TWO WHEELING THROUGH SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Friday, 19.05.2023

TWO WHEELING THROUGH SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

It’s the journey, not (just) the destination – leisure cycling, mountain biking and e-bike tours

Mountain bikers, downhill experts, gravel riders, leisure cyclists and e-biking fans – Saalfelden Leogang is the perfect destination for anyone looking for an unforgettable holiday on two wheels. The most diverse environment in the Alps has the right trail for everyone. Short and long routes and trails at the heart of nature guide you through our incomparable landscapes. And there’s also the Epic Bikepark Leogang. As one of Europe’s most renowned bike parks, it offers endless fun for beginners, intermediate cyclists and experts alike. Along with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, Saalfelden Leogang is the largest bike region in Austria – with more than 90 kilometres of lines and trails, nine cable cars and seven mountains. And all you need to explore it is a single bike ticket.


 
Bike season 2023: a packed programme 
A holiday on your bike? Head straight to Saalfelden Leogang. Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism, tells you why: “As a bike region full of variety, we want to attract beginners of all ages as well as professional bikers and encourage them to explore our area on two wheels.” 
No matter if you’re getting in the saddle yourself or staying on the sidelines to watch the action, the event calendar of the 2023 bike season is crammed full of good stuff. The Epic Bikepark Leogang will be hosting the UCI Mountain Bike World Series (for the first time held as a super-event with four disciplines) and the BIKE Festival. 

 

Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria’s largest bike region 
Together, Saalfelden Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn form Austria’s largest bike region. Cycling enthusiasts can explore more than 90 kilometres of lines and trails plus nine cable cars across seven mountains – and all it takes is a single ticket. Thanks to the cable cars, the lines and trails of the Epic Bike Park Leogang are within easy reach. They are open between 12 May and 5 November 2023. Boasting easy, short and difficult bike routes, the extensive route network is perfectly suitable for beginners, the advanced and professionals. The natural single trails outside the Bikepark Leogang are open from April – pedal your way up and enjoy the downhill cruise.  
For gravel bikers, the Saalfelden Leogang region has proven itself to be an absolute experience. From tours and quick off-road rounds on gravel trails and forest paths to leisurely exploration trips: All around Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn there is an extensive Alpine touring network promising all kinds of adventures for gravel bikers. If you prefer a relaxing ride, rent an e-bike in Saalfelden Leogang and discover the area at your own pace. Make sure you treat yourself to well-deserved breaks at some of the many local farm shops serving tasty treats from the Pinzgau region.

 

THE CHALLENGE – Bike your limit: experience Austria’s largest bike region in a single day 
From June to October 2023, you’ll get a chance to test your limits during THE CHALLENGE: burning calves and fantastic memories guaranteed. The goal: conquer seven mountains, using seven cable cars, in a single day. You will cover the entire area around Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn – all it takes is one ticket. Anyone who succeeds at THE CHALLENGE gets a reward at the valley station and automatically participates in our holiday prize draw.

 

Sustainable trail-building and an insider tip: gravel biking
With its enormous network of trails, Saalfelden Leogang offers endless options to bikers. Each trail was developed according to the principles of sustainable trail-building. The recently opened Knappentrail, a natural single trail, was made entirely by hand from materials found in nature. It is characterised by many untouched sections, wooden constructions, North Shores and lots of playful elements. Three proven single trails complement the bike region’s versatile trail network. The two-kilometre Forsthof Trail crosses several streams and passes by high rocky outcroppings. The 1.8-kilometre Schwarzleo Trail extends through a picturesque mixed forest landscape and boasts North Shore elements in addition to technical hairpin turns and flowy sections. Another natural trail, the Matzalm Trail, spans 3.5 kilometres and offers hairpin bends, root-covered sections and stretches of rock. From September, we will welcome another addition to our network as the new AlteSchmiede trail opens. It boasts flowy turns, North Shores and easy technical passages along 3.5 kilometres. The new single trail will offer loads of fun for cyclists of all ages. 

 

Epic Bikepark Leogang: an attractive network of trails, the Bagjump landing bag and the Worldchamps pump track
The Epic Bikepark Leogang, one of Europe’s most renowned of its kind, has been open for more than 20 years. It is the heart and soul of our bike region. Suitable for riders of any level, it is open from 12 May to 5 November 2023. For beginners of all ages, the best place to train is the Riders Playground at the valley station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company. Spanning 10,000 square metres, this is the perfect place to get your kicks! Here, beginners and children learn the correct technique and how best to corner and overcome small obstacles before moving on to more challenging trails in the bike park. In addition, there are two conveyor belts in the Riders Playground, 45 and 66 metres long respectively, which allow easier access to the mountain bike routes. If you’ve already got a bit of experience under your belt, take the 500-metre surface lift to the trailhead of the Greenhorn Trail, a freeride course of 800 metres. Seasoned cyclists can attempt the World Cup downhill trail “Vali’s Hölle”, named after the local downhill legend Vali Höll, and the Hangman I and II lines for guaranteed thrills. The paved Worldchamps pump track optimises the interplay of arms and legs and you gradually gain routine with the bike. The GoPro Bagjump landing bag, an air cushion that ensures an even safer landing after an action-packed bike jump, offers experienced bikers in particular the opportunity to learn new tricks and get a better feel of the bike in the air. There’s also the Hot-Shots-fired by GoPro jump line, which offers loads of fun and air time, and many other lines. 

 

The Online Bikebonus – from summer 2023
In the summer of 2023, we will introduce dynamic bike ticket prices. The best rates will be available with the new Online Bikebonus: book your day ticket or multi-day ticket up to four days before you enter Austria’s largest bike region to secure a juicy discount! Prices at the cable car ticket offices are always fixed.

 

„Keep the Epic Bikepark clean“: environmental awareness and sustainability on the trails 
Biking enjoyment also includes a respectful approach to nature. At the Bikepark Leogang, our motto is "Keep the Epic Bikepark clean." Last year, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company launched a waste separation concept from the valleys up to the summits. Since the past summer, the cycling community has organised monthly ‘Clean the Trail’ days to highlight the issue and trawl all trails after hours. Another waste reduction measure in the mountains is the Bikepark’s campaign ‘Roll off, don’t tear off’.
Tear-Off systems harm the environment and are not allowed. This refers to tear-off films that remove the top, dirty layer from the lenses of the goggles. As an incentive, if you buy a ticket in rainy weather, you’ll receive a replacement roll-off system and a 20% voucher at Sport Mitterer for 100% roll-off goggles.

 

UCI Mountain Bike World Series and BIKE Festival 
The Bikepark Leogang has hosted Downhill World Cups for more than ten years, and our visitors can look forward to many thrilling events again in the coming season. From 15 to 18 June 2023, the Mountain Bike World Cup will be held in Saalfelden Leogang once again – this year, it will be a super-event for the first time ever. Besides downhill and cross-country World Cup races (Cross-Country Olympic & Short Track), the athletes of the Enduro World Series (EWS) will be competing in Saalfelden Leogang and Saalbach Hinterglemm. There will also be a supporting programme packed full of exciting events, such as signing sessions, a large expo area, parties and loads more. 
The broadcasting station will celebrate a first, too: the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) has brought Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) on board as a strong partner for the World Series.
From 15 to 17 September 2023, visitors to the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang can inform themselves about the latest innovations in the bike scene and test the latest bikes and accessories. There is also a varied workshop and tour programme featuring many celebrities from the biking scene. Admission is free.

 

Culinary e-bike tour: combine a leisurely ride with regional delicacies 
E-bikes have become incredibly popular over the past years. With a full battery, it is possible to cycle for around 140 kilometres – even uphill and on extreme gradients. In Saalfelden Leogang, numerous routes invite you to make the most of an extended e-bike tour. E-bike batteries can be exchanged or recharged at countless charging stations in partner hotels, sports shops or even at the mountain huts. 
For a real treat, we recommend our culinary e-bike tour. The route starts at the Asitz valley station in Leogang and leads along the cycle path through the centre of Leogang and Saalfelden and then via Breitenbergham and Uttenhofen back to Leogang. The route is well suited for both e-bike professionals and beginners. During the 2.5 hours spent on the trail, you will dismount at many enjoyable rests stops. For example, there is a farm shop in a lovingly converted horse stable, a self-pick-up station for organic vegetables and a distillery that also produces gin and vodka, just to name a few! For a refreshing dip, it's best to jump into the Ritzensee lake. You can do the e-bike leisure tour independently or book a guide in advance – rest stops included.

 

Action packed road bike tours in Saalfelden Leogang and to the Grossglockner mountain 
Austria’s largest bike region has the right route for any road biker: The Kaiser tour to the Grossglockner mountain is an extra special experience. At an altitude of 3,798 metres it is Austria’s highest mountain. Road cyclists must surmount 80 kilometres and 2,035 metres of elevation gain on this route to reach the Kaiser Franz-Josef-Höhe cul-de-sac and lookout point. Those who make the ascent will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the legendary king of the high Alps. 

 

Bike school and rental for the perfect day in the saddle 
If you want to fine-tune your cycling technique, a guide is what you need. The Elements bike school offers MTB instructors with many years of experience, plus a wide selection of bike camps. 
From protective clothing to bikes, the right equipment is available for purchase or hire at the Sport Mitterer, Sport 2000 Simon, Bikepalast Saalfelden, Shop & Suspension Factory and the Bikepoint sports shops. 

 

Excellent bike hotels for a well-organised bike trip 
In the most diverse environment in the Alps, you can combine your adrenaline-fuelled biking holiday with suitable accommodation specially tailored towards cyclists. The Saalfelden Leogang region boasts specialised bike hotels with extensive related services. Such services include lockable bike storage rooms, loaner tools or, for example, laundry service for dirty cycling clothes. 
Many hotel owners are themselves enthusiastic cyclists that are always ready for advice on interesting routes and many even join guests on tours. As a bike holidaymaker, you can choose from a huge range of bike hotels in Saalfelden Leogang. The Hotel Bacher, the Lebe Frei Hotel Der Löwe, the Naturhotel Forsthofgut, the Hotel mama thresl, the Good Life Resort Riederalm, the Ritzenhof lakeside hotel and spa, the organic Hotel Rupertus, the Hotel Salzburgerhof, the Hotel Stockinggut, the Hotel Puradies and the Hotel Krallerhof are ideally suited for a cycling stay in the region.