The most beautiful winter hiking paths in Saalfelden Leogang

Skiing is fine, but it is often the diversity that makes the winter experience complete. Especially winter hiking offers a wonderful, and above all, uncomplicated alternative to exercising in nature - and it is free!

Curtains up for pure nature

To begin with, for whom is winter hiking actually the right option? In general, for everyone who likes to go for a walk. For families, because with extras, stroller or sledge, even the little ones can be taken along on the respective paths. For all those who no longer feel, or never felt, completely safe on skis. And for people who like to be out in nature and want to take it in with all their senses. The big plus: on the winter hiking paths you are often far away from the hustle and bustle of the ski resorts. You can take a deep breath and enjoy the silence.

In Saalfelden Leogang, the winter hiking paths provide a wide variety of experiences, tailored to the respective needs: There are easy hiking paths, longer routes away from the hustle and bustle, winter hiking paths in combination with toboggan runs as well as groomed routes near the ski area. Especially the paths with the possibility to stop for a break are ideal for an excursion with friends or a larger group. Important: The winter hiking paths are not gritted and are only maintained irregularly, which means that it may be slippery or covered with deep snow - pure nature, so to speak!

Our favourite winter hiking trails in Leogang

 

Into the winter wonderland: Schwarzleo valley/Knappenstube

From the parking lot of the Asitzbahn this romantic winter hike leads to the Unterberghaus/Knappenstube, but you can also walk further. Due to the shaded location of the Schwarzleo valley, the snow masses often pile up and create a very dreamy winter atmosphere. For families with small children it is recommended to take sledges, or "Rutschblattl" as we say, with you. And of course, a stop at the Knappenstube is definitely part of this hike.

  • Walking time: 1.5 hours, distance: 4.5 km, altitude gain: 186 m

Winter movie at the the nature cinema: Winter hiking path on the Asitz

If you prefer walking in the Skicircus and still want to meet friends or family for lunch, the winter hiking path on the Asitz is the perfect choice. To do so, take the Asitz or Steinberg cable car to the top station and you will come across the winter hiking trail. Passing the TONspur islands, you will reach the first summit and continue along the ridge to the Sonnkogel, where the nature cinema with breathtaking views awaits you. Afterwards, there are many different places to stop for refreshments in the Skicircus. Our tip: With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, one ascent and descent are even free!

  • Walking time: 1 hour 45 min., distance: 2.8 km, altitude gain: 205 m

Authentic Family Tip: Sinnlehenalm

Since this winter 2022/23, a new winter hiking highlight awaits locals and guests in Saalfelden Leogang. The Sinnlehenalm, which many already know from summer, is from now on also open in winter and offers an unbeatable combination of a leisurely winter hike, tobogganing fun and delicious food. The hut can be reached either via the Wimbachrunde (starting point Leogang village) or the newly created winter hiking path (starting point Leogang fishing pond). The toboggan run can of course only be used if there is enough snow.

  • Walking time: approx. 1 hour, distance: 2.1 km, altitude gain: 165 m 

Our favourite winter hiking trails in Saalfelden

 

Up on the mountain: Biberg

Whether you are looking for a fun toboggan ride or an idyllic winter hike with a rustic stop: the Biberg offers everything your winter heart desires. From the Bockareitstube at the bottom of Biberg you go to the first stop, the Berggasthof Huggenberg. If you still have strength in your legs, you can make it all the way to the top at Berggasthof Biberg and enjoy the incredible view of the Steinernes Meer and the Leoganger Steinberge mountains. Pinzgau specialties are on the menu in both huts and sleds can be rented for a faster run down.

  • Walking time: 2 hours, distance: 5 km, altitude gain: 649 m

Small but nice: Around the Ritzensee lake

A leisurely, wintery walk that can still be done after skiing, or in between, is the loop around the idyllic Ritzensee. Different routes offer the right one for different time frames and fitness levels. In addition to the small and large Ritzen round, the routes can be extended with a detour to the Kollingwald and the so-called "Letting round". The Ritzensee offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains and is a popular recreation area. It is important that hikers do not walk on the cross-country ski trails.

  • Walking time: 30 min, distance: 2 km, altitude gain: 49 m, starting point in the Nordic Park

Steinernes Meer Panorama: Golf Course Circuit

A classic trail in Saalfelden is the round around the golf course Urslautal, which mainly stands out due to the impressive view of the Steinernes Meer and the Hochkönig mountain. You begin at the parking lot of the Wirtschaftshof in Ramseiden. From there you walk through the beautiful villages of Ramseiden and Ödt along the road, before the part around the golf course, which is closed to traffic, follows. 

  • Walking time: 1 hour, distance: 6,9 km, altitude gain: 61 m Starting point at the Wirtschaftshof

A few tips for winter hikers in Saalfelden Leogang

  • Leashes are mandatory: so please keep dogs on a leash at all times.
  • For tours with huts and tobogganing runs, we recommend checking the current opening hours and conditions in advance! Particularly larger groups should book in advance.
  • For longer and more extensive tours, which are not shown on the winter hiking map, it is advisable to contact a hiking or mountain guide. A list of people can be found here.
  • On trails that are used by other road users as well, it is important to show consideration towards others.
  • On cross-country trails only cross-country skiing is allowed.

Photos: Michael Geißler, Julian Mullan, Sinnlehenalm, Lemonmedia, Vincent Croce