Things To Do
in Sankt Andrä

Sankt Andrä is a picturesque market town in southern Austria, surrounded by rolling Styrian hills and vineyard-covered valleys. Its compact historic center blends Baroque charm with a friendly, village atmosphere that feels instantly welcoming. The town serves as a gateway to Styrian culinary traditions, including pumpkin seed oil and hearty regional dishes.

Outside the town, easy day trips reveal wine towns, scenic countryside, and tranquil river valleys perfect for outdoor exploration.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring Sankt Andrä
morning
:

Arrive in Sankt Andrä and settle into your accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the charming town center, admiring the unique architecture and local shops. Enjoy a fresh coffee at a local café to kickstart your Austrian adventure.

afternoon
:

Visit the Sankt Andrä Parish Church, a beautiful example of local design. Spend time exploring the surrounding parks and gardens, soaking in the natural beauty of the area. Grab lunch at a traditional Austrian tavern, sampling local dishes.

evening
:

As the sun sets, head to a nearby viewpoint for stunning panoramic views of the countryside. Dine at a cozy restaurant, savoring a hearty meal and perhaps some Austrian wine. End your day with a peaceful walk back to your accommodation under the starlit sky.

day 2
Day Trip to Klagenfurt
morning
:

Take a short train ride to Klagenfurt, the capital of Carinthia. Spend the morning exploring the picturesque old town, including the famous Lindwurm fountain. Stop by the Bauernmarkt to sample local produce and delicacies.

afternoon
:

Visit the Minimundus park, where you can see miniature replicas of famous world landmarks. Enjoy a lunch at a nearby restaurant that overlooks Lake Wörthersee, indulging in fresh fish dishes. Spend some time by the lakeside, soaking up the sun and perhaps going for a swim.

evening
:

Return to Sankt Andrä and relax at your accommodation after a full day of exploration. Dine in at a local pizzeria, trying out their renowned wood-fired pizzas. Enjoy a leisurely evening walk through the lit streets of Sankt Andrä.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee$3-5
🚌Local transit ticket (one-way)$2-4
🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night)$110-170
🎟️Museum or attraction entry$6-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Charming, walkable town with authentic Styrian culture
  • Delicious regional cuisine and excellent wine scene
  • Scenic countryside with easy access to hiking and day trips
  • Limited nightlife and big-city amenities
  • Some services operate on weekend or seasonal schedules
  • Public transport can be less frequent on Sundays
  • "Grüß Gott" - Hello / Good day
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?

Places to Visit in Sankt Andrä

Visit one of these nice places.

Hauptplatz and Parish Church

A quintessential Austrian town square framed by historic arcades and a striking church spire—great for daytime and golden-hour shots.

Lavant River Banks

Quaint riverfront paths and bridges with reflections of trees and hills, ideal for tranquil landscape photography.

Old Town Arcades

Covered walkways and cobblestone lanes that evoke traditional Styrian life and textures for architectural photography.

Vineyard Viewpoints

Rollicking hillside vantage points above the valley offering sweeping panorama over vineyards and countryside.

Culinary Guide

Food in Sankt Andrä

Styrian cuisine is defined by fresh produce, hearty dishes, and a strong wine culture. Pumpkin seed oil (Kürbiskernöl) is a cornerstone, adding nutty depth to salads and dishes, while seasonal vegetables and quality meats showcase the region's farm-to-table ethos.

Sankt Andrä Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kürbiskernöl specialties

Dishes and salads drizzled with Styrian pumpkin seed oil, a must-try in the region.

Must-Try!

Käferbohnensuppe

A hearty bean soup featuring Käferbohnen (marbled beans) and rustic bread.

Steirisches Backhendl

Crispy fried chicken served with regional sides and a slice of lemon.

Pub-style Gulasch with Knödel

Rich paprika stew served with fluffy Austrian dumplings.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Hauptmarkt Market

Seasonal stalls offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and regional specialties—great for a casual lunch or snack.

Climate Guide

Weather

Sankt Andrä experiences a temperate continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Expect highs in the 20s C (70s F) in summer and chilly to frosty conditions in winter, with moderate precipitation spread throughout the year and a drier late spring through early autumn.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Greet with 'Grüß Gott' or a friendly 'Hallo'; a handshake is common in formal settings and with new acquaintances.

Punctuality

Be punctual for appointments and tours; Austrians value timeliness in business and social settings.

Respectful behavior

Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; keep noise to a reasonable level in residential areas.

Safety Guide

Safety

The town is generally safe with low crime rates. Standard travel precautions apply: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, use well-lit streets at night, and follow local guidance in unsettled weather or during outdoor activities. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for help.

Tipping in Sankt Andrä

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping

In Austria, a small tip of 5-10% is customary if service is satisfactory; rounding up the bill at informal places is common. Service charges are often included in larger establishments.

Payment Methods

Cash and card payments are widely accepted, with contactless payments common in cafes and shops. ATMs are readily available in town centers.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with plenty of sunshine; occasional thunderstorms. Ideal for outdoor markets, river walks, and hillside winery visits.

Autumn

Harvest time in the vineyards; beautiful foliage and lively wine-tasting events. Great for sunset photography and scenic drives.

Winter

Cold but often dry; light snowfall in surrounding hills. Cozy cafes, hearty meals, and nearby winter activities in the region.

Spring

Mild days with budding trees and blooming flowers; perfect for hikes and outdoor exploration without peak crowds.

Nightlife Guide

Sankt Andrä at Night

In a small Styrian town, nightlife centers on cozy wine taverns (Heurigen), casual bars, and seasonal events. Expect relaxed conversations, local wines, and food-focused gatherings rather than a club scene. Summer often brings outdoor music and open-air markets; winters offer warm cafes and seasonal performances.

Hiking in Sankt Andrä

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Lavanttal Panorama Trail

A scenic route through the Lavant valley offering vineyard and alpine views.

Hilltop Vineyards Loop

A moderate loop combining vineyard paths with overlooks across the valley.

Airports

How to reach Sankt Andrä by plane.

Klagenfurt Airport (KLU)

Closest international airport with connections to major European hubs; typically reachable by car or regional bus in about 1-2 hours.

Graz Airport (GRZ)

Regional airport serving several destinations; about 1.5-2 hours by car or rail from Sankt Andrä.

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Austria's largest international hub with broad connections; longer transfer to Sankt Andrä by train or road.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable, with most sights and eateries within easy strolling distance. For exploring surrounding hills and vineyards, a car or bike enhances flexibility, though regional buses can connect you to nearby spots.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local residents

Predominantly Styrian Austrians with a strong sense of community and family ties to the region, along with a small number of seasonal workers and visitors.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

A popular pastime with local clubs and community games.

Cycling

Valley routes and gradual climbs suit casual riders and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Hiking and winter sports

Nearby hills offer hiking in warmer months and snow-related activities in winter.

Transportation

Traffic

Regional buses and rail connections link Sankt Andrä to Graz, Klagenfurt, and surrounding towns. Car travel is straightforward on well-maintained roads; winter driving may require extra caution on rural routes and hill passes. Parking in the town center is available, with some areas on-meter and others free on weekends.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Sankt Andrä.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Many dishes focus on vegetables, dairy, legumes, and grains. Look for cheese, mushroom plates, and pumpkin seed oil-based salads; when in doubt, ask for meat-free preparations (ohne Fleisch) or no lard.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare is available in Sankt Andrä with local GPs and pharmacy services. For more specialized care, larger facilities are located in Wolfsberg, Graz, or Klagenfurt. In emergencies, call 112; health insurance is recommended for visitors.

Discover Austria

Read more in our Austria 2025 Travel Guide.

Austria Travel Guide