Saalfelden Leogang: Secret Season extends autumn

Forget grey November: in Saalfelden Leogang, the month of November becomes Secret Season – golden, perhaps already dusted with snow, cosy and, if you fancy it, ice-cold. Visitors can enjoy long hikes through nature, relaxing moments in some of the region’s finest hotel spas and delicious local cuisine. The action-packed Epic Bikepark Leogang also keeps its lines and trails open until 8 November.

 

Experience autumn on the Asitz: hiking and biking well into November

Whether it’s the Flying Fox XXL, the Nature Cinema, a biking adventure or a leisurely hike, the Asitz mountain showcases autumn at its finest – and for longer than usual. Thanks to the continuous operation of the Leoganger Bergbahnen lifts, the “Mountain of Senses” remains easily accessible to hikers throughout autumn. Until 26 October, the Asitzbahn takes guests comfortably into the mountains; afterwards, the Steinbergbahn takes over with continuous operation – right through to the start of the ski season. Important to note: with the Saalfelden Leogang Card, guests receive two complimentary mountain lift rides up and down per day.

This means that until the end of October, visitors can soar down into the valley on the Flying Fox XXL, explore the Sinne Park and immerse themselves in the forest during a forest bathing experience. The Nature Cinema, the atmospheric TONspur Islands and mountain hiking remain available until the start of winter and throughout November – perhaps even with the first footsteps in the snow. The Epic Bikepark Leogang remains open for riding until 8 November. The bike autumn kicks off with the popular Bike Festival Saalfelden Leogang, taking place from 2 to 4 October.

 

Pinzgau specialities at Alte Schmiede, while hendl fischerei opens with a party

Saalfelden Leogang’s reputation as a destination for food lovers is reflected in its 19 Gault&Millau toques across seven restaurants, as well as two Michelin stars, highlighting the region’s outstanding culinary quality. But you don’t have to visit an award-winning restaurant to enjoy great food: Pinzgau cuisine is hearty, flavoursome and rooted in local tradition. Hosts at the region’s many mountain huts, inns and restaurants are passionate about preserving these culinary traditions. Typical Pinzgau specialities include Pinzgauer Kasnockn, a hearty cheese dumpling dish, and Bauernkrapfen, a traditional farmer’s doughnut.

During Secret Season, the Asitz also serves up plenty of culinary delights. Directly next to the top station of the Leoganger Asitzbahn, at 1,760 metres above sea level, the museum restaurant Alte Schmiede serves oven-baked potatoes from its traditional potato oven, blacksmith-style ribs, wood-fired pizzas and hearty mountain hut menus. On 28 November, the cult mama thresl Mountain Club “hendl fischerei” will also open its doors. The season kicks off with the White Pearl Mountain Days Pre-Party.

 

Preparing for winter – longevity, cryotherapy and yoga

Secret Season in Saalfelden Leogang is about more than beautiful landscapes and good food. It is also the perfect opportunity to recharge body and mind. The region’s many beautiful hotel spas offer a wide range of longevity, biohacking and cryotherapy experiences.

Cryotherapy is available in the cryo chamber at the waldSPA at Naturhotel Forsthofgut, where guests can also make use of recovery boots, hypoxia training and Onsen rituals. At Ritzenhof – Hotel & Spa am See, invigorating ice-bathing retreats are on offer. Meanwhile, the Holzhotel Forsthofalm and mama thresl offer special yoga sessions. A host of cosy saunas and soothing wellness treatments provide plenty of opportunities to unwind.

Other Secret Season hotels include the Eco Premium Bergdorf Priesteregg, which offers a unique ballooning experience, and Hotel Salzburgerhof, where Schmankerlzeit celebrates the season with a range of culinary highlights. Golf enthusiasts are also well catered for at Hotel Gut Brandlhof.