SIMPLY HIKING IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Friday, 19.05.2023

SIMPLY HIKING IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Hiking with or without luggage, climbing, walking – with lots of music and even more nature

Hiking is just wonderful. Hiking is good for you. Reinvigorate yourself by spending time in the open air, exercise and making unforgettable holiday memories. In Saalfelden Leogang, the most diverse region in the Alps, you’ll find countless hiking and running routes, such as the Pinzga‘ Hatscha long-distance trail, the Saalachtaler Höhenweg and the Saalachtal Circular – and they all treat you to magnificent views of the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. There’s so much to discover: sharpen your senses on the Asitz mountain as you take in the views from the natural cinema and explore the spectacular TONspur islands. Our little visitors are always excited about the sensory park, themed guided hikes, summer toboggan run and the Flying Fox XXL zip line in Leogang. If you are looking for a challenge, head straight to our thrilling climbing routes and via ferratas for all levels.

 

"Simply Hiking:” featuring pole sharing, forest swings and nature in abundance  
In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is "Simply Hiking”. It’s a straightforward, no-frills concept: exercise in the fresh air is all you need. "We want to avoid distractions and focus on what matters," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. "We want to encourage our guests to just start walking, to enjoy nature and to have fun. The focus is on hiking, pure and simple, as well as the ability to switch off from the concerns of everyday life." The health benefits of hiking have been documented in countless studies. 
For a relaxing time out in nature, the region’s practical infrastructure provides comfortable opportunities to rest along the way. They are part of our “Simply Hiking” concept. Like the 360-degree wooden benches made by local craftsmen or the wrought-iron forest swings. While relaxing on the swing and listening to the sounds of the forest, hikers can gaze up into the treetops and the sky. After taking a break, simply continue hiking once your batteries are refreshed.
We also recommend our pole-sharing system: the pole-sharing stations all over Saalfelden Leogang allow you to borrow natural wooden hiking poles at the trailhead of each route. And then returned to the designated holders provided at the end of the hike. For those keen to head out with their very own hiking pole, they are also available for purchase at the Saalfelden Leogang tourism association. 

 

Hike the contrasts: the new Pinzga‘ Hatscha trail 
The new long-distance hiking trail Pinzga’ Hatscha is a truly unique route through the beautiful Pinzgau. Spanning 393 kilometres across 15 long sections, it is one of the most attractive trails of its kind. The circular route leads you from Lofer across the Steinernes Meer plateau to Maria Alm, then to Maishofen towards Saalbach and Leogang before you cross the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range back to Lofer. 

 

Hike without luggage: the Saalachtaler Höhenweg and Saalachtal Circular. 
Hiking Saalfelden Leogang is not just straightforward, it can also be made especially comfortable. Normally, long-distance hiking takes quite a bit of gear, and you end up weighed down by a big, heavy backpack. That’s why we have launched the handy “Hiking without luggage” service in Saalfelden Leogang. Hikers can set off with just a light daypack, while the larger piece of luggage is already transported ahead to the next stage location in the meantime.
You can take advantage of this service on the Saalachtaler Höhenweg trail and the Saalachtal Circular. The scenic Saalachtaler Höhenweg trail can be hiked within five days. To make life even easier, there’s a special hiking package available: Six nights, including luggage transfer, a hiking map and a hiking equipment kit (consisting of hiking pin, hiking pole, and hiking socks). Hikers also receive a ticket for the cable car in Hinterglemm and one for the ride back to the valley using the Biberg summer toboggan run. This fantastic offer is available from 703 EUR per person. The Saalachtal Circular between Saalfelden, Maishofen and Maria Alm can be explored within three or six days. Once again, we’ve put together a great package deal for hikers wishing to complete the Circular this summer: it includes seven nights’ stays in your preferred category plus luggage transfer and hiking gear. This offer is bookable from 564 EUR per person. A ticket for the journey up the mountain with the Huggenberg chairlift is also included. The respective offers are bookable from the beginning of June until the end of September by visiting: https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/hiking/hiking-without-luggage    

 

Via ferratas, climbing gyms and outstanding climbing in the Steinberge region   
The most diverse environment in the Alps is known for its first-class climbing. The Saalfelden Leogang holiday region features over 1,000 climbing routes and Alpine multi-pitches for beginners, advanced and experienced climbers. 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. As well as all these routes, you’ll have access to five climbing gyms and twelve via ferratas. 
The indoor options are especially popular on a rainy day. At the "Felsenfest" climbing gym, one of the most modern and largest climbing halls in Austria, Alpine climbers can hone their skills in the 1,700 square metre climbing area. The somewhat smaller and more laid-back Alpenverein climbing gym Leogang features a 50m2 bouldering room. Varied family climbing programmes are available from June to November as part of the 365 Days Active & Creative programme. A summer climbing tour can be combined with a stop at a traditional Alpine mountain inn. Regional delicacies await in the Passauerhütte, Riemannhaus and Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte mountain huts, among others. 

 

Nature cinema and TONspur-Islands: 365 days of music in nature
"Sit down, relax and take a break from everyday life." The nature cinema on the Sonnkogel is a perfect spot to slow down and take a deep breath. This viewpoint area boasts long-ranging scenic views. You can take in the impressive vista of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range and the Steinernes Meer plateau from loungers and hammocks. Hikers can reach it via the Asitzbahn or Steinbergbahn gondola lifts, or via Leos Spielewanderweg and the Grosser Asitz mountain.
Another attraction: the five TONspur islands. They constitute an archive of recordings from the previous year’s Tonspur concerts, an annual series of concerts held on the Asitz in summer. Four of the five islands were specifically placed to face each cardinal direction. The fifth island is located in a quiet place in the middle of the forest. Put your feet up and lean back on a wooden lounger, then immerse yourself in the music from the sound system. The loungers are on rails, so they can be pulled out of the covered station when the sun is out; in bad weather, the canopy protects you from the rain. In 2020 the TONspur-Islands were even awarded the MAECENAS Austrian Art Sponsorship Prize. 

 

A truly varied family trip: sensory park and Peaceful Waters on Asitz 
The Asitz has a well-deserved nickname: the Mountain of Senses. It is also home to a sensory park featuring 30 adventure stations, making it ideal for an adventurous outing with the whole family. At the middle station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen, immerse yourself in this world of senses. Here, sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch are put to the test. Feel the soft grass of the mountain pasture between your toes on the barefoot trail. Immerse yourself in the sounds of the forest and take in the scent of its many wild herbs and Alpine plants. At the sensory park, children can try their hands at many creative activities, from baking flatbread to painting, crafting and designing their own T-shirt. Leos Spielewanderweg is a children’s trail designed to inspire a new generation of passionate hikers: it starts at the Asitzbahn mountain station and leads you all the way to the nature cinema. Along the way, there are many exciting stops where the kids can climb, balance and burn off some energy. Quiz and puzzle enthusiasts get to solve some tricky questions along the way. 
To relax after a long day out (or just all day long), the “Peaceful Waters” area on the Asitz features lounging chairs, panoramic terraces, Kneipp area and a floating platform in the Speichersee reservoir – sit back and enjoy the view. 

 

Action in the mountains: summer tobogganing and Flying Fox XXL zip line 
In Saalfelden Leogang, there are two summer toboggan runs that provide plenty of action. The 1.6-kilometre summer toboggan run on Saalfelden's Biberg mountain includes varied curves, jumps and a phenomenal view of the Saalfelden basin. LeoKlang is a summer toboggan run on the Asitz, located at an altitude of 1,800 metres. From the mountain station, descend about 400 metres downhill. And for adrenaline junkies, one of the longest and fastest steel rope slides in the world awaits: the Flying Fox XXL At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, float seemingly weightlessly through the air head first for 1,600 metres. The Alpaca Trekking Tours on which you can explore the area with the shaggy animals is a laid-back excursion tip for families.  

 

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.

 

Child-friendly hikes: explore treasures of nature with your tiny ones (including pram-friendly trails) 
Hiking is a great adventure for little kids. The Saalfelden Leogang holiday region features several hiking routes and paths that are also suitable for families with prams and small children. The not-too steep hike to the Sinnlehenalm mountain hut, for example, at an altitude of 950 metres, is easy to tackle with little effort. Once up top, enjoy a hearty Alpine snack and a magnificent view over Leogang and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. Hiking tours over gentle slopes, through forests and meadows and along streams are ideal for toddlers keen to fulfil their urges to move and discover. The Trebesinerweg trail and the routes leading to the Örgenbauernalm and Steinalm pastures are especially family-friendly. 

 

A highly varied network of running trails
If you’d rather tackle our region at a faster pace, Saalfelden Leogang certainly has the right running trail for you. There are more than 20 trail-running routes to choose from, ranging from short sprints to long-distance efforts at various altitudes. In 2023, our trail-running network will expand further, and runners can look forward to brand-new routes with stunning views. Perfect conditions for endurance athletes! Saalfelden Leogang also offers two fitness obstacle courses to complement the running trails.