A VACATION FULL OF CONTRASTS IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

“Holidays. The way I want.” That’s how we do things in Saalfelden Leogang. Every holidaymaker who comes to us is free to do whatever makes them happy. Saalfelden Leogang – the most diverse region in the Alps, just 70 kilometres southwest of the city of Salzburg – is the perfect place for holidays on your terms: here, culinary delights meet incredible experiences in nature. Surrounded by the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range and the Steinernes Meer plateau, you are treated to a endless wealth of options, from sports and exercise to wellness and culture. Austria’s largest bike region is a mecca for cyclists of all levels. And there’s a joint bike ticket for everyone, be they daring mountain bikers or leisure riders families get to experience an adventurous journey on the Mountain of Senses, where a nature cinema and the TONspur islands are just two of many attractions. A summer of culture awaits music lovers, who can get their fill of live tunes at the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, “TONspuren am Asitz” concerts and ALM:KULTUR leave. Here’s a tip: for the greatest benefits and free admission, get your hands on the free Saalfelden Leogang Card – available all year round.  

 

Simply hiking: pole sharing and forest swings, luggage-free option available
Leave the day-to-day behind and recharge your batteries surrounded by stunning panoramic views of the Salzburg mountain landscape. In Saalfelden Leogang, our credo is: simply hiking! Our region is criss-crossed by countless hiking and trail-running paths offering you splendid scenery and more. Take, for example, the Pinzga‘ Hatscha long-distance hiking trail, the Saalachtaler Höhenweg trail and the Saalachtal Circular: you’ll encounter wooden 360-degree benches, wrought-iron forest swings and many other interesting sights. They’re perfect for a little rest during a long walk. Meanwhile, the pole-sharing stations at the starting points of the hiking trails are yet another special feature. These natural wooden hiking poles can be taken along on the hike and then returned to the designated holders provided at the end of the tour. If you would like to take a pair of poles home as a souvenir, you can buy them from the Saalfelden Leogang tourism association.   
Those who don't feel like carrying their heavy rucksack can book the practical “hiking without luggage" luggage transport service: guest’s larger pieces of luggage are transported to the next tour stop, allowing hikers to continue carefree in the mountains with a light daypack.
Another exciting guided hike, titled “Natur und Klima im Wandel (Nature and Climate in Flux)”, offers interesting insights into the changes affecting nature and climate. It inspires discussion and gives hope. Anna Heuberger, KLAR Manager, has developed this hike together with Saalfelden Leogang Tourism.

 

The Steinberge mountain sports region: climbing trails, via ferratas and climbing gyms 
The Steinberge mountain sports region is a dream destination for any climbing enthusiast, from total beginners to experienced mountaineers. More than 1,000 climbing routes and Alpine multi-pitches are waiting to be conquered. The Steinberge 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. With 45 rope lengths, the “Pinzgawurm” is one of the longest climbing routes in the Northern Limestone Alps. Two state-of-the-art climbing gyms supplement the region’s many outdoor attractions, making sure that you get your vertical thrills even on a rainy day. Varied family climbing programmes are available from June to November. In summer, conclude your climbing trip at one of our many traditional mountain inns serving regional delicacies. 

 

A region for mountain bikers, leisurely riders and cyclists of all levels
Together, Saalfelden Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn form Austria’s largest bike region. A total of seven mountains, nine cable cars and over 90 kilometres of lines and trails are waiting to be explored on a joint ticket. Starting from the cable car valley stations, countless trails are available to beginners, intermediate cyclists and experts. From quick and easy to long and challenging, there’s a route for everyone here.
Saalfelden Leogang attaches great importance to sustainable trail-building. The Knappentrail, for example, was made entirely by hand – no heavy machinery involved – from natural materials and wooden constructions (North Shore elements). For even more fun and action, have a go at the two-kilometre Forsthof Trail, the 1.8-kilometre Schwarzleo Trail, which combines hairpin bends with flowy sections, and the 3.5-kilometre Matzalm Trail. Fans of single trails will be in for a treat in September 2023, when the new, manually built AlteSchmiede Trail opens. It will offer cyclists of all ages plenty of fun over 3.5 kilometres.
Mountain bikers can fine-tune their technique and get expert advice from a guide at one of the region’s many bike schools. The Elements bike school offers professional MTB guides and camps. Equipment, protective clothing and the right bike are available from the Sport Mitterer, Sport 2000 Simon, Bikepalast Saalfelden, Shop & Suspension Factory and the Bikepoint sports shops. The lines and trails of the Saalfelden Leogang region are open until November.
If you prefer a less strenuous trip, treat yourself to the e-bike culinary tour. E-bikes are available for hire. On the way, you’ll discover many farm shops – we recommend that you reward yourself with regional delicacies from the Pinzgau region! You can do the e-bike culinary tour independently or book a guide in advance – rest stops included.

 

Epic Bikepark Leogang: a diverse route network, bike events and lots of sustainability 
For more than 20 years, the Epic Bikepark Leogang has been the beating heart of the bike region. It is one of Europe’s most renowned bike parks. In this season, it will be open from 12 May 
until 5 November again. For beginners of all ages, the best place to train is the Riders Playground at the valley station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company. On an area of 10,000 square metres, new cyclists and children learn the correct technique, including how to corner and overcome small obstacles. Seasoned cyclists can attempt the World Cup downhill trail “Vali’s Hölle” and the Hangman I and II lines for guaranteed thrills. 
If you’d like to try your hand at some jumps, the GoPro Bagjump landing bag at the Bikepark is for you. Pump track enthusiasts will love the tarmacked World Champs pump track near the valley station of the Asitzbahn gondola lift: a 5,000-square-metre playground with a jump & dirt line. There’s also the Hot-Shots-fired by GoPro jump line, which offers loads of air time. 
From summer 2023, the bike ticket prices are dynamic. This means that you can secure the best price with the new ONLINE BIKEBONUS: up to four days before entering Austria's largest bike region, you can secure day or multi-day tickets early at a lower price.
Sustainability is everything when it comes to using the lines and trails in the Saalfelden Leogang bike region. At the Epic Bikepark Leogang, our motto is "Keep the Epic Bikepark clean." As an incentive, if you buy a ticket during rainy weather, you’ll receive a replacement roll-off system and a 20 percent voucher at Sport Mitterer for 100% roll-off goggles. We also organise “Clean the Trail” days to address the topic of avoiding litter in the mountains. 

 

First UCI Mountain Bike World Series and BIKE Festival 
The Bikepark Leogang has hosted Downhill World Cups for more than ten years, and our visitors can look forward to many thrilling events again in the coming season. A well as being a part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar again in 2023, Saalfelden Leogang will also see a spectacular premiere: from 15 to 18 June 2023, Austria’s largest bike region of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn will become the site of a super-event for the first time. Besides downhill and cross-country World Cup races (Cross-Country Olympic & Short Track), the athletes of the Enduro World Series (EWS) will be competing in Saalfelden Leogang and Saalbach Hinterglemm. In addition, a fantastic entertainment programme including signing sessions, a large expo area and many parties await our visitors. The broadcasting station will celebrate a first, too: the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has brought Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) on board as a strong partner for the World Series. 
To find out what’s been happening in the world of cycling, attend the BIKE Festival from 15 to 17 September 2023: visitors will be able to test-ride the latest bikes of the season (including accessories) and enjoy a varied programme of workshops and tours including the scene’s celebrities. Admission to the BIKE Festival is free.

 

Grip it and rip it across a mountain river – stunning Alpine views included
Hit your tee shot against the spectacular backdrop of snow-capped mountains. What could be better? In Saalfelden Leogang, there are two truly special 18-hole golf courses: the Urslautal Golf Club and the Gut Brandlhof Golf Club. Urslautal Golf Club is located between Saalfelden and Maria Alm offering a 5,000 square metre driving range and two golf academies. The area is equipped with natural obstacles such as a biotope and a bunker. At the Gut Brandlhof Golf Club, you get to hit the ball across the Saalach river while taking in stunning views over the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. The club is also very dog-friendly: your furry friend is welcome to join you as a playing partner! 
For a truly relaxing golfing holiday, many hotels offer extensive wellness treatments and regional delicacies. In case of bad weather, passionate golfers can take advantage of the Indoor Golf Performance Centre at Gut Brandlhof hotel. The state-of-the-art indoor golf simulation facility is open 365 days a year. 

 

Adrenaline-fuelled adventures: Flying Fox XXL and the summer toboggan run 
The Flying Fox XXL zip line, one of the longest and fastest steel rope slide in the world, is a special experience for the entire family. It’s especially exciting for adrenaline junkies: at speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, you float and race seemingly weightlessly through the air – head first! – for 1,600 metres. The thrilling trip also treats you to gigantic views of the Salzburg mountain landscape. 
Further fast-paced rides await at the two summer toboggan runs, the 1.6-kilometre run on the Biberg in Saalfelden and the LeoKlang run on the Asitz mountain, situated at an altitude of 1,800 metres. 
Animal lovers can also enjoy the somewhat more leisurely adventure of alpaca trekking: explore the area around Saalfelden Leogang in fantastically fluffy company.

 

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. If you prefer a walk without shoes, the barefoot trail beckons. The soft Alpine landscape provides a soothing massage for the soles of your feet. Afterwards, either relax on the lounging chairs, the panoramic terrace or the swimming platform in the "Peaceful Waters on Asitz" area. 

 

Nature cinema and the TONspur island: a relaxing spot with a splendid soundtrack 
"Sit down, relax and take a break from everyday life" is the beautiful motto of the special relaxation area with panoramic views at the top of the Sonnkogel mountain on the Asitz. This comfortable panoramic viewpoint area features wooden reclining islands and plateaus with 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 gondola lift, via Leo’s Spielewanderweg or from the Grosser Asitz mountain. It’s the perfect place for a lengthy break in unspoilt nature. 
In 2020, the five TONspur islands opened, giving you an opportunity to enjoy recordings of the TONspur concerts – a series of summer music events held on the Asitz at sunset – from the previous year. Hikers can reach these unique installations via the trail leading from the mountain station to the Asitz summit. The TONspur islands won the Austrian art sponsorship prize MAECENAS in 2020. In 2023, the popular TONspur concerts will take place once again on the Asitz from 29 June to 10 August. 

 

Guided hikes through the forest: mystical and romantic with a sprinkling of kitsch 
Forests are wonderful places. Holidaymakers in our region get to explore the local woodlands in many interesting ways within the scope of our “365 Days active and creative” programme. For example during forest bathing and weekly guided themed hikes centered around medicinal plants, torches, beavers or even wild animals and Kaiserschmarrn. Our tip: head to the Lindlalm pasture for a very special treat, the “Almwuzl” (a unique take on the traditional Kaiserschmarrn shredded pancake). Sense the forest “Einatmen. Wald spüren. Ausatmen” (inhale, sense the forest, exhale) is the ideal offer for the entire family. It includes a seven-night stay, the Saalfelden Leogang Card, two hikes (hearty snack included), and a TEM (Traditional European Medicine) herbal workshop. Additional incentives include a hiking map and hiking socks. With the bed and breakfast option, the offer starts from 384 EUR, or 672 EUR for the ****Hotel with half-board option.

 

Summer for your ears: Jazzfestival Saalfelden, TONspuren am Asitz and ALM:KULTUR
The Saalfelden Leogang region is a treat for the ears as well as the eyes: the 43rd Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place from 17 to 20 August, bringing Austrian and international jazz musicians come to our region to perform in the town and the mountains. Venues include the Congress Saalfelden, the Kunsthaus Nexus, the Stadtpark and the Otto-Gruberhalle, a decommissioned industrial hall from the 1950s. The festival will also include musical hikes and concert on Alpine pastures. More than half of its over 60 concerts are free of charge.
On five Thursdays between 29 and 10 August 2023, bands and solo artists from various genres will be performing for the TONspuren am Asitz series. When the weather is good, you can enjoy concerts at sunset on an outdoor stage at the foot of the Grosser Asitz, breathtaking views of the mountain scenery included. When the weather is sub-optimal, you are invited to the AsitzBräu.
Every Friday between 14 July and 8 September 2023, hikers get to meet artists and other creatives at our mountain inns, where tradition meets modern life. This extraordinary series of events, titled ALM:KULTUR, comprises a wide variety of concerts and interactive workshops. Participation is free of charge and does not require advance booking: just hike to the Alpine pasture and treat yourself to a spontaneous dose of culture. 

 

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. Established in 2002, the 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. 

 

Mining and Gothic Museum and Schloss Ritzen Museum: minerals and nativity scenes 
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 houses sacred art, such as the "Beautiful Madonna", a Gothic figure of a saint from the Alpine region, which was made as early as 1410. This year, visitors can also look forward to fascinating special exhibitions. 
The Saalfelden Leogang region is surrounded by four noble castles. One of these is Schloss Ritzen castle, which also houses a museum containing Austria's most important and largest collection of nativity scenes as well as other 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 from Saalfelden. The nativity scene exhibition can be viewed at the Schloss Ritzen Museum all year long. 

 

Leogang show mine: virtual 3D tour and mine railway for kids
Visit the Leogang show mine to retrace the steps of the miners of old. A guide will lead you through the narrow tunnels of an extensive mine – sometimes crouching, sometimes in single file. As of 2021, there is even a barrier-free, virtual version of the show mine. The virtual 3D tour can be accessed from home and around the clock at www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com. A mine railway that once carried both miners and mined treasures now offers younger visitors the opportunity to better get to know the mine by means of an artificial gallery. Guided tours of the show mine are offered from May to October. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are required.

 

Wellness and culinary delights: top hotels to pamper all your senses
The most diverse environment 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 hospitality businesses 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. With a new superlative SPA, designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, the Altenberger family of hoteliers is laying the foundations for something grand yet minimalist for its guests. Opening in the spring of 2023. 
•    At the Naturhotel Forsthofgut*****, a Family SPA, Japanese restaurant and new suites were opened in 2021. In addition, a horse riding stable was also added last autumn. New from spring/early summer 2023: redesign of the hotel lobby, renovation of 28 hotel rooms, expansion of 
3 restaurants and a new food concept and location for the 1617 restaurant.
•    Holidaymakers can also look forward to lovingly designed chalets with gorgeous mountain views at the Puradies****S hotel. From June 2023, the new Heaven Spa and many other new active and culinary offers will await our guests.
•    Meanwhile, the Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. In November 2022, the Priesteregg opened its Villa WOSSA, a combination of an exclusive chalet, a little lakeside house and a natural pond with an integrated infinity pool. 
•    The 4****S Boutique Hotel Rivus recently opened a new restaurant, and a new spa will follow in 2023. 
•    Guest staying at Der Löwe****S can now enjoy a year-round heated outdoor pool, a new underground car park and a new dining room. 
•    A new spa area offering sustainable relaxation was created at the Biohotel Rupertus****. 
•    In addition to fantastic rooms, the Gut Brandlhof****S hotel also boasts the autohaus automotive event center, plenty of space for events and an indoor golf simulator. In 2022, the Vivid Spa was expanded; a PV system was installed in 2023. 
•    At the Salzburgerhof****S hotel, guests this season can look forward to the Sky SPA, which opened in 2021, and the new restaurant.
•    Since last year, the Riederalm Good Life Resort****S has added a new dining room and newly furnished rooms. 
•    Exceptional feel-good offers are also available at the Forsthofalm****S 
and the Senhoog hotels. 
•    The "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle concept at the Ritzenhof lakeside hotel and spa 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 Die Hindenburg**** boutique and city hotel. 
•    The Bacher Asitzstub'n*** hotel boasts a heated infinity panorama pool. 
•    The mama thresl*** hotel offers rooms featuring an urban style. 

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

 

Regionality and sustainability: from organic products to environmental protection
Regional marketing and the gentle use of resources is a priority in the Saalfelden Leogang region. More than 70 percent of all farms in Leogang 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’ (organic, active, authentic) seal of quality makes the quality of local products easily apparent at a glance. 
In recent years, more and more fantastic farm shops have appeared on the scene. Don’t hesitate to drop in and sample some traditional Pinzgau delicacies during your hikes. Off to the stables is the motto at HPH anno 1905 – a farm shop that was created at the site of a former horse stable and has already won several awards for its homemade butter. There are always fresh organic vegetables available at the Stechaubauer organic farm. In the vegetable hut, you can choose your vegetables via touchscreen. The products can then be collected from the self-service machine. As of recently, there is also saffron from Leogang on offer! It is specially grown by the Wölfler family, which supplies the award-winning restaurants in the area. Under the leadership of the Verein für Konsumenteninformation (Austrian consumer protection association), the Saalfelden Leogang region and 20 other destinations have jointly developed an objective and independent seal-of-approval certification (Österreichisches Umweltzeichen für Destinationen) for sustainable tourism regions. The first destinations will be certified in 2023. Set a sign, be an example, implement measures: with its membership of respACT (where Saalfelden Leogang is the first regional tourism organisation) and the Climate Alliance (where Saalfelden Leogang is the first tourism organisation in the Salzburgerland) and its climate-themed guided hike, our region is actively living up to its goals. 
Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of quality evaluates a wide range of measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. Hotel guests also have access to electric cars. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy. Great care is also taken to minimise the amount of refuse that is produced. 
Of course, you can reach Saalfelden Leogang by train – an environmentally friendly way to travel. You won’t have to worry about traffic, and there are many fast, direct connections from Salzburg, Innsbruck and Munich to Saalfelden Leogang. Rail travel takes you to your destination or the trailheads 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 Shuttle in Leogang augments the existing route network by providing on-demand services with two Mercedes eVitos and serves a total of 39 stops. This has created access to the public transport network where there previously was none.
The Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company has covered its entire fuel needs for the coming winter 2023/24 by purchasing HVO100 regenerative fuel. This is a big step away from fossil fuels and towards a 90% reduction in CO₂ emissions. With this decision, the cable car companies have set an example for sustainability and resource protection. 
The energy-saving Leoganger Bergbahnen cable cars remain open until the skiing season starts, so that hikers and bikers can enjoy the splendid routes along rugged limestone giants and gently sloping, grass-covered mountains well into autumn.

 

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, Steinbergbahn or Saalbach Hinterglemm cable cars. The card also gives you access to many activities of the “365 Days of Active & 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 automatically upon check-in at any Saalfelden Leogang Card partner establishment. The card is valid continuously from the day of arrival to the day of departure.

 

Event highlights in summer 2023:
16 April 2023                       Regionalism fair, Congress Saalfelden                                      
15 – 18 June 2023                UCI Mountain Bike World Series
24 June 2023                         Solstice & Midsummer Festival, Saalfelden               
29 June – 10 August 2023              TONspur at Asitz – 5 Thursdays 
14 July – 8 September 2023      ALM:KULTUR in Saalfelden Leogang – 8 Fridays 
17 – 20 August 2023                    43rd Jazzfestival Saalfelden
15 – 17 September 2023          BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang