarpiece inside.

Summer

Der Sommerurlaub in den Tiroler Alpen ist wunderschön.

During summer time the area changes into a lush green Austrian alpine dream. With cow’s grazing alongside flowery meadows, the ringing of bells echoing into the valley… It all completes the typical Austrian picture-perfect destination.

There is simply no shortage on spectacular vistas. Here you will find the traditional wooden buildings decorated with flower boxes and winding trails up mountain slopes. But you will also find a rather modern village at the same time that offers quite a lot to do during all seasons.

Cable cars to fabulous view points

Taking the cable car or Bergbahn to popular vista points is obviously a favorite amongst tourist in summer time.

The Galzigbahn runs from St. Anton up onto the Galzig mountain. At the starting point the spectacular architecturally modern building is sure to make you stop for a while.

Vallugabahn connects to Galzigbahn and is made up of two sections: You can change from the Galzigbahn to the Vallugabahn at the mid-way station on the Vallugagrat ridge. Valluga Mountain (often referred to as the ‘home mountain’ of St Anton) has a beautiful viewpoint that is definitely worth the visit. A spectacular Instagram photo spot.

Other cable ways in the area is Gampenbahn and Kapallbahn.

DID YOU KNOW: During the summer months Tirol has more than 90 lifts and cable cars that are operational.

Restaurants and where to eat

You will have a wide variety of restaurants to choose from. Obviously Valluga View Restaurant is a popular stop especially because of the views. At 2811 m the views are just indescribably beautiful and the viewpoint has a map of all the highest mountain points visible from there. (All the way to Italy and back.)

While visiting do try the local cuisine and delicacies such as Arlberg “Marend”: A platter of cold cuts and cheeses.

As well as the Erdinger Weissbier, a classic German wheat beer, or Weissbier brewed by Erdinger in the heart of Bavaria.

Oh and don’t forget their famous Goulash Soup – The best ever.

Snow Ski in St Anton

A Typical day

A typical day in the life of a serious snow skier is getting to breakfast by no later than 08h00 in order to be up and about when the ski lifts open. Serious skiers want to be the first to leave the prints in the “virgin snow”.

What’s more, they’re 9 out of 10 the same skiers that highlight each and every slope conquered to ensure they ski the entire region on their ski map.

St Anton ski map

You get ski maps from everywhere, and they are free. So you don’t have to worry. The mountains are covered with the most beautiful restaurants. Those pitstops sometimes last longer than planned because of a cozy fireplace and food. (Oh, and of course, the Glühwein.)

If you choose to sit outside on the benches and open plan tables, that’s fine too. After all, how else do you get your Vitamin D in for the day!? Be kind and move up if you see skiers searching for a spot to sit down. The more the merrier and it always makes for great conversations.

Most skiers fly into Munich airport, and then take a bus to St Anton. The bus transfer takes about 4 hours 30 minutes and is super comfortable. It’s a beautiful trip with all the mountains covered in snow.

Glühwein / Mulled Wine Recipe

Wiener Schnitzel | All You Need to Know + Recipe

St Christoph

Alternatively, you could ski over to St Christoph (with an altitude of 1800 m : a must-ski-must-visit) and lunch down in the village. The reward is equally pleasing once you’ve taken your ski jacket off and are relaxing next to a fireplace.

The culture of aprés-ski

Usually, the ski lifts close by 4 pm, and then it is time for aprés-ski. The serious skiers would then still be on the slopes, making their way down to meet their friends at one or other, and first of many, après-ski hotspots. Here you’ll soon learn that everyone chats to everyone. You can knock up a conversation with a stranger talking about the day’s skiing without being frowned upon.

After an hour or two of jolly good après-ski, it’s time to head for your pension, or hotel, etc. Nothing like a hot sauna, a swim in the pool, and a bit of late afternoon siesta before you walk to town for dinner at around 9 pm.

Again the atmosphere in the restaurants is as warm as the cozy fireplaces and St Anton has some great chefs. You will never go hungry. In fact, it’s difficult to eat the same meal twice because they have so many different and delicious meals on their menus. From Italian (as an example) to Austrian, there are many different restaurants to pick from.

Ski bus

The ski bus (the blue ones) is usually free as part of your ski pass, but if you take the yellow line bus to say, Lech (a beautiful little neighboring village), you’ll have to pay.

Speaking of Lech, a favorite ski destination of the late Princess Diana, a day-trip to Lech is a must-do. Lech’s wide-open ski slopes are calling!

Things to do in St Anton am Arlberg

Paragliding and rock climbing is only two of the many fantastic things to do in Stanton / St Anton am Arlberg in summer time.

Shopping for winter boots

St Anton has some of the finest shoe shops with quality brands and products. You’ll be paying a bit more than elsewhere, but it’s worth it. Not just for the looks but also for its endurance.

Souvenir shopping

If you’re into souvenir shopping you will not be disappointed. Many products have the traditional souvenir branding of the village’s name, but you’ll also find quality products without necessarily screaming out where it was bought. Those are sometimes the best.

Just strolling through town is fabulous and will give you quite a few fantastic photo opportunities as well.

Apart from being famous for its ski slopes and winter sport, the summer time also have a lot on offer:

Hiking

The snow-capped mountains in summer time, is also the origin of beautiful waterfalls and mountain streams. Following one of the many hiking trails in the area is simply a must. You can start at easy beginner trails and work your way up, depending on how much time you have or how experienced you are. There is something for the whole family.

Mountain Biking

If you love mountain bike trails, you just HAVE to explore the many paths available around St Anton.

For mountain biking, remember: When buying a ‘Bike ticket’ you get unrestricted use of Rendlbahn and Galzigbahn cable cars including bike transport during the validated period. (Just keep in mind if it is your first time, that they only transport clean bikes, but there are bike washing bays available.)

The ever popular cycle path through the Stanzertal valley – The Stanzertal Radweg, R6 – connects Flirsch to St. Anton am Arlberg. (Distance: approx. 12.5 km)

Cycling from St Anton am Arlberg to Lech is approx. a 1 hr 37 min exercise: (20,2 km) via B197 and Lechtal Str./B198 – beautiful scenery.

You can hire bikes from various places in Saint Anton, including Intersport and Jennewien Sport.

Extreme sports

White water rafting, and the Zip wires down in the Verwall Valley will keep the adrenaline going.

Family picnics

The Verwall Valley and Lake is simply spectacular and is the perfect picnic spot.

Visit the St Anton Museum and Restaurant-Café

Address: Rudi-Matt-Weg 10, 6580 St. Anton am Arlberg

The historic Arlberg Kandahar House is home to the Museum Restaurant and to the St. Anton Ski and Local Heritage Museum.

The mansion is surrounded by gardens called the “Ferienpark” which offers beautiful views of St. Anton and a playpark for kids.

Photo credits: St Anton Museum

The St. Anton village and music festivals

In my opinion you must definitely attend a traditional Alpen festival with traditional music. During the „St. Antoner Dorffest“ (St. Antoner Dorffest) or village festival in July, the village pedestrian zone is filled with dance, traditional Tyrolean music, art and craft, and most importantly lively entertainment.

And in the winter there are huge snow-music parties and festivities you can also attend, especially around New Year’s Eve.

Where to stay / Accommodation in St Anton am Arlberg

Popular places to stay in St Anton am Arlberg (with ratings from real guests)

Kösslerhof

WHY WE RECOMMEND: If you’re planning a trip to the St. Anton or Lech area and looking for a hotel that perfectly balances comfort, location, and quality, this is the place to be. Guests rave about the breathtaking views from the rooms, as well as the breakfast. Friendly & Attentive Staff. For those visiting in winter, the hotel’s location is unbeatable. It’s close to the ski pistes, allowing you to ski directly to the lifts or hop on a bus that takes you straight to the city center. The convenience of being near the slopes makes it an ideal choice for ski holidays.