Coolcation in Saalfelden Leogang

Coolcations are becoming an increasingly popular trend for summer holidays. After all, 2024 brought some record-breaking heatwaves across Europe – including the hottest day ever recorded. One region that offers refreshment in all its forms is Saalfelden Leogang in the province of Salzburg. Whether it’s glacier hikes, the “Stille Wasser” area, or simply a dip in the Ritzensee – here, no one is at risk of overheating.

 

"Nature & Climate in Change": Hike to Central Europe's lowest glacier
A journey through time exploring ice, water, and transformation – that’s what awaits participants of the guided hike "Nature & Climate in Change". It’s the first educational tourism experience in Austria dedicated to the climate crisis. A guide explains the changes taking place in nature and the challenges they bring. The hike leads, among other places, to the Birnbach Glacier in Leogang – the lowest glacier in the Eastern Alps. A fun fact: the avalanche-fed glacier once supplied Munich’s major breweries with ice for cooling beer, which was transported down the valley via wooden chutes. Good to know: This hike is part of the 365 Days Active & Creative experience program and is free with the Saalfelden Leogang Card.

 

Cool insider tips: Hike to the Stoissengraben Waterfall and visit to the Leogang Show Mine
The Stoissengraben promises a truly refreshing hike: a 2.3-kilometre trail winds through a wide gorge carved deep into the rock. It’s ideal for families and hikers who prioritize nature over altitude. Mostly shaded, the trail follows the icy Buchweißbach stream, perfect for cooling off your feet – just take off your shoes and wade barefoot. Note: The final section to the waterfall is suitable only for experienced, sure-footed hikers.
Another cool tip for the whole family is the Leogang Show Mine, located in the oldest mining area of Salzburg. Visitors can explore a maze of hand-carved tunnels – a guided underground adventure with naturally cool temperatures.

 

Stille Wasser on the Asitz: Kneipp hydrotherapy with a dreamlike view
As the name suggests, the Stille Wasser (Peaceful Waters) area on the Asitz, the "Mountain of the Senses", is a place of rest and relaxation. From the crystal-clear reservoir lake – perfect for skipping stones – you’ll enjoy phenomenal views of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains. Best enjoyed while lounging in one of the relaxation chairs. The nearby Kneipp area provides hikers with a refreshing break. Kneipp hydrotherapy is ideal for tired limbs and stimulates circulation, metabolism, and blood flow. The Asitz can be reached easily via the Asitz or Steinberg gondolas. Beyond Stille Wasser, many attractions await visitors: from the TONspur Islands and the nature cinema to the sound toboggan run and the new riddle hunt on the themed hiking trail.

 

Forest bathing on the Asitz: A new mindfulness day
On hot days, the forest can also offer cool comfort. Forest bathing remains a popular wellness activity – now also available on the Asitz. Shinrin Yoku, or forest bathing, is a Japanese nature-based method aimed at helping people relax and unwind from everyday stress through immersion in the forest environment.
Starting this July, Maria Leutgeb – initiator of the "Forest Bathing on the Asitz" project – will lead a guided mindfulness day on the Mountain of the Senses (every Thursday in July, August, and October). The route descends from the Steinbergbahn’s mountain station and features 14 stations designed to promote well-being and regeneration in harmony with nature.

 

Shaded bike trails through the forest
Cyclists will also find comfortable temperatures in the forests of Saalfelden Leogang. There’s a perfect trail for every biking enthusiast. The sustainably built single trails mainly run through shaded woodlands. For example, the Forsthof Trail leads riders into a forest filled with dramatic rock formations reminiscent of Middle-earth from The Lord of the Rings. The newly built, hand-crafted AlteSchmiede Trail winds through untouched forest and alpine meadows. Also worth it: a scenic cycling trip to Lake Zell, the Ritzensee, or Pillersee – all beautiful swimming lakes.

 

A dip in the Ritzensee
When the heat hits, a plunge into cool water is still the classic way to refresh. In addition to the Erlebnisschwimmbad Obsmarkt in Saalfelden – complete with diving pool, waterslide, and current canal – there’s the Sonnrain leisure complex in Leogang, offering a giant slide, wild water channel, and Kneipp area. The natural swimming area at the Ritzensee also guarantees top-notch bathing fun. All three open-air pools operate from May to September and are free to access with the Saalfelden Leogang Card.