RICH IN CONTRAST: SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Above all, a holiday in Saalfelden Leogang guarantees one thing: total variety. The most diverse environment in the Alps, situated around 70 kilometres southwest of the city of Salzburg, boasts a wonderful mix of nature, gourmet enjoyment, culture and adventure. The region has all the ingredients for a relaxed but also action-packed holiday. What makes it special? Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria's largest bike-region, features an extensive network of varied hiking trails and is ideal for climbing enthusiasts, golf lovers and culture fans. In a region characterised by a magnificent landscape flanked by the Steinernes Meer plateau to the north and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range to the west, sustainability and environmental protection are more than just a promise - they are a way of life.

“Simply hiking": a new forest bathing hike, panoramic nature cinema and hiking without luggage
In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is "simply hiking”. No fuss, just out into nature. 
A network of hiking trails, comprising the long-distance hiking trails "Pinzga' Hatscha," the Saalachtaler Höhenweg, Saalachtaler Rundweg and the new "forest bathing at the Asitz” hiking trail, invite you to explore without boundaries and stress. This route leads over 8.2 kilometres past 14 stations designed to help you relax and slow down surrounded by nature. There are viewpoints, relaxation stations, outdoor swings, a yoga area and even a treetop bed. This is how mindful hiking should be! 
The "365 days active and creative programme" offers additional opportunities to discover the forest in a unique way. For example, during forest bathing and weekly guided themed hikes centered around medicinal plants, torch-light, beavers, wild animals or even Kaiserschmarren. It’s like a safari in the mountains! A tip: At the Lindlalm mountain hut there is a truly special delicacy worth trying: the "Almwuzl" (a unique twist on Kaiserschmarren).
Everywhere along the hiking routes there are lovely attractions to make taking a break worthwhile. For example, the 360-degree wooden benches, hiking pole-sharing stations where you can borrow a hiking pole, and even wrought-iron forest swings. The nature cinema at the peak of the Sonnkogel on the Asitz mountain is a genuinely amazing experience. It’s a panoramic nature ‘cinema’ with wooden reclining islands, platforms and hammocks. There’s no screen here, but that’s fine – Netflix can’t hold a candle to the incredible views of the majestic mountain range. You can reach the nature cinema with the Asitzbahn or Steinbergbahn cable cars, via Leo’s Spielewanderweg trail, or from the Grosser Asitz mountain along the TONspur islands trail. 
Those wishing to walk longer and further in Saalfelden Leogang do not need to bother with a heavy rucksack. That’s why we have launched the “Hiking without luggage” service. Hikers can set off with just a light daypack, while the larger piece of luggage is already transported ahead to the next stopover in the meantime. 
Another exciting guided hike, titled “Nature and Climate in transition”, offers interesting insights into the changes affecting nature. It inspires discussion and gives hope. 

The Steinberge mountain sports region: climbing trails, via ferratas and climbing gyms 
The Steinberge mountain sports region boast over 1,000 climbing routes and Alpine multi-pitch routes for beginners, advanced and experienced climbers. The mountain sports region boasts the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge mountains, the Pillerseetal valley and the Saalachtal valley in Salzburg, as well as the Steinplatte mountain. Amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery, there is a total of twelve via ferratas to choose from and five climbing gyms for poor weather days. The 45-pitch “Pinzgawurm route” is one of the longest climbing routes in the Northern Limestone Alps and a real challenge. 

"UCI Bike Region": a major award for Saalfelden Leogang  
The Saalfelden Leogang region has been designated a "UCI Bike Region" since autumn 2023. This is an honour that has only been bestowed on 26 cities and regions worldwide. The distinction is awarded by the International Cycling Union to cities and regions that make a special commitment to cycling. Prerequisites for the award include the staging of a major UCI cycling event and the promotion of public cycling with the implementation of appropriate programmes. Important aspects for the award include sustainability, an increased focus on cycling, the expansion of infrastructure, safety and accident reduction, bike training for young cyclists and dedicated funding for proposed projects. 

Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria’s largest bike-region – excellent for mountain biking, gravel biking and leisure tours
In partnership with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria's largest bike-region, which boasts seven mountains, nine cable cars and over 90 kilometres of lines and trails. Sustainability has always been a top priority here. This also holds true for the AlteSchmiede Trail, which opened in autumn and can be enjoyed throughout the summer for the first time this year (from 1 June to 15 October). This natural trail was built entirely without the use of machinery. 
The new trail adds to the already very varied network of singletrails. This includes the natural Knappen-Trail, which was also built by hand. It is characterised by many untouched sections, wooden constructions and lots of playful elements. The 2-km Forsthof-Trail crosses several streams and passes by high rocks, while the Schwarzleo-Trail leads through a picturesque mixed forest. Another natural route, the Matzalm-Trail, spans 3.5 kilometres and offers hairpin bends, root-covered sections and rocky passages.
In addition to being one of the top mountain bike destinations in Europe, Saalfelden Leogang also offers downhill pros, leisure cyclists, gravel bikers and e-bikers a fantastic holiday experience. The diverse network of tours allows gravel bikers to enjoy fast off-road adventures on gravel roads and forest tracks alongside leisurely exploratory tours. For a really relaxed experience, you can hire an e-bike in Saalfelden Leogang for a culinary e-bike tour. This will allow you to explore the region in comfort and sample the occasional Pinzgau speciality here and there.

Epic Bikepark Leogang for beginners to pros. Buy your ticket ahead of time and save money
The Epic Bikepark Leogang: the beating heart of the bike region. As one of the most renowned parks in Europe, it has been delighting cyclists of all ages for more than 20 years. The bikepark, which is open from 9 May to 3 November 2024, is ideal for beginners, kids and pros alike.  
Rookies can get started in the Riders Playground with its two conveyor belts at the Leoganger Bergbahnen valley station, a 30,000 square metre practice area where they can learn the right technique in addition to how to negotiate corners and overcome small obstacles. 
More experienced bikers can take the 500 metre long Riederfeld T-bar lift to the Greenhorn line - an 800 metre long freeride line. Meanwhile, pros can tackle the World Cup downhill line "Vali's Hölle," named after local downhill heroine Vali Höll. It’s also possible to hone your technique on the tarmac Worldchamps pumptrack. Other highlights include: The GoPro Bagjump landing bag or the "Hot Shots-fired by GoPro" jump line.
"Keep the Epic Bikepark clean" is the motto at Epic Bikepark Leogang. "Clean the trail days" are organised to focus on avoiding waste in the mountains. 
An important tip: As with the ski pass, the bike ticket prices in Saalfelden Leogang are also dynamic in summer. Secure your day or multi-day ticket early at a lower price with the ONLINE BIKEBONUS. The advantage: advance online prices are cheaper than at the cable car ticket offices. The ticket can be easily downloaded onto your mobile phone and you also get free access to the MTB Setting app. With your mobile phone in your pocket you pass through the checkpoints.

WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series and BIKE Festival 
Saalfelden Leogang is the place to be if you want to see the pros in action in addition to being on the bike yourself: the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series with the World Cup races in the Downhill, Enduro and 
E-Enduro disciplines will take place from 7 to 9 June. Racers will be zooming downhill at speeds of up to 65 km/h on the World Cup and World Championship "Speedster" line. It's a real spectacle.
Another highlight for bike fans is the 6th annual BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang, which takes place from 13 to 15 September in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang. Over 50 top brands will be exhibiting here in addition to 40 workshops with stars from the bike scene, two kids races, exciting side events and several signing sessions.
For those keen to look further into the future: Saalfelden Leogang will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships from 30 August to 3 September 2028.
 

Fun golf with a view of the Alps and a wow effect
Tee off against a fantastic mountain backdrop. In Saalfelden Leogang, two special 18-hole courses invite you to enjoy a memorable golfing experience. The Golf Club Urslautal is located between Saalfelden and Maria Alm and offers a 5,000 square metre driving range and two golf academies. At the Golf Club Gut Brandlhof, you have to cross the Saalach mountain river six times while enjoying the magnificent view of the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. Dogs are allowed on the 18-hole course here. In case of bad weather, passionate golfers can take advantage of the Indoor Golf Performance Centre at Gut Brandlhof hotel. The centre even boasts a golf simulator. 

Fast-paced adventures: Flying Fox XXL and summer toboggan runs 
For adrenaline junkies, a "flight" on the Flying Fox XXL – one of the longest and fastest steel cable zip lines in the world – is a must. At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, float through the air headfirst for 1,600 metres. This is an adventure for the whole family, and children aged 10 and over can take flight with parental permission. The summer toboggan runs on the Saalfelden Biberg (1.6 kilometres long) and the "LeoKlang" sound toboggan run at 1,800 metres altitude on the Asitz mountain are also recommended. 

Family holidays on Asitz: senses park, barefoot trail and peaceful waters on Asitz 
The Asitz mountain is a popular family destination. Here, at the middle station of the “Mountain of Senses”, lies an adventurous senses park: a varied obstacle course that immerses you in a fascinating world of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Meanwhile, in the forest, sharpen your sense of hearing while at the same time enjoying the refreshing scents of Alpine and wild-herb plants, a delight for your sense of smell. Afterwards, either relax on the lounging chairs, the panoramic terrace or the swimming platform in the "peaceful waters on Asitz" area.

Summer for your ears: Jazzfestival Saalfelden, TONspuren am Asitz and ALM:KULTUR
Beautiful sounds in summer: the 44th Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place this year from 22 to 25 August. International and domestic jazz musicians will perform at over 60 free concerts in the town and in the mountains. There are also musical hikes, as well as concerts on the mountain, in the forest and around the lake.
Every Friday between 12 July and 6 September 2024, hikers get to meet artists and other creatives at our mountain huts, where tradition meets modernity. This extraordinary event series called "ALM:KULTUR" includes free concerts and workshops of all kinds to join in.
On five Thursdays between 27 June and 8 August 2024, bands and solo artists from various genres will be performing for the “TONspuren am Asitz” series. When the weather is good, you can enjoy the concerts with a picturesque sunset on the outdoor stage at the foot of the Grosser Asitz mountain. In case of bad weather, you are invited to the AsitzBräu. If you miss out on these concerts, you can also listen to the music later and in other places: As of 2020, there is a hiking trail on the Asitz with five TONspur islands (listening stations) where you can listen to live recordings of the TONspur concerts from the previous year. 

Kunsthaus Nexus: culture for young and old, from the “Gschnagga” theatre to cabaret
The Kunsthaus Nexus has put together a comprehensive programme aimed at all ages again for the upcoming season. The cultural centre is an important part of Pinzgau’s art and culture scene. The programme is featuring plenty of concerts, a “Gschnagga” theatre for kids, an art-house cinema and numerous literary lectures and cabarets. 

Travel through time in museums: The Mining and Gothic Museum, Leogang showmine and Schloss Ritzen Museum
The Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang is a special destination worth a visit. The exhibition provides an insight into the heyday of mining in Leogang. The museum also exhibits sacred art, such as the "Beautiful Madonna," a Gothic statue of a saint from 1410. This year's special exhibition "Rotes Gold - Das Wunder von Herrengrund (Red Gold - The Miracle of Herrengrund)" was organised in collaboration with the Green Vault Museum in Dresden and the Slovakian National Gallery in Bratislava and is dedicated to historical mining treasures from the Slovakian Ore Mountains.
If you want to delve even deeper into the footsteps of the ancient miners, you should definitely visit the Leogang showmine. A guide will lead you through the narrow tunnels of an extensive mine area. A mine railway that once carried both miners and extracted treasures, now offers younger visitors the opportunity to get to know the mine better through an artificially created tunnel. Guided tours of the showmine are offered from May to October. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are required.
The Schloss Ritzen castle in Saalfelden is another must-see museum, which houses Austria's largest and most important collection of nativity scenes and sacred treasures. In addition to the baroque church nativity scene, there is also a large oriental nativity scene and the Saalfelden nativity scene by the famous nativity scene builder Alexander "Xandi" Schläffer. 

Wellness and culinary delights: top hotels to pamper all your senses
The most contrast-rich region in the Alps is known for its first-class hospitality. Countless wellness services on site offer a boon for your physical, mental and emotional balance. You will come back from your Saalfelden Leogang holiday with a renewed sense of well-being that will reverberate for a long time. Many of our local accommodations attach great importance to sustainability and use regional and natural materials, such as wood and stone. 

•    The Krallerhof***** hotel sets high-end standards and has ventured into new dimensions in terms of recreation. Designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, in 2023 the Altenberger family has created a new SPA of superlatives for its guests that is both grand and purist. 
•    In 2023, the hotel lobby and restaurants at Naturhotel Forsthofgut***** were remodelled. In addition, 28 hotel rooms were renovated and a team campus was built for employees.  
•    Holidaymakers will discover lovingly designed chalets with fantastic mountain views at Puradies hotel****S. Since June of 2023, guests can look forward to the new "Heaven Spa" and other sports and culinary innovations.
•    Meanwhile, the Eco Premium Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. In 2024, seven mountain chalets will be transformed into new lakeside huts with exclusive access to the natural pond, which has been carefully enlarged into a bathing lake. To open in summer 2024.
•    The new city hotel Das SAAL in the centre of Saalfelden will open in early summer 2024 with a total of 75 double rooms and 5 suites.
•    The 4****S Boutique Hotel Rivus recently added a new restaurant and wellness area. 
•    Since 2023, the Hotel Der Löwe****S has a year-round heated outdoor pool as well as a new underground car park and a new dining room. 
•    The Biohotel Rupertus**** offers sustainable relaxation in the recently built SPA area as well as organic delights to taste, feel and see. 
•    In addition to fantastic rooms, the Gut Brandlhof****S hotel also boasts the autohaus automotive event centre, plenty of space for events and an indoor golf simulator. 
•    At the Hotel Salzburgerhof ****S guests can look forward to the dreamlike Sky-SPA.
•    The Riederalm Good Life Resort****S impresses with its Gault-Millau rated restaurant “dahoam” and a wellness area for families. 
•    Exceptional feel-good offers are also available at the Forsthofalm hotel****S, the Senhoog apartment house and the Stockinggut hotel.
•    The "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle concept at the Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa at the Lake****S offers guests the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. 
•    For a holiday experience "in the mountains and yet in the city,” look no further than to Die Hindenburg**** boutique and city hotel. In 2023, the SPA and fitness area was expanded.
•    The Bacher Asitzstub'n*** hotel boasts a heated infinity panorama pool. 
•    The mama thresl hotel**** offers rooms in urban style.
•    The Gansl*** Hotel & Residences (formerly Hotel Bellevue) will be renovated in 2024.

On top of all that, Gault&Millau has bestowed again many honours upon our holiday region: Saalfelden Leogang boasts a total of 14 toques across five restaurants, earning the well-deserved reputation of an award-winning culinary destination.

Regionality and sustainability: everything from organic products to environmentally friendly travel
Regional marketing and the gentle use of resources is a priority in Saalfelden Leogang. About 70 percent of all farms in the region are now organic farms. As part of this programme, special organic sausage and meat products as well as other products like cheese, yoghurt, jams or fruit juices from Saalfelden Leogang are certified accordingly. The 'ECHT.GSUND.GUAD’ (authentic. healthy. delicious.) seal of quality makes the quality of local products easily apparent at a glance.
In recent years, many farm shops have emerged, that invite you to sample regional delicacies and purchase them to take home. At the Stechaubauer organic farm, fresh organic vegetables are available around the clock from a self-service vending machine via touchscreen. Leogang saffron, grown by the Wölfler family and supplied to the local award-winning restaurants, is a real speciality. The Dorfladen village shop in Leogang and the Saalachtaler Bauernladen farm shop in Saalfelden offer a wide selection of local products and souvenirs from regional producers. Or how about the tastiest ice cream in the Alps? Misssi Alpeneis makes ice cream from natural, regional ingredients and organic milk from cows with horns.
When it comes to sustainability, travelling to Saalfelden Leogang by train is also an important aspect. The benefits: No traffic jams as well as fast and regular train connections directly from Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich. Rail travel takes you to your destination or to the starting points of your chosen hiking routes effortlessly. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, you can even use public transport in the Pinzgau region free of charge. The Loigom-Soifen shuttle augments the existing route network by offering an on-demand service with Mercedes eVitos and serves numerous stops. 
The topic of sustainability is reflected in numerous measures and projects in the region: green events, clean energy, value chains and climate hikes are a matter of course in Saalfelden Leogang. For instance, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company is the first cable car company in Austria to use HVO100 fuel for its entire vehicle fleet. The fuel is made from renewable raw materials and saves up to 90 percent CO2. In addition, 100 percent of the electricity required, comes from regional energy sources, such as hydropower, since 2018. The Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company has thus taken on a pioneering role in terms of sustainability and resource conservation. Incidentally, the cable cars in Leogang are open for hikers throughout the summer and autumn until the start of the ski season.

Saalfelden Leogang is an Eco-label destination
In Saalfelden Leogang, sustainability and environmental protection are a way of life. Saalfelden Leogang is the third destination in Austria to be awarded the Austrian Eco-label for destinations. This is a milestone in the development of our sustainability-oriented region, which is also involved in respACT (Saalfelden Leogang as the first regional tourism organisation) and the Climate Alliance (Saalfelden Leogang as the first tourism association in the SalzburgerLand region). 
Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have also already been awarded the Austrian Eco-Label. This seal of quality evaluates measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy. In addition, we pay great attention to the avoidance of waste.

Free Saalfelden Leogang Card: countless advantages 365 days a year 
The Saalfelden Leogang Card is a fantastic offer for anyone visiting our region. It provides holidaymakers with an array of nature, sports and cultural offers in summer and winter. From May to the start of the winter season, you can take advantage of two free return tickets per person/day for the Asitzbahn and Steinbergbahn or Saalbach Hinterglemm cable cars. The card also gives you access to many activities of the “365 Days active and creative programme” from May until October, plus free travel on public transport in the Pinzgau region and on the 690 bus to Fieberbrunn. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card in hand, you’ll also profit from free admission to the Schloss Ritzen Museum and the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang as well as the leisure complex at Sonnrain, the Obsmarkt adventure swimming pool and the natural bathing complex at Ritzensee lake. Guests will automatically receive the Saalfelden Leogang Card upon check-in at any Saalfelden Leogang Card partner accommodations. The card is valid continuously from the day of arrival to the day of departure.

Lonely Planet "Best in Travel" Award: A major honour for Saalfelden Leogang
The renowned travel publisher "Lonely Planet" has voted the region one of the top 10 best holiday destinations in the world. Saalfelden Leogang is the only tourism region in Austria to be included in the 224-page anniversary edition of "Best in Travel," which this year has the motto "50 destinations for 50 years of travel." Saalfelden Leogang was recognised for its diverse range of experiences and numerous sustainable measures.

Event highlights in summer 2024:                         
7 to 9 June         WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series in the Downhill and Enduro disciplines
22 June            Mountain Solstice and Midsummer Festival 
June to August        “TONspuren am Asitz” - on five Thursdays 
June to September    ALM:KULTUR in Saalfelden Leogang – on eight Fridays
22 to 25 August        44th Jazzfestival Saalfelden
13 to 15 September     BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang