SIMPLY HIKING IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Saalfelden Leogang, the most contrasting region in the Alps, is perfect for exploring on foot: with wide views across the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range, or during encounters with charming marmots. The picturesque holiday destinations in SalzburgerLand are connected by an extensive network of hiking and running trails, including long-distance routes such as the “Pinzga’ Hatscha”, the Saalachtal High Trail and the Saalachtal Circular Trail. Along the way, there are many rewarding stops for hikers, including the impressive TONspur islands, the Senses Park, summer toboggan runs and the Flying Fox XXL.

 

New Steinalm reopening

The Steinalm is one of the most beautiful excursion destinations in Saalfelden. Located on the Steinernes Meer plateau, the hut offers stunning panoramic views. Following an extensive redevelopment, the alpine hut will reopen this summer with a fresh look and a new terrace. The hike up to the Steinalm is one of the most popular family-friendly tours in the region. Homemade regional specialities provide the perfect refreshment, while younger visitors can enjoy a petting zoo.

 

“Simply hiking”: pole sharing, pram-friendly routes and hut stays

In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is “Simply hiking”. No unnecessary extras – just heading out into nature. “Nothing should distract from what really matters,” says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. “We want to encourage our guests to simply walk, enjoy nature and connect with each other. Switching off from everyday life and experiencing hiking in its purest form should be at the centre.” For short breaks along the way, subtle, locally produced installations invite visitors to pause – such as 360-degree wooden benches and handcrafted wrought-iron forest swings. A special feature is the “pole sharing” system: at selected trailheads, hikers can borrow wooden walking sticks from dedicated sharing stations and simply return them at the end of their hike.

Hiking with children is also very accessible in the region. Several routes are suitable for families with young children and prams. One example is the gentle hike to the managed Sinnlehenalm at 950 metres above sea level. Around lake Ritzensee, a new agricultural themed trail provides insights into farming through informative displays.

For those looking to add a special experience to their hike in the Steinernes Meer plateau or the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range, an overnight stay in a mountain hut is highly recommended – for example at the Passauer Hütte, the Peter Wiechenthaler Hütte or the Riemannhaus.

Another highlight is the “Nature & Climate in Transition” hike to Central Europe’s lowest glacier – a climate-focused tour that illustrates visible changes in nature, encourages discussion and also conveys a sense of hope.

 

Forest bathing on the Asitz

On this trail, hikers immerse themselves in the forest: forest bathing – or Shinrin Yoku, as it is known in Japan – focuses on relaxation, slowing down and temporarily disconnecting from everyday stress through nature.

The “Forest Bathing on the Asitz” trail covers 8.2 kilometres and features 14 stations along the way, including viewpoints, relaxation areas, nature swings, a yoga space and a treetop bed. Forest bathing is all about engaging the senses – seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and even tasting the forest. This is mindful hiking at its finest.

Since last summer, visitors can also experience “Your time out on the Mountain of the Senses” – mindful hiking with Shinrin Yoku elements. Every Thursday in July, August and September, Maria Leutgeb – initiator of the “Forest Bathing on the Asitz” project, certified hiking guide and Shinrin Yoku expert – leads a guided mindfulness day on the Mountain of the Senses.

 

Earn badges with the hiking challenge

As if hiking itself were not rewarding enough, in Saalfelden Leogang dedicated explorers can also earn a badge – a hiking pin in gold, silver or bronze. There are various levels of difficulty and route lengths, suitable for both experienced mountaineers and leisurely hikers. The tours range from Leo’s Adventure Trail to the more demanding ascent to the Sommerstein. The hiking pass is available at the local tourist offices or conveniently in digital form via the SummitLynx app.

 

Hiking without luggage: multi-day tours on the Saalachtal High Trail and Circular Trail

Those planning longer hikes in Saalfelden Leogang do not have to carry heavy backpacks. The reason: the “hiking without luggage” service. Hikers travel with only a light daypack, while their main luggage is transported to the next stage destination. This service is available for both the Saalachtal High Trail and the Saalachtal Circular Trail. For these routes, comprehensive hiking packages can be booked, including six or seven overnight stays, luggage transfer, hiking maps and equipment such as a hiking badge, wooden walking stick and hiking socks. On the Saalachtal High Trail, hikers also receive a ticket for the cable cars in Hinterglemm and a downhill ride on the summer toboggan run at the Biberg. Packages start from €792 per person. A comparable package for the Saalachtal Circular Trail is available from €804 per person (including a lift ticket for the Huggenberg chairlift). For those with less time, the “Saalachtal Circular Trail Short” offers a compact alternative with four overnight stays from €486 per person.

Offers can be booked at: https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/hiking/hiking-without-luggage

 

Unique climbing experiences in the Steinberge mountain sports region

The name alone – Steinberge – promises pure climbing enjoyment: more than 1,000 climbing routes and alpine multi-pitch tours for beginners, advanced climbers and experienced mountaineers await in the Steinberge mountain sports region, which includes Saalfelden Leogang, the PillerseeTal and the Salzburger Saalachtal. One of the longest climbing routes in the Northern Limestone Alps is the “Pinzgawurm”, featuring 45 pitches. In addition, there are five climbing halls and twelve via ferratas. Climbing halls in particular offer a great alternative in bad weather conditions. At the “Felsenfest” climbing hall, alpine climbers can test their skills on a 1,700 m² climbing area – making it one of the most modern and largest climbing halls in Austria. The smaller Austrian Alpine Club climbing hall in Leogang offers a 50 m² bouldering area. From May to October, the “365 Days Active & Creative” programme also includes a variety of climbing activities – including options for families. After an intensive climbing day, a culinary reward is a must: traditional alpine huts such as the Passauer Hütte, the Riemannhaus and the Peter Wiechenthaler Hütte serve regional specialities.

 

Cinema of Nature and TONspur islands: relax, take in the view and enjoy music

The natural surroundings of Saalfelden Leogang offer countless visual and acoustic highlights. Two particularly special places stand out, combining impressive scenery with unique experiences.

One is the Cinema of Nature at Sonnkogel (Asitz), featuring several panoramic platforms. Here, hikers and visitors can relax on lounging islands or in hammocks while enjoying the breathtaking views of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range and the Steinernes Meer plateau. The Cinema of Nature can be reached via the Asitz cable cars, the Steinberg cable cars, Leo’s Adventure Trail or a hike up the Großer Asitz.

Another highlight for the ears are the five TONspur islands. These stations function as a sound archive, playing recordings from the previous year’s TONspuren concerts – an annual summer concert series on the Asitz. Visitors can relax on wooden loungers and enjoy the music through an integrated sound system. Even in rainy weather, the experience continues: the loungers are mounted on rails and can be moved into a covered area if needed.

In 2020, the TONspur islands were awarded the Austrian Arts Sponsorship Prize MAECENAS.

 

Family fun on the Asitz: “Senses Park” and “Peaceful Water” – continuous operation of the cable cars

The Asitz is also known as the “Mountain of the Senses”. At the Senses Park, located at the mid-station of the Asitz cable cars, visitors can see, hear, taste, smell and feel at 30 interactive stations. The Asitz is an ideal destination for a family outing. What to expect: walking barefoot across soft alpine meadows, listening to the sounds of the forest or enjoying the scent of wild herbs and alpine plants. At the Senses Park, children can get creative – baking flatbread, painting, crafting or designing their own T-shirts. Young visitors will also enjoy Leo’s Adventure Trail, where numerous stations along the route invite them to solve puzzles, climb, balance and play. For relaxation, the “Peaceful Water” area on the Asitz offers loungers, viewing terraces, a Kneipp facility and a floating platform on the reservoir. And the best part: the region remains full of possibilities in autumn. The Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company operates continuously until the start of the ski season, allowing visitors to enjoy the colourful season in all its beauty. Tip: With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, which guests automatically receive at check-in in partner accommodations, a wide range of experiences is included throughout the year. Numerous nature, sports and cultural offers can be combined with this card. From May until the start of the ski season, for example, guests can enjoy two daily ascents and descents (including bike transport until 8 November) with the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company. Admission to museums, swimming pools and much more is also included.

 

For an adrenaline rush: summer tobogganing and Flying Fox XXL

Things get fast-paced in Saalfelden Leogang, especially on the two summer toboggan runs. At the Biberg in Saalfelden, the track stretches over 1.6 kilometres and features curves, jumps and impressive views of the Saalfelden town. The second run, “Leo’s Sound Toboggan Run”, is located at 1,800 metres on the Asitz and even accompanies riders with music. Adrenaline seekers should not miss one of the longest and fastest steel zip lines in the world: the Flying Fox XXL, starting at the Stöcklalm in Leogang. At speeds of up to 130 km/h, riders descend headfirst over a distance of 1,600 metres.

 

New activity park at lake Ritzensee

Those looking to warm up before a hike can do so at the new activity park at lake Ritzensee. Since November, ten stations have been available to improve strength and motor skills. The park is suitable for all age groups and promotes mobility, strength and coordination.

 

Trail running: diverse routes for runners

The sports region Saalfelden Leogang is also well positioned for trail running. A wide selection of routes is available, ranging from short to long distances and varying elevation gains. In addition, a fitness course in Saalfelden provides the perfect complement to running training sessions.

 

365 Days Active & Creative: the perfect way to discover the region – new reforestation project

The diversity of Saalfelden Leogang is most evident in its natural surroundings. The “365 Days Active & Creative” programme offers numerous ways to explore the region. The extensive programme includes guided themed hikes such as the “Nature & Climate in Transition” hike to Central Europe’s lowest glacier, educational herbal walks, alpaca trekking tours, Nordic walking and cultural events. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, many offers and activities from the year-round programme are included or available at a reduced rate. New this summer: for the first time, guests and locals can actively participate in reforestation projects directly in the region.

 

NEW: Bike & Hike Xpress between Fieberbrunn and Leogang

From 11 July to 30 August 2026, the new “Bike & Hike Xpress” bus will connect the Fieberbrunn cable cars and the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company for the first time. Whether for bikers switching between the trails in Fieberbrunn and the EPIC Bikepark Leogang, taking on the popular “The Challenge” route in Austria’s largest bike region, hikers exploring routes around the Asitz in Leogang and the Wildseeloder area in Fieberbrunn, or families discovering the Mountain of Senses and Timok’s Wild World, the new Xpress creates an attractive connection for everyone.