<div>Saalfelden Leogang is the ideal holiday destination for bikers regardless of whether they prefer leisurely riding, mountain biking, or downhill in the Bikepark Leogang. This diverse landscape offers tours, trails and stretches of all kinds from easy to difficult. No wonder that everyone, from world champions to beginners, loves to pedal here.</div> <div> </div> <div>“As a bike region full of variety, we want to attract professional bikers as well as beginners to explore our area on two wheels,” said Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. In order to ensure that this really works out, there is a broad spectrum of cycling offers to choose from. In 2019, Saalfelden Leogang will invest a total of approx. one million euros, which will enable it to significantly expand its range of biking trails. Ideal for everyone who doesn’t want to cycle uphill: From 2019 on, both the Asitz and the Steinbergbahn gondola lifts will run for bikers and their bikes.</div> <div> </div> <div>A bike park like no other<br /> Bikepark Leogang is also a hot spot for the Bike World Champions and Austria’s only venue for the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup. On 5 and 6 September 2020, the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships will take place here for the second time. The many varied routes are not only designed for pros, hobby bikers love them too!</div> <div>In time for the 2019 summer holidays, the new Antonius Trail and the Steinberg Line, with the latter being an absolute highlight: ten kilometres long, a 969 metre descent and flowing curves. At a slope of roughly nine percent, it will probably have the flowiest trails in the bike park. The clearings you pass give you a unique view of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains.</div> <div>Another new addition to Bikepark Leogang for 2019 is the large asphalted pump track incl. a jump line and dirt line. You can really get your kicks here on 5,000 square metres.<br /> It will be “EPIC”, but we can’t divulge any more at this juncture.</div> <div> </div> <div>New, hand-made single trails with cool obstacles and dream views<br /> Besides the new lines in Bikepark Leogang, in 2019 there will be another two routes in Saalfelden Leogang: the Forsthof Trail and the Schwarzleo Trail. Both are narrow, hand-made single trails. The Forsthof Trail led past high crags that look like Middle Earth and crosses several streams. It is around two kilometres long and includes many North Shore elements. Slightly shorter at roughly 1.8 kilometres is the Schwarzleo Trail. It winds its way picturesquely through mixed woodland and offers a dream view of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range in addition to tight technical curves, flowy passages and North Shore elements.</div> <div>All ages can learn to mountain bike in the Riders Playground.<br /> Kids or adults, who want to practice the trend sport of mountain biking for the first time, should make tracks to the Riders Playground at the valley station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable cars. With its 10,000 square metres, it’s the largest beginners’ park in Europe. In addition to its practical conveyor belt for bikes and riders, there is also a surface lift, which can be used with bikes. With each round, beginners and children can get used to the many obstacles and learn to handle the curves before trying out the action-packed courses in the bike park. Those with more experience and courage can try cool jumps at the GoPro Bagjump while also hanging on to a GoPro. The landing into the giant airbags is of course safe.</div> <div> </div> <div>Road biking on the highest mountain in Austria<br /> Saalfelden Leogang is also ideal for road bikers. For example, the Kaisertour winds along the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road up to Austria’s highest mountain.</div> <div> </div> <div>More cycling fun thanks to e-bikes<br /> Bikes with electric power are becoming increasingly popular. Long gone are the days when only older or unfit cyclists used them. Those who simply desire to expand their realm of sporty possibilities and to experience ascending to a mountain hut, or who have a much faster partner to keep up with, will enjoy the benefits of a fully charged battery. You can travel up to 100 km on a single battery charge depending on route conditions. Saalfelden Leogang is amongst the world’s largest e-bike regions and is ideal for extended electric cycling tours thanks to its countless routes. E-bike batteries can be exchanged or recharged at countless petrol stations, partner hotels, sports shops or even at the mountain inns while bikers take a refreshment stop.</div> <div> </div> <div>Bike hotels and guides for a unique holiday experience<br /> Specialised bike hotels are fully devoted to cyclists. This includes infrastructure such as lockable bike storage rooms and loaner tools as well as a laundry washing service for worn bike clothing. Many of the hotel owners are themselves enthusiastic bikers and often join guests on tour. In any case, hotel personnel endeavour to meet and exceed the demands of cyclists and to help in route planning. The following hotels are biker-friendly: Hotel Bacher, Holzhotel Forsthofalm hotel, Lebe Frei Hotel Der Löwe, mama thresl, Good Life Resort Riederalm, Ritzenhof – Hotel und Spa am See, Biohotel Rupertus, Salzburgerhof – home of sports and Vitalhotel Saliterhof.</div> <div>Even the guides at the Elements Outdoorsports bike school are happy to help plan and are able to transform any guided tour into an adventure. At the Sport 2000 Simon and Sport Mitterer sports shops, the right equipment is available, from protective clothing to bikes, and is of course also available for hire.</div> <div> </div> <div>The best bike events in Saalfelden Leogang<br /> The Out of Bounds Festival will take place from 7 to 9 June 2019. During this time, the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup will also be held. In addition to the competition, spectators can peak over the shoulder of bike pros and mechanics as they prepare in the Team & Expo Area.</div> <div>It’s a race to the finish at Saalfelden’s local mountain. During the 7th Biberg Auffiradler uphill race in July 2019, participants will ascend 5.5 km with a 700 m elevation gain. The goal of this competition for ambitious bikers among the guests and local residents is to reach the Berlis Hütte mountain inn.</div> <div>The BIKE festival is well known from Riva on Lake Garda and Willingen in Sauerland. In 2019, it will take place in Saalfelden Leogang for the first time from 13 to 15 September. There are various action-packed competitions for all age groups, test obstacle courses and of course plenty of opportunities to celebrate. At the BIKE exhibition, you can not only see the latest models for 2020, you can even test them yourself! It’s a must for hard-core bikers.</div> <div>All bike fans should pencil in the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill WM, which takes place from 5 to 6 September 2020 in Saalfelden Leogang.</div>
<div>Until now, it was only valid in the summer, but from 1 May 2019, the practical card will be valid all year round and now allows winter holiday-makers in Saalfelden Leogang to use the cable cars and take part in the tourism programme.</div> <div>The new Saalfelden Leogang Card lets you experience more. Holiday-makers can get active on the mountain or in the valley, take part in guided hikes in the snow or in summer weather, partake in the cultural programme, and enjoy bathing or tobogganing. The Saalfelden Leogang Card lets you use over ten services free of charge in summer and winter – some once per stay, some daily and others as often as you want. Many other services are discounted. Any visitor staying in a Saalfelden Leogang Card partner company automatically receives the card on check-in. The card is valid from the day of arrival until the departure day (inclusive).</div> <div> </div> <div>Services included in the Saalfelden Leogang Card in summer, valid from May to October:<br /> - One free return ticket for the cable car with the Asitz-Leogang gondola lift and the Saalbach Hinterglemm cable cars per day (each of the 5 summer cable cars incl. bike transport) (except for night and special trips)<br /> - Unlimited return tickets for the cable car every day with the chair lift at Biberg (except for use of the toboggan run)<br /> - Unlimited free entry to the Leogang/Sonnrain and Saalfelden/Obsmarkt swimming pools and the natural bathing complex at Ritzensee lake<br /> - Weekly summer programme of experiences (guided hikes, herbal workshops and much more)<br /> - One free admission per stay to Schloss Ritzen Museum and the Mining Museum in Leogang<br /> - One free admission per stay to Sauna Leogang (leisure centre) and Sauna Saalfelden (Ritzensee lake)<br /> - Unlimited use of the Saalfelden city buses (nos. 61 and 62)<br /> - Unlimited use of public transport in Pinzgau from 1 May to 31 October (bus and rail)</div> <div> </div> <div>Services included in the Saalfelden Leogang Card in winter, valid from November to April:<br /> - One free return ticket for the cable car for pedestrians on the Asitz Leogang gondola lift per stay, which also applies for return journeys for tobogganing (does not include transport of skis and snowboards)<br /> - One free journey per day in the shuttle taxi at the Biberg winter toboggan run from the car park to the Berggasthof Huggenberg inn (excl. toboggan rental)<br /> - Participation in the winter hiking programme (ski touring, winter and snow-shoe hikes)<br /> - Free use of the Saalfelden Leogang cross-country skiing trails<br /> - Free use of the ice rink/Nordic Park in Saalfelden<br /> - One free admission per stay to Schloss Ritzen Museum and the Mining Museum in Leogang<br /> - One free admission per stay to Sauna Leogang (leisure centre) and Sauna Saalfelden (Ritzensee lake)<br /> - Unlimited use of the Saalfelden city buses (nos. 61 and 62)</div> <div> </div> <div>Benefits with many other partners and attractions<br /> In addition, holders of the Saalfelden Leogang Card also receive discounts and benefits at various destinations and other card partners in the region. In winter, this includes discounts on ski rental from Sport Simon or the Indoor Golf Simulator at the Gut Brandlhof hotel. In summer, among other things, holders enjoy discounted entry to the Seisenbergklamm gorge, a day ticket for the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, a paraglider flight, the Flying Fox XXL and much more.</div> <div>For further information, see <a href="https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/Saalfelden-Leogang-Card">https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/Saalfelden-Leogang-Card</a></div> <div> </div>
<div>Many golfers dream of teeing off in front of a picturesque mountain backdrop. In Saalfelden Leogang, you can ideally combine your golfing holiday with hiking tours, cultural highlights and relaxed spa days. The region boasts two 18-hole golf courses: the Gut Brandlhof Golf Club course involves several crossings of the River Saalach, while the Urslautal Golf Club stands out thanks to its large driving range and two golf academies.</div> <div> </div> <div>Gut Brandlhof Golf Club – where the mountain river crosses the fairways<br /> The first thing that catches the eye about the course at the Gut Brandlhof hotel is the wonderful old trees. Snaking through the middle of this 18-hole course is the Saalach, a wild mountain river that you might have to cross as many as six times depending on your tee shot. And coupled with the stunning views of the craggy mountain giants, this adds up to a next-level Alpine golfing experience. There’s also good news for all dog owners, as golfers are allowed to bring their four-legged friends along provided they are on a leash. In addition, the 18-hole course is accompanied by a 6-hole short course for beginners. Here, local head pro John Seymour – one of the top 50 professional golfers in Europe – works together with learners and provides individual courses at the covered tees on the driving range.</div> <div>If poor weather conditions should make it impossible to head out onto the course for a round, golf enthusiasts can head inside the Gut Brandlhof hotel. This is home to the Indoor Golf Performance Center, a cutting-edge indoor golf simulation system that is open 365 days a year. After enjoying a great day’s golf, you can make for the first-class wellness area in the 4-star superior Gut Brandlhof hotel to relax and recuperate.<br /> www.brandlhof.com</div> <div> </div> <div>Urslautal Golf Club – a golf course with a breathtaking all-round panorama<br /> The Urslautal Golf Club wows guests with its stunning 360-degree mountain panorama including sights such as the Steinernes Meer massif, its location on a high plateau near Saalfelden and its 5,000 square metre driving range that is one of the best in Austria. With three additional practice holes and two golf academies, this is ideal place for beginners to learn and for advanced golfers to train: the Urslautal Golf Academy and the Systema Golf Academy offer private and group instruction up to the level of a golfing permit, as well as golf taster courses and instruction for all the family. The 18-hole course features roughs, water obstacles, environmentally sensitive areas and bunkers. As there are few trees on the greens, you have a clear view – not only for putting, but also for taking in the wonderful scenery. Having completed your round, you can head for the terrace of the Remise Golf Restaurant that also overlooks the Steinernes Meer plateau.<br /> www.golf-urslautal.at</div> <div> </div> <div>Après-golf – relaxing at the club restaurants and golf hotels<br /> Anyone looking to finish their day by paying a traditional visit to the 19th hole – the club restaurant – will be delighted with the quality regional cooking on offer at both golf clubs. The best way to relax is at one of the partner hotels, for example with the “golf in & out” service at the Gut Brandlhof hotel. The excellent Krallerhof, Ritzenhof and Puradies hotels are also specially tailored to golfers and are only a few short kilometres away from the tees. If you need more than the two golf courses in Saalfelden Leogang, then the region nevertheless provides a terrific base as there are a further 17 outstanding courses within a radius of around 70 kilometres.</div> <div> </div>
<div>Put one foot in front of the other and enjoy the landscape and the freedom of movement in the fresh air. Hiking can be simply magical, especially when travelling through such a contrast-rich region like Saalfelden Leogang. You can experience all of this on the many hiking and running trails through the imposing mountain landscapes of the grass-covered mountains, the Steinernes Meer plateau and Leoganger Steinberge mountains. For those who want to travel up a bit higher, there are climbing routes and via ferratas in all degrees of difficulty. Families often feel perfectly at home on the Asitz, a mountain for all the senses.</div> <div> </div> <div>“Simply hiking” – a no-frills concept<br /> Moving in nature doesn’t require a whole lot of trappings. Lace up a sturdy pair of shoes and be on your way. With this thought in mind, and the fact that hiking has proven positive effects on your health, Saalfelden Leogang has developed the concept of “simply hiking.” The idea behind this concept is simple: hiking alone is more than enough. For this reason we’ve made a conscious decision to forgo action-packed themed trails. “Nothing should distract hikers from what really matters,” says Marco Pointer, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. “We want to inspire our guests to get out there and to enjoy themselves in nature. We want to focus on getting away from everyday routine and simply hiking.” A range of studies proves the health benefits of hiking. Dr. Arnulf Hartl from Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Salzburg says: “Hiking has been proven to have positive effects on respiratory illnesses, back problems and many of the other illnesses caused by civilisation. We need nature – it’s in our blood.” In times when the range of leisure activities is virtually endless, people welcome the simplicity of hiking. Setting off, enjoying nature and leaving their complex everyday lives behind.</div> <div> </div> <div>Hiking pole sharing and forest swings<br /> Along the many hiking trails, local craftspeople have built practically useful installations. For example, there are 360-degree wooden benches where hikers can take a relaxing break from hiking while enjoying the landscape from all angles, a panorama view of your own choosing, so-to-speak. By contrast, the cast-iron forest swings invite hikers to look up to the treetops and the sky above it. Of course, you can also just have a relaxed swing and listen to the forest sounds – and intended. Simply leave your mobile phones in your backpack or pocket and enjoy nature in its purest form, not through the display of a smartphone. The opportunity to take the very best holiday photo is still readily available in Saalfelden Leogang at special photo points where hikers can shoot the perfect panorama. Hiking pole sharing is one extremely practical idea. At the starting points of the trails, hiking pole stations have been erected to allow any hiker to select the right wooden hiking pole, take it along for the journey, and leave it where they found it or at another such station.</div> <div> </div> <div>Asitz, a mountain for all the senses for families, those seeking peace and now also for fans of culture<br /> Experience nature with all your five senses. This is the concept behind the “mountain for all the senses”, the Asitz in Leogang. At the middle station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable cars, the Sinne adventure park leads into the worlds of feeling, hearing, tasting, smelling and seeing via 30 stations. Young and old can walk barefoot over the soft Alpine pasture, take in the aroma of wild herbs and Alpine plants in many places, and hear the voice of the forest. Special singing bowls let you not only hear but feel certain notes. Kids can bake flatbread at the Sinne park adventure park, or paint, do crafts or make their own t-shirt.</div> <div>New in summer 2019 on the Asitz mountain: the outdoor theatre and entertainment islands or listening stations where guests can listen to excerpts of special TONspur concerts.</div> <div> “Silent water” is an additional service at Asitz: loungers, panoramic terraces, Kneipp area and a swimming platform in the Speichersee reservoir invite guests to relax and enjoy the view. The silent service is rounded off by the new chapel that is being built beside the park.</div> <div>Those who are not so mobile or travelling with small children will be delighted, as the Asitz, and for the first time the Steinbergbahn gondola lift are in operation all summer.</div> <div> </div> <div>Family fun at the summer toboggan run or the world’s longest flying-fox zip line<br /> There are many ways to get down a mountain: relaxed in the cable car, on foot via a hiking trail or with a bit more adrenaline. The “Leoklang” summer toboggan run in Leogang is an example of the latter. Starting from the mountain station at 1,800 m, it leads through the Pinzgau mountains some 400 m downward. In Saalfelden, at the Biberg there is another summer toboggan run with a total length of 1.6 km! But to really fly, visitors should check out the Flying Fox XXL on the Asitz. It’s one of the longest (1,600 m) and fastest (up to 130 km/h) steel rope slides in the world. Witness as the world flies by as you fly like superman over the trees. This is fun at its best for the whole family.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sense the forest: hikes in the bright, sunny woodlands on the forest magic tour<br /> Forests have their own special charms: sometimes mystical and scary, but also kitschy beautiful and enchanting. As part of the summer adventure programme, guests can discover the forests of the region in various ways. Whether swimming in the woods, hiking in the bright, sunny woodlands or on a forest magic tour, here there is something to suit every taste.</div> <div>The “Einatmen. Wald spüren. Ausatmen.” (Inhale, Feel the Forest, Exhale) offer includes seven overnight stays, the Saalfelden Leogang Card, a hiking map, hiking socks, an Alpine snack, two hikes, and a TEM (Traditional European Medicine) workshop. Stay in a bed and breakfast from 249 euros or in a 4-star hotel with half board from 564 euros.</div> <div> </div> <div>Hiking without luggage<br /> Spending days on your feet is wonderful but the longer you’re gone the heavier your pack. For exactly such tours, there is a practical luggage transport service in Saalfelden Leogang. This will allow you to carry just a light backpack in the mountains as you enjoy the magnificent views. Meanwhile your heavier luggage will be safely transported for you to the next stage of your hike.</div> <div> </div> <div>Plenty of route for joggers, trail runners and Nordic walkers<br /> In Saalfelden Leogang, every runner will find his or her perfect stretch for everything from endurance training to starting a new jogging routine. The region features a substantial network of trail running and Nordic walking trails with 18 different routes. All told they total 120 km! There are also two high-altitude routes and a mountain running stretch.</div> <div> </div> <div>A climbing area that even professionals will adore<br /> Together, the Loferer, Leoganger Steinberge mountains, and Steinplatte mountains form the Steinberge mountain-sports region, a popular climbing area known far and wide with more than 1,000 sport climbing and alpine multi-rope routes to train. At 45 rope lengths, the “Pinzgawurm” is one of the longest climbing routes in the Alps. In addition, the region also boasts five climbing halls and a total of twelve via ferratas. Various climbing courses, for beginners to experience climbing for the first time, are also available for families.</div> <div><br /> Hiking events in the Saalfelden Leogang region:<br /> 22-23 June 2019 Stoabergmarsch24 – 24 hour hike<br /> 29 June 2019 Bergwelten Wandertag</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
<div>Based in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg, Saalfelden Leogang is the most multi-faceted holiday region in the Alps – where limestone giants give way to gentle grass-covered mountains, rural atmosphere contrasts with urban lifestyle and tradition meets innovation. Both towns are situated in the Saalach Tal and Leoganger Tal valley, around 15 kilometres north of Zell am See. The region is bordered by the Steinernes Meer plateau to the north, the Leoganger Steinberge mountains to the west, the Hochkönig massif to the east and the Kitzbühel Alps to the south.</div> <div> </div> <div>Getting here</div> <div> </div> <div>Distances Germany:<br /> Munich – Saalfelden Leogang: 150 km<br /> Frankfurt – Saalfelden Leogang: 540 km<br /> Cologne – Saalfelden Leogang: 730 km<br /> Berlin – Saalfelden Leogang: 740 km<br /> Hamburg – Saalfelden Leogang: 945 km</div> <div> </div> <div>Distances Austria:<br /> Salzburg – Saalfelden Leogang: 70 km<br /> Innsbruck – Saalfelden Leogang: 130 km<br /> Linz – Saalfelden Leogang: 200 km<br /> Klagenfurt – Saalfelden Leogang: 210 km<br /> Graz – Saalfelden Leogang: 250 km<br /> Wien – Saalfelden Leogang: 360 km</div> <div><br /> Journey:<br /> Travelling by car from Munich towards Salzburg (A8), take the exit for “Siegsdorf – Lofer – Saalfelden”. No Vignette motorway permit sticker needed.</div> <div>Take the train to the station in Saalfelden or Leogang.</div> <div>The nearest airport is Salzburg, located 68 kilometres away. Munich Airport is around 190 kilometres away. Departing from Salzburg Airport and Munich Airport, the Holiday Shuttle takes passengers to Saalfelden Leogang seven times a day. Price: €44 per person from Salzburg, €98 from Munich.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div> <div>Statistics</div> <div>Elevation above sea level 748 – 2,653 metres<br /> Inhabitants 20.087<br /> Total number of beds 8.770<br /> Overnight stays per year Around 985.500<br /> Saalfelden Leogang Card All-year ticket, free for guests of the Saalfelden Leogang Card partner hotels, allows free entries and reductions</div>
<div>Saalfelden Leogang is not only famed for its mountains and Alpine pastures. The most contrast-rich region in the Alps is the perfect place for those interested in culture. In addition to the famed International Jazzfestival Saalfelden, there are several other music events in various stylistic directions, in addition to arts exhibitions and workshops, theatre performances and of course plenty of traditional culture events.</div> <div> </div> <div>40 years of the International Jazzfestival<br /> Musicians from around the world turn Saalfelden into the coolest music city in the mountains<br /> When the legendary International Jazzfestival Saalfelden celebrates its 40th birthday in 2019, contemporary, experimental and familiar saxophone, piano and clarinet sounds will fill the air again. The variety of jazz styles, performed to perfection this year in the total of 55 concerts, is extremely diverse. The musicians perform both indoors, for example at the Congress or Kunsthaus Nexus and various other locations in the city, and on open-air stages. The outdoor concerts, which take place at the town hall square and in the town park, as well as at the surrounding mountain inns on Saturday and Sunday – over 30 in total – are all free of charge. The new Artists in Residence projects, featuring Maja Osojnik and Lukas König this year, can be experienced in Buchbinderei Fuchs and Saalfelden District Court. All-in-all, the programme for the anniversary year is looking like the best ever.</div> <div> </div> <div>Klezmer, Classic, Folk Music – TONspuren am Asitz<br /> Music is the central theme in Saalfelden Leogang’s Culture Summer. The ‘TONspuren am Asitz’ concerts also take place in the open air and on the mountain. The Asitz is Leogang’s local mountain and plays host to a total of five concerts of very different styles between June and August. Among others in 2019, the ‘Well-Brüder aus‘m Biermoos’, successors to the famous Biermösl Blosn, will perform; trumpeter and composer Thomas Gansch will present his latest project, ‘Hit Therapy’; and ‘Kainrath, Hojsa, Havlicek’ will be bringing their fusion of traditional Viennese songs with Jazz and Blues to the festival.</div> <div> </div> <div>ALM:KULTUR – Arts and culture in the mountains<br /> The so-called ‘ALM:KULTUR’ is a special and unusual event series. From the beginning of July to the beginning of September, hikers gather to meet various artists and creative types every Friday at the mountain huts. There will be concerts, storytelling and interactive workshops. Everything is done according to the motto: “Tradition meets modernity.” The best part: In order to participate in the events, you don’t have to register or pay anything. Only the hike to the Alpine pasture is necessary. More than a few guests simply show up by chance and are treated to the pleasure of a great cultural offering.</div> <div> </div> <div>Theatre for all<br /> When it comes to theatre, Saalfelden Leogang has plenty to offer. Founded in 2014, the Freiraum cultural association and the ecce theatre will for the third time stage the VolXommer Saalfelden Leogang theatre festival. Visitors will be treated to performances, theatre in a circus tent, VolX theatre at the Kunsthaus Nexus, acrobatics and great acting.</div> <div> </div> <div>Treasure hunt in the show mine and Gothic effigies of saints<br /> Those with an interest in cultural history and the visual arts are in for a treat in Saalfelden Leogang. During exciting city tours, participants can visit the late Gothic forge, where a number of Gothic cultural artefacts can be admired. Meanwhile, at the Leogang show mine, visitors will discover how ore, silver and copper were once mined and how difficult the life of a miner truly was back then. During a treasure hunt, younger participants can playfully discover how tunnels were once constructed.<br /> The venerable Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang was recently expanded with the addition of neighbouring Thurnhaus, a fortified residential tower from the Middle Ages. The additional space hosts two new temporary exhibitions. The museum is known for its stunning Gothic effigies of saints, boasting a collection of these priceless figurines and panel paintings that is the only one of its kind worldwide. As a result, one of the new temporary exhibitions is dedicated to the subject: ‘Beautiful Madonnas from Salzburg. Stoneware around 1400’ was developed in cooperation with Prague National Gallery.<br /> Schloss Ritzen is one of four castles in Saalfelden. The museum, which is housed inside, harbours one of the largest and most significant nativity-scene collections in Austria. In addition to Baroque church nativities there is also a large oriental nativity and the local Saalfelden nativity made by the famous nativity-scene builder Alexander “Xandi” Schläffer from Saalfelden. The Kunsthaus Nexus has been an integral part of the Pinzgau culture scene since 2002 and features diverse offerings for young and old.</div> <div> </div> <div>Customs and tradition: ‘Hoagascht’, Bauernherbst fall celebrations, and the Leonhardiritt procession<br /> Guests can learn all about local customs with all their traditions during various events: Five times per year during, the so-called summer Hoagascht, a farmers’ market with local products, music and traditional events like “schuhplatteln” dancing or “schnalzen” whip performances, take place. On 22 June, during the summer solstice, Pinzgau residents light small fires in the mountains as they have done since the 14th century. The contours of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains and the Steinernes Meer plateau shine bright and forms and symbols in fire light up the mountain ridges. During the Bauernherbst event, many customs are celebrated. There are markets and performances of old handcrafts. In 2019, Saalfelden Leogang is even hosting the official opening of SalzburgerLand’s Bauernherbst autumn festival. One of the highlights of this event will be the procession of groups in traditional costume and marching bands on 31 August. The Leonhardiritt procession on horseback, which traditionally takes place on 6 November, is another interesting highlight. During ‘ranggeln’ on the Spielberg, participants measure their strength during this ancient martial art, which was once practiced by indentured farmhands.</div> <div> </div> <div>Excerpt from the 2019 Culture Highlights in Saalfelden Leogang<br /> 25 May 2019 – Opening of Thurnhaus, the extension of the Mining and Gothic Museum<br /> 22 June 2019 – Mountain bonfires, solstice bonfires and the annual solstice singing event in Leogang<br /> 16 June 2019 – Regionalism fair<br /> 27 June -15 August 2019 – TONspuren am Asitz (every second Thursday)<br /> 5 July – 6 September 2019 – ALM:KULTUR (every Friday)<br /> 8 July – 5 August 2019 – Summer Hoagascht market (every Monday)<br /> 6 July 2019 – Stadtbeben Saalfelden event<br /> 1–18 August 2019 – VolXommer theatre and musical event<br /> 14 August 2019 – Spielbergranggeln mountain wrestling<br /> 18 August 2019 – Musician and “schuhplatter’ dancers meet-up on the Huggenberg mountain<br /> 22–25 August 2019 – 40th International Jazzfestival Saalfelden<br /> 24–25 August 2019 – Musikhof festival put on by the Eisenbahner Stadtkapelle band at the Vorderkühbühelhof farm<br /> 31 August 2019 – Official statewide opening of Bauernherbst farmer’s autumn<br /> 8 August 2019 – ‘Schuionfong’ on the Huggenberg and the Leogang fall farm fest (Bauernherbstfest)<br /> 15 September 2019 – Hoffest Saalfelden farm festival<br /> 29 September 2019 – Monument day at the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang<br /> 5 October 2019 – Honkey Tonk Saalfelden<br /> 6 November 2019 – Leonhardiritt procession</div> <div> </div>
<div>Boasting a range of quality attractions including via ferratas, Flying Fox XXL, archery, cutting-edge seminar rooms and excellent hotels, Saalfelden Leogang is the ideal host for company events. This multi-faceted region offers the necessary equipment, technology and supporting programme to suit large seminars, smaller team-building events and multi-day gatherings alike.</div> <div> </div> <div>Conquer the via ferrata as a team<br /> The prospect of having the boss and employees climb their way up a via ferrata together or seeing the team zoom over the treetops one by one as they ride the Flying Fox XXL is enough to make anyone feel a little nervous. “But”, says Anna Oja from Outdoor Team Geisler, “action-based outdoor programmes serve both as a mirror and as a projection surface beyond the confines of the workplace. This strengthens the team from the inside out.” The corresponding adrenaline rush thus boosts the bonding process. Given the fact that shared emotional experiences of this nature very rarely occur in the course of everyday work, taking on a collective challenge that involves being active, overcoming unusual situations and fostering mutual encouragement and motivation is an excellent way to improve the working atmosphere. In contrast, archery involves somewhat less adrenaline but greater concentration and focus. All these team-building activities and more are provided by a wide variety of leisure operators in Saalfelden Leogang.</div> <div> </div> <div>Congress Saalfelden event centre and partner hotels with beautiful seminar rooms<br /> When it comes to hosting the more formal aspects of a seminar, the accessible Congress Saalfelden has got you covered. The four floors of this building can be divided into as many as 14 different rooms, providing space for personal meetings, large conferences and events for up to 1,000 people. The service is outstanding, the technology is cutting-edge and, if you should need to take a break, you can enjoy the fresh air on the roof terrace as you take in the view of the Pinzgau mountain scenery. This facility is also connected to the recently renovated 4-star hotel Die Hindenburg.</div> <div>Additional seminar rooms are available at the partner hotels. The 4-star superior Gut Brandlhof hotel in Saalfelden is an event location unlike any other in Europe, featuring 200 hotel rooms and suites, 23 conference rooms for up to 700 people, the Wilderer Alm mountain hut as an extra location, a driving technique centre with off-road and winter courses, the Flying Fox and Skywalk, a 3D archery hunting course, snowmobile courses, tennis courts, a dedicated 18-hole golf course, an Indoor Golf Performance Center and much more besides. Primarily tailored to car presentations, the “autohaus” event location has everything you need for daily vehicle preparation: a gantry car wash, a car suction cleaning unit and a vehicle preparation zone.</div> <div>The seminar centre at the 4-star superior Krallerhof hotel in Leogang boasts nine conference rooms and a foyer, making it suitable for everything from events involving small groups of 10 or more people to large-scale gatherings featuring 350 attendees. A key part of the Krallerhof’s appeal is its proximity to terrific culinary options down in the valley and up on the mountain: the KrallerAlm alongside the hotel provides a truly magical mountain hut experience, while the AsitzBräu located next to the Steinberg and Asitzbahn gondola lift boasts a real beer hall atmosphere. The popular Alte Schmiede event location is also just a stone’s throw away, with its six rooms radiating a unique and rustic charm.</div> <div>If you are searching for a contemporary hotel in the Alps that is entirely free of clichés, look no further than the “mama thresl” in Leogang. The sporty, Alpine nature of this hotel is underscored by the via ferrata on the external facade and the indoor climbing wall – and the 150 square metre multi-function room on the basement floor features both daylight and a mountain view. The “mama thresl” complex also includes the Priesteregg chalet village at an elevation of 1,100 metres, the Huwi’s Alm mountain hut that is a great place to spend the evening and the “hendl fischerei”, which is an accessible artwork located at the mountain station of the Asitz and Steinbergbahn gondola lift.</div> <div>The 4-star superior Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa am See is located on the banks of the idyllic Ritzensee lake in Saalfelden and stands out on account of its innovative design, which guarantees the ideal setting for creative work. As the activities surrounding an event also contribute to its goals, it is necessary to ensure a kind of signature treatment that corresponds to the conference itself. The Ritzenhof provides tailored services relating to issues such as concentration, inspiration, motivation and vitality.</div> <div>The Puradies in Leogang meets the very highest standards in terms of design. Featuring 14 chalets and 60 suites, this Alpine resort is ideal for small groups or companies with up to 200 people. The Embachalm event location, which forms part of the Puradies, fulfils all requirements in the field of MICE technology – and even includes a fully-equipped cooking school. A compact facility, the Embachalm hosts events for up to 35 people in a private atmosphere.</div> <div> </div> <div>Enjoy relaxed and convivial evenings with authentic Pinzgau cuisine<br /> Both the partner hotels and the array of quality restaurants and mountain huts in the region also provide guests with outstanding Austrian cuisine and offer an authentic experience of Salzburg traditions. After all, a conference or team-building event always has to be backed up by a pleasant atmosphere and a sense of physical well-being. As guests tuck into a delicious portion of cheese dumplings with roasted onions, a satisfying Kaiserschmarrn shredded pancake and Salzburg beer, they will be sure to enjoy a relaxed and convivial evening.</div>
<div>While it is relatively quick and easy to feel good while on holiday, finding lasting relaxation is an art. Anyone who spends their wellness holiday in Saalfelden Leogang will continue to feel the recuperative benefit of their holiday many weeks after returning home. With a blend of relaxation, excitement and sustainable activity, the aim is not only for visitors to enjoy a pleasant stay in the area but also to feel inspired to live a healthier existence back home. For instance, a number of hotels offer corresponding well-being services, the local nature provides a range of opportunities for staying active and the “ECHT.GSUND.GUAD” initiative promotes healthy regional food. Thanks to the many sustainable projects in the region, our visitors’ conscience can relax too.<br /> <br /> Wellness and rejuvenation with Alpine flair at the first-class regional hotels<br /> The promotion of health and quality of life while on holiday makes it possible to achieve long-term regeneration. In Saalfelden Leogang, it is above all the innovative first-class hotels that play an active role in ensuring this long-term regeneration. The wide range of services on offer are intended to provide a prolonged sense of rejuvenation that far outlasts the duration of the holiday itself. For example, guests at the Nature Hotel Forsthofgut are able to replenish their energy reserves in Europe’s first WaldSPA forest spa: this unusual concept is characterised by materials from Alpine forests and treatments featuring natural ingredients from the region. Visitors to the Good Life Resort Riederalm are able to relax in a soothing thermal pool, while the revitalising “Alpine Holistic” lifestyle programme at the Ritzenhof - Hotel & Spa am See extends to all aspects of the service. At the Hotel Puradies, the “Innere Mitte” bathing house and the various chalets and suites offering a breathtaking view help guests restore their natural balance. The family-run Forsthofalm wood hotel boasts a sky spa and rooftop pool, thus ensuring relaxation and physical activity in equal measure. And the experience of a luxury chalet in Priesteregg mountain village or the spa temple at the Krallerhof hotel is sure to stay with visitors for a long time.</div> <div>In addition to the spas, restaurants and rooms with a view on offer at the hotels, there are also a variety of special attractions in the region that help ensure long-term regeneration. Typical examples include yoga on the mountain, sunrise hikes and herbal workshops organised by the Traditional European Medicine (TEH) association.</div> <div> </div> <div>Active relaxation with the hiking pole sharing programme and “simply hiking”<br /> For particularly long-term regeneration, you have to look beyond passive relaxation and also engage in active recuperation. Hiking in the fresh, healthy mountain air is an ideal physical activity. To help counteract the hectic nature of modern life, Saalfelden Leogang now offers the “simply hiking” programme. With the aim of providing a laid-back hiking experience, a series of understated, regionally produced and practical installations have been added to local hiking trails. These inspire hikers to take a little time out, savour the landscape, find calm and focus on the here and now: for example, there are 360-degree benches on which guests enjoy a fabulous panoramic view without craning their necks. Similarly, those who try out the wrought-iron forest swings will literally feel a real sense of release as their view is directed up towards the treetops. The photo points are a particularly helpful service, with guests able to take wonderful photos at these designated sites before putting their devices away and enjoying their natural surroundings for the remainder of the hike. Another popular service is that of “hiking pole sharing”: holders placed at the start of the hiking trails contain wooden hiking poles that guests are free to borrow for the duration of their hike and hand in again when they reach the next hiking pole sharing point. “These and other services ensure long-term regeneration coupled with physical activity, giving our guests a boost when they return to everyday life,” says Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism.</div> <div> </div> <div>Health trails to activate or provide balance<br /> Head to Saalfelden Leogang to experience sustainable healthy hiking along one of the eight health trails, each of which is designed to have a different effect on the hiker - activation, regeneration or balance. The trails were developed with so-called “life fire” measurements. The trails were conceived and laid out using special devices to measure the activity of the sympathetic nervous system and the vagus nerve.</div> <div> </div> <div>Outstanding organic products for culinary sustainability<br /> Saalfelden Leogang relaxes your conscience too, not just your body and soul. Since 2007, the town of Saalfelden has been an active member of the state ‘e5’ programme, making it one of the 32 municipalities in Salzburg committed to to more energy efficiency. Saalfelden Leogang has been working on various projects particularly focused on sustainability for several years. The culinary sector plays a particularly important role: The special organic sausage and meat products from Saalfelden Leogang are exquisite. All products come directly from regional organic producers. As a whole, organic production methods are extremely popular in Saalfelden Leogang. 65 percent of agricultural operations in the region are organic farms. The ‘ECHT.GSUND.GUAD’ quality mark has been helping all buyers identify high-quality local products at a glance since 2014.</div> <div> </div> <div>Resource efficiency: from communal heating to sustainable hotels and electric vehicles<br /> The cable cars are also particularly sustainable: There are communal heating systems with neighbouring hotels and mountain huts, as well as heat recovery from cable car motors for heating the adjacent cable car company buildings. “That reduced our energy consumption by 68 percent,” says Kornel Grundner, managing director of Leoganger Bergbahnen. When building the climbing hall, the developers also focused on sustainability, fitting 130 square metres of solar collectors on the roof. Of course, there are also a number of environmentally-friendly and resource-efficient hotels in Saalfelden Leogang, with several using energy they produce themselves via their own biomass cogeneration plants, wood chip plants and composting plants. The hotels host many designated “green events”, which emphasise waste prevention, energy efficiency and environmentally friendly travel of guests to the events in question. Some hotels in the region have already been honoured for their exemplary commitment in the field of sustainability. Guests of several hotels are even able to hire electric cars to explore the area without burning fossil fuels.</div> <div> </div> <div> </div>
<div>Want to plan your summer holiday to be exactly the way you imagine? You can decide for a new activity every day! One day, for instance, you can conquer a steep trail or perhaps enjoy a leisurely tour up a rocky via ferrata. The next day you can head for a leisurely stroll on a forest path. In Saalfelden Leogang, about 70 kilometres southwest of the city of Salzburg, all this and more is possible.<br /> From rugged limestone giants to gently sloping hillside meadows, from rural to urban, from traditional to innovatively modern, you’ll find exactly what makes a summer holiday in the mountains perfect for everyone.</div> <div> </div> <div>Hiking with outdoor theatre, pole sharing and TONspur islands<br /> Rich in contrast aptly describes the offers for hikers available in Saalfelden Leogang. The paths in the valley below and the grassy hillsides offer hikers impressive panoramic views of the giant mountains that rise steeply above the lush green Alpine pastures. More sporty mountain lovers can choose between numerous high-Alpine mountain routes or long-distance hikes spanning several days. Luggage transport is even included.<br /> In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is “simply hiking” and so guests are encouraged to simply walk, enjoy nature and entertain themselves, far away from the stresses of everyday life. This is achieved with special attractions made in the region such as 360-degree wooden benches or wrought-iron swings from which you can sometimes gain rather unusual new perspectives.<br /> As a special service for guests in Saalfelden Leogang, there are so-called “pole-sharing stations" at the starting points of the hiking trails. These natural wooden walking sticks are the perfect hiking companion for guests and may be simply returned at the end of the hike.<br /> New in summer 2019 on the Asitz mountain: outdoor theatre and entertainment ‘islands’ where guests can see excerpts of special TONspur concerts.</div> <div> </div> <div>Climbing in the Steinberge mountains region<br /> Whether sport or Alpine climbing, it’s all uphill for climbing fans in Saalfelden Leogang. The Steinberge mountains region boasts the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge mountains as well as the Steinplatte mountain. Due to the popularity of the area, you’re sure to meet up with climbing professionals here.</div> <div> </div> <div>Four new trails and a new pump track - one region for all cycling fans<br /> Saalfelden Leogang has the right offers for every biking enthusiast including numerous mountain bike routes, valley bike paths, and one of the most popular bike parks in Europe!<br /> The extensive mountain-bike and trail-bike path network in Saalfelden Leogang features easy, short or difficult tours for beginners and advanced bikers. Guides from the bike school and the hoteliers of the excellent bike hotels are always happy to help guests with tour planning. At the Bikepark Leogang, one of the most renowned in Europe, beginners of all ages can practice in the so-called Riders Playground. It’s the ideal place to navigate the trails, stones and roots down the mountain.<br /> In 2019, Saalfelden Leogang will invest a total of approx. one million euros, which will enable it to significantly expand its range of biking trails. Two new routes are also on offer at the bike park: the Antonius Trail and the Steinberg Line. The latter is one of the park's most flowy and easy trails with an average gradient of nine percent and an altitude difference of just under 1,000 metres. But that’s not all: The bike park will host the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Championships for the second time from 5 - 6 September 2020. This year already, however, bike fans will get their money's worth at the World Cup from 7-9 June and at the BIKE Festival from 13-15 September.<br /> Also new in the region are the Forsthof and the Schwarzleo trails, which boast absolute riding fun and pure nature.<br /> Those who aren’t quite ready to take a demanding bike tour, or who simply want to expand their range of possibilities, will benefit from offerings at one of the largest e-bike regions in the world in Saalfelden Leogang. At numerous places, you can rent e-bikes of any class and also quickly recharge batteries, even in the mountain huts. "Nowadays all manner of people are riding e-bikes," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. "Most cyclists use the e-bike to make longer, more substantial tours during a single day.”</div> <div> </div> <div>Family holidays on the barefoot hiking trail and the Riders’ Playground<br /> What does the perfect holiday look like? Members of the family both young and old have very different ideas about the matter. In Saalfelden Leogang, however, everyone will surely get their money's worth. The Asitz mountain is a wonderful excursion destination: In Saalfelden Leogang, it is called the "mountain of the senses" because visitors to the adventure park at the middle station are whisked away into a world of seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting and feeling. Along the barefoot path on the soft ground of an Alpine pasture, smell the scent of the mountains including the many wild herbs and Alpine plants. In the forest, your sense of hearing will be sharpened as you move very quietly, concentrating on the sounds. According to the motto "Silent waters at the Asitz," relaxation loungers, panoramic terraces, a Kneipp area and a swimming platform in the Speichersee reservoir offer ample opportunity to relax and enjoy nature with your eyes wide open as well.<br /> Easier hikes lower down in the valley are suitable for parents with small children. Energetic children who have a great urge to move can let off steam on their bikes in the Riders’ Playground, or they can race down the Biberg mountain on the 1.6-km summer toboggan run.</div> <div> </div> <div>Weightless gliding with the Flying Fox XXL zip line<br /> At a length of 1,600 m and a height of up to 143 metres, the Flying Fox XXL zip line at the Asitz mountain in Leogang guarantees fun for the entire family. At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, you’ll actually experience the sensation of flying while at the same time enjoying a wonderful view.</div> <div> </div> <div>Golfing at the Steinernes Meer is rich in variety<br /> The two 18-hole courses, the Urslautal and Brandlhof, both feature breathtaking mountain scenery and transform golf into a rich experience. Both are classic championship courses and boast many interesting natural obstacles. Not far from the tees and greens there are several hotels that are perfectly suited to golfers: the Gut Brandlhof hotel, the Krallerhof, the Ritzenhof and the Puradies.</div> <div> </div> <div>Recreation and cuisine: diverse, sustainable, regional<br /> The outdoor offerings are not the only thing rich in contrast here: So too is the region’s wellness programme. For instance, Saalfelden Leogang is known for its first-class hotels and some establishments focus on sustainable recreation. Many feature regional natural materials such as wood and stone.<br /> The WaldSPA at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut, the thermal spa at the Good Life Resort Riederalm, the "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle programme at the Ritzenhof – lakeside hotel & spa, or the superlative wellness offers at the Hotel Puradies are particularly suitable for relaxation. Pure relaxation is also available in the Priesteregg mountain village with its chalets, the Holzhotel Forsthofalm, the Salzburger Hof sports and wellness hotel, the Rupertus organic hotel, the unusual and modern yet traditional mama thresl hotel, and the 4-star Krallerhof hotel.<br /> Some of these hotels emphasise sustainability and guests can hire electric cars to explore the local area. The hotels even use energy they produce from their own biomass heating plants, wood chip plants or composting plants.<br /> In Austria, having a sense of wellbeing always includes delicious, regionally sourced cuisine. In Saalfelden Leogang, local specialties include various organic-quality sausages and other meat products. The many medicinal herbs that grow on the alpine meadows are also important. Through workshops and hikes focusing on medicinal plants, visitors can learn about the healing wisdom related to these herbs, which is well known in Pinzgau and even forms part of UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sense the forest: hikes in the bright, sunny woodlands on the forest magic tour<br /> Forests have their own special charms: sometimes mystical and scary, but also kitschy beautiful and enchanting. As part of the summer adventure programme, guests can discover the forests of the region in various ways. Whether swimming in the woods, hiking in the bright, sunny woodlands or on a forest magic tour, here there is something to suit every taste.<br /> The offer „Einatmen. Wald spüren. Ausatmen.“ (inhale, sense the forest, exhale) includes seven overnight stays, the Saalfelden Leogang Card, a hiking map, hiking socks, an Alpine snack, two hikes, and a TEH (Traditional European Medicine) workshop. Overnight in a bed and breakfast from 249 euros or in a ****hotel with half board from 564 euros.</div> <div> </div> <div>Music, Art and Culture - International Jazz Festival, ALM:KULTUR and TONspuren<br /> The region's diverse cultural programme complements the many outdoor offerings. The focus of 2019 is an important anniversary: the Saalfelden International Jazz Festival will take place for the 40th time from 22 to 25 August, when jazz greats from all over the world will rock Saalfelden with more than 55 concerts. By the way, more than 30 concerts are free of charge.<br /> The “TONspuren am Asitz” festival comprises five outdoor concerts performed between June and August on the Asitz, which is affectionately known as the ‘Mountain of the Senses.’<br /> Meanwhile, something extra special takes place every Friday from the beginning of July to the end of September when hikers meet various artists and cultural aficionados. At the ALM:KULTUR mountain huts, there are concerts, fable tellings and workshops. Anyone can take part in the free-of-charge events and no registration is necessary.<br /> The Kunsthaus Nexus offers exhibitions, theatre or cabaret performances, lectures, readings, workshops and concerts all year round.<br /> The Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang has been expanded, doubling its exhibition space and allowing guests to experience the history of the region. A visit to the Leogang show mine is also exciting, as it deals with the historical ore, silver and copper mining in the region.<br /> In addition to the large nativity scene exhibition and the sacral treasures on display, the Schloss Ritzen Museum offers numerous special exhibitions.</div> <div> </div> <div>New: The Saalfelden Leogang Card<br /> Regardless of whether you prefer to be active on the mountain, to relax in the valley, to join a guided hike or to experience a change of scenery, with the new Saalfelden Leogang Card, which every guest receives at check-in at one of the partner hotels, you have absolute freedom to choose. The benefits of the card include a daily return ticket for the cable car with the Asitzbahn gondola lift in Leogang and the Saalbach Hinterglemm cable car as well as unlimited ascents and descents with the chair lift on the Biberg. Unlimited use of public transport in Pinzgau (bus and train), free entry to the Schloss Ritzen Museum and the Mining Museum in Leogang and also free entry to the Leogang/Sonnrain and Saalfelden/Obsmarkt swimming pools and the natural bathing complex at lake Ritzensee and to the Leogang sauna (leisure centre) and the Saalfelden sauna. The Saalfelden Leogang Card also features a changing kids’ programme and numerous guided hikes every week. And from the winter of 2019/20, there are many great winter offers!</div> <div> </div> <div><br /> Event highlights in summer 2019:</div> <div>7–9 June 2019 Out of Bounds Festival incl. UCI Mountainbike Downhill Worldcup</div> <div>16 June 2019 Regionalism fair</div> <div>22 June 2019 Midsummer Festival</div> <div>21 June 2019 Yoga on the mountain</div> <div>22–23 June 2019 Stoabergmarsch24 - 24 hour hike</div> <div>27 June – 15 August 2019 “TONspuren am Asitz” (on five Thursdays)</div> <div>29 June 2019 “Bergwelten Wandertag” hiking day</div> <div>5 July – 6 September 2019 ALM:KULTUR (every Friday)</div> <div>8 July – 5 August 2019 “Sommer Hoagascht” (every Monday)</div> <div>1–18 August 2019 VOLXOMMER Theatre Festival</div> <div>22–25 August 2019 40th International Jazzfestival Saalfelden</div> <div>31 August 2019 Official statewide opening of Bauernherbst farmer’s autumn</div> <div>13–15 September 2019 BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang</div>
<div>Jazzfestival Saalfelden is celebrating its anniversary, looking back on an impressive history while also building a bridge to the future with many innovations.</div> <div>It all started in the mid-70s with a handful of young music fans who were sick of having to travel all the time to see jazz concerts. They decided to simply invite the jazz musicians to Saalfelden – and founded their own jazz festival. Initially held in stables, the festival has grown to one of the most renowned of its kind in Europe over the decades in between.</div> <div> </div> <div>International acts and innovative projects<br /> The main stage in the Congress Building in the town centre and the “Short Cuts” series of concerts in Kunsthaus Nexus are the flagships and playground for the international acts that arrive from around the world at the end of August each year. The festival has an excellent reputation among adventurers and explorers, as they have been discovering new and previously unknown, innovative and unusual projects here for decades.</div> <div> </div> <div>Over 50 concerts in the town and on the surrounding mountains<br /> The festival and its surroundings were restructured for the 40th anniversary: There are new stages in the small town in the heart of the picturesque mountain landscape, which also hosts concerts. From the 30-something concerts in previous years, the programme will grow to include over 50 events from 2019 on. Artistic director Mario Steidl and production manager Daniela Neumayer have big plans. “We are creating a new festival centre on the town square with a dedicated concert stage and a young and attractive hospitality concept. It will be a simmering and sizzling space, a meeting place for young and old, for local residents and international visitors,” says Daniela Neumayer.</div> <div> </div> <div>New series of concerts and “Artists in Residence”<br /> “We spent more than one year honing the new concept. We want to give far more people than ever before the opportunity to discover music, to open themselves to unusual acts or simply to have a good time at our festival,” says artistic director Mario Steidl. “There are so many great artists whose projects need smaller and more intimate spaces. I also wanted to create a new structure to allow artists to meet one another spontaneously.” To this end, Steidl nominated two Artists in Residence, Maja Osojnik and Lukas König, who will each present multiple projects – in an old, derelict district court and in the bookbinding company of an art-loving patron. Other concerts will take place in a bookshop and in Schloss Ritzen Museum, for example. There will be a few more surprises on the surrounding Alpine pastures – such as a full day guided concert hike with Austrian musicians or a mountain bike trail with jazz concerts one day before the official start of the festival. The free concerts in Kunsthaus Nexus in the “Nexus +” series will be supplemented with additional concerts and visual art projects. An entire park in the town centre will become a green musical meeting place – with three days full of DJ sets and concerts.</div> <div> </div> <div>Sound of nature: Jazz in the surrounding Alpine pastures</div> <div>The visual highlights of the jazz festival will still take place in the Alpine pastures – Jazz, outdoors and free-of-charge, against the awesome mountain backdrop of the Steinberge mountain range. A variety of combos will play live at three mountain huts – the Huggenberg, the Stöcklalm and the Vorderkühbühelhof. All anyone hoping to experience these truly outstanding concerts has to do is simply put on their hiking boots, climb the mountain and savour the unique atmosphere and cool jazz music with a cool beer and a hearty snack.</div> <div> </div> <div>Free programme of events for jazz fans and insiders<br /> With the new concept, Saalfelden promises five great festival days, full of concerts and with a programme that will be an absolute hot spot for jazz fans and insiders. With its free programme of events in and around the town, the festival also has a unique flair filled with music throughout the entire day. Anyone who still has not had enough after countless concerts, which run until late at night anyway, can party and dance the night away at the groovy late-night concerts in Kunsthaus Nexus.</div> <div> </div> <div>First programme highlights from around the world<br /> The festival is traditionally opened by an Austrian artist commissioned to produce a project. This year, the young bassist Manu Mayr was selected, and will perform as a duo with Susanna Gartmayer. Christian Muthspiel founded the 18-strong Orjazztra Vienna for Saalfelden, and Daniel Riegler will also present a new project with Anthony Coleman. Many international artists have already signed up: Sylvie Courvoisier from the USA will present her new album with Ken Vandermark, Nate Wooley and Tom Rainey, as will saxophonist Anna Webber. France’s lively jazz scene will be presented in the form of the unusual Trio Abacaxi around guitarist Julien Deprez and the duo of Theo Ceccaldi and Roberto Negro. Scandinavia will also be represented by the energetic Mette Rasmussen, who will perform as a duo with Tashi Dori, and accordion player Frode Haltli will enchant visitors with his “Avant Folk” project. Of course, the big names in the modern jazz scene will be there: Drummer Jim Black will showcase a brand-new project in Saalfelden, and the exceptionally talented saxophonist Joshua Redman will play one of his few European concerts with Ron Miles, Scott Colley and Dave King. With all of these highlights, the 40th International Jazzfestival Saalfelden promises to be a very special one.</div> <div> </div> <div>www.jazzsaalfelden.com</div> <div><br /> The 41th Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place from 27–30 August 2020.</div> <div> </div>
