Centrally located, but yet calm and idyllic, Puch with its four parts – Puch, Urstein, St. Jakob am Thurn and Hinterwiestal – is only nine kilometres from the Mozart City of Salzburg. There is, for example, the traditional village centre with a parish church and the equally traditional Kirchenwirt Inn. Cyclists especially appreciate the flat section of the passing Tauern Bike Trail down to Salzburg. However, also sporty bikers are challenged here with the demanding Salt and Lakes Tour. Tip: if you book a holiday here of 3 nights or more, you can borrow a bicycle for 24 hours, for FREE!
In 2003, a new part was added with the construction of the University of Applied Sciences at Puch-Urstein. Right beside it is Castle Urstein which was first mentioned in the year 1151. Today, this historic building is, fitting to the University, run as a seminar and educational institution.
©TVB Puch Puch-Urstein University
St. Jakob am Thurn however has a completely different character. Idyllically situated in the midst of green meadows and forests, here you can not only enjoy lovely walks but also excellent dining. In the Schützenwirt organic restaurant only organic and seasonal ingredients are served up. With these, the Head Chef conjures up incomparable taste sensations. Accordingly, the Schützenwirt was awarded the Best Organic Restaurant in Austria Award in 2015.
©Schützenwirt – Organic Delicacies
Insider’s Tip: beer lovers will be delighted by the in-house brewed Jakobsgold. The fruity-style beer is brewed exclusively at Full Moon from organic-dynamic ingredients.
In winter St. Jakob am Thurn is also well worth a trip: the romantic Christmas market is highly recommended.
The spa services at the Vollererhof Spa Hotel provide the ultimate relaxation. You can relax in the 2,000m² relaxing area also as a day guest and enjoy the wide range of applications.
www.vollererhof.at
©TVB Puch Puch-Urstein University
The Wiestal counts as the 4th part of Puch and is a hiking and recreation area with light, comfortable hiking trails. The Wiestal and the Almbach gorges excel in their scenic beauty. In summer, it can be wonderful to bathe in the Wiestalstausee.
Festival Celebrations as they happen
In Puch, traditional customs are celebrated such as Harvest Festival, Christmas and Easter. Known far and wide is the middle-ages Wooden Puch Palm Donkey, which is carried through the village during the Palm Sunday procession. During the rest of the year, this special piece can be seen in the Puch Church. The unique historic Schützentanz, is held annually on Jakobikirtag on the last Sunday in July. This dance showing the history of the defence of the region against the Turks was first performed in 1738 by the Jakobischützen in St. Jakob am Thurn.
©TVB Puch – Lackner – Puch Palm Donkey
