Kicking off with the UCI Mountain Bike Enduro World Cup before the Cross-country and Downhill pros do battle for UCI World Cup points, Austria's biggest bike region will once again transform itself into a mountain bike festival par excellence. High time to look at what's on offer in the region around the Epic Bikepark Leogang during the super event from 15 to 18 June. Just like last year, the organizers are paying great attention to making the journey to the UCI World Cup resource-efficient and the event itself as sustainable as possible. Competitions & tracks This year, it will be the enduro riders who kick off the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, already celebrating the fourth of seven stops within their newly created format. Starting in the Epic Bikepark Leogang in the morning, several stages will lead the riders over to Saalbach Hinterglemm and back for the grand finale that takes place in the Epic Bikepark. On Friday evening, the Cross-country elite joins the competition for UCI World Cup points during the Cross-country Short Track (XCC) race, while also determining the starting grid for the Cross-country Olympic (XCO) competition two days later. After a day to recover, the endurance specialists will return on Sunday for the grand finale, the XCO Elite race, which will be held over several laps on the 3.6-kilometer-long racetrack at the foot of the Asitzbahn cable car station. The Downhill elite are already challenged to give their best on the “Speedster” on Saturday. The steep and rough track combines demanding rock gardens and root sections with switchback turns and massive jumps. Riders can reach speeds of up to 65 km/h. The famous gap jump in the "Vali's Hölle" section is a much respected challenge for all riders. For the exact schedule of the races, click here. Festival feeling, team & expo area, side events Almost as spectacular as the UCI World Cup races themselves is the Saalfelden Leogang festival area with numerous side events. Heading into the weekend on Friday morning, the UCI World Cup brunch with a DJ will set the mood with great food and a party atmosphere, before celebration continues with the Welcome Party, UCI World Cup BBQs, Warm-up and After party. In between, Flying Bulls pilot Dario Costa will provide another highlight with his flight show, while you can get quite close to your favorite riders at the Signing Session by FOX. There is even more to experience for the expected 20,000 visitors in the packed Team & Expo Area. This is where most of UCI World Cup life takes place away from the races, and visitors can get close and personal with the teams while peeking over the shoulders of the pros and mechanics at work. In addition, numerous well-known exhibitors present the latest and most exciting innovations in the mountain bike world - from bikes and parts to protection and clothing. Travel and sustainability As organizers of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup, the Saalfelden Leogang region and the Epic Bikepark strive to keep the ecological footprint of this major event as small as possible, with an emphasis on the support of UCI World Cup spectators. The easiest way to make your contribution is certainly by using public transport to get there and back. Saalfelden Leogang can be easily reached via the railway junctions of Salzburg, Innsbruck, Munich and Klagenfurt. Local public transport and extra shuttles can be used free of charge. In addition, the admission tickets for the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Leogang from 16 to 18 June 2023 are automatically valid as a ticket for almost all public transport in the province of Salzburg. Arriving by train is not only good for the environment, but also for your wallet. Furthermore, Saalfelden Leogang places great importance on the correct separation of waste using the waste islands provided and also on the use of the reusable cups provided on the festival site. Obviously, visitors should also take everything back home that they brought to the UCI World Cup or dispose of it correctly. Consuming seasonal and regional food is not only an easy way to make your contribution at home, but also in Saalfelden Leogang. Products from the region are marked with the green seal of quality "Echt.Gsund.Guad". All information on how you can help to make the UCI World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang as sustainable as possible can be found here. Tickets for this world-class bike weekend are available online and as we know from experience, are highly sought-after. It is worth being quick! For more information on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang, visit www.mtb-weltcup.at. All those who cannot attend the double UCI World Cup in person, can follow the final race live on different channels. More information on where to watch which race is available here.
The UCI Mountain Bike World Series will take place in Salzburg from 15 to 18 June. The domestic bike elite with Hell, Stigger, Kolb and co. are hot on the “superevent” and promise a lot. In Saalfelden Leogang, an unprecedented bike event is approaching. For the first time, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series will feature the women’s downhill and cross country athletes as well as the Enduro and E-Enduro riders. A World Cup of superlatives with over 20,000 spectators is guaranteed: impressive atmosphere, spectacular sports and unique natural scenery. Of course, the Austrian athletes - among them Laura Stigger - are also looking forward to the home game. The Tyrolean cross-country rider recently celebrated a brilliant start to the 2023 season with her first World Cup victory in the short track. It is no surprise, then, that the 22-year-old is counting down a lot for the home World Cup – not least because she has already finished on the podium twice in Leogang in the last two years. Local cross-country riders Stigger and Mitterwallner chase the competition For the Tyrolean and her compatriot Mona Mitterwallner, the World Cup starts on Friday 16 June in front of a home crowd for the first time. At 5.30 p.m., the women's UCI Short Track World Cup (XCC) will start free. At 18.15, the men will start the race. The results of the competition on the shortened course will also determine the starting line-up for the Olympic Cross Country Race (XCO), which takes place on Sunday, June 18. The women start at 1pm, the men follow at 3.30pm. With a length of 3.6 kilometres and a height difference of 210 metres, the track at the foot of the Asitz demands everything from the athletes again this year. Thursday Enduro – Saturday Downhill: Full programme on the competition calendar The downhill competition on the legendary “Speedster” track at the Epic Bikepark Leogang brings down the curtain on the final races on Saturday, June 17. The start for the women with local matador and overall World Cup winner Vali Héll is at 1 pm, the men, around the successful Styrian Andi Kolb, are in demand at 2 pm. The newcomers to the boat this year, the Enduro and E-Enduro riders, will take to the track on Thursday, June 15, at 11 a.m., which will lead them over a total of six stages through Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. The final stage at the Epic Bikepark Leogang starts at 5.30pm. Action packed away from the races At the UCI Mountain Bike World Series in Saalfelden Leogang you can not only experience spectacular races but also pure bike sports off the tracks. From Thursday to Sunday, a large Team & Expo Area awaits in the Bikepark Leogang where you can take a look at the novelties of the season. And: on Saturday, June 17, there will be a signing session by FOX with the stars of the scene. In addition, Red Bull Air Race pilot Dario Costa also impresses on this day with an air show. Of course, the popular after-race parties are also waiting on these days. Free ride to bike fun: entrance ticket is public ticket If you want to experience the “super-event” in Saalfelden Leogang live and would like to travel without stress and comfort, a Zuckerl is waiting for you: The entrance ticket for the UCI Mountainbike World Cup is automatically valid as a ticket for all public transport in the state of Salzburg (except O-bus lines and bus lines in the city of Salzburg). Information and programme overview: https://www.mtb-weltcup.at/en
Approx. 60 concerts in the town, in the woods and meadows, musical walks in the midst of the beautiful mountain scenery and many other highlights await you. This year, the opening project on the mainstage has been given to the Austrian musician Lukas König. He has already been an Artist in Residence in Saalfelden in 2019 and has been involved in numerous other projects in Saalfelden in recent years. The Ralph Mothwurf Orchestra will also offer an exceptional contribution to the programme: The 18-member ensemble not only offers a cross-section of the Austrian jazz scene, but is also an opulent orchestral project far removed from all clichés. The mainstage also features two piano trios that couldn't be more contrary: Argentinean pianist Leo Genovese makes a guest appearance at this year's festival, as does the Australian trio Brekky Boy. Other highlights include the Swedish Anna Högberg, the Lux Quartet from the USA, the American-Polish quintet of Dave Douglas, Ruth Goller & Training from Germany or the American trumpeter Rob Mazurek with "Fathers Wing". A total of 176 artists from 14 countries and 5 continents will be performing. As part of the Artist in Residence programme, Mario Steidl, the artistic director of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, invites two artists each year to bring several projects to different stages during the festival and thus present themselves to a larger audience. This year, the Japanese koto player Michiyo Yagi and the Swiss vocalist Andreas Schaerer have been chosen. They will each perform three projects. For more information: https://www.jazzsaalfelden.com/en/Festival/Artist%20in%20Residence Among the various venues are the Congress Saalfelden, the Kunsthaus Nexus and the Otto-Gruberhalle, an empty industrial hall from the 1950s. The programme also includes concerts in the forest, on alpine pastures and musical hikes with the Austrian musician Lukas Kranzelbinder. New this year is a free opening concert on Thursday in the Otto-Gruberhalle by the German band "Malstrom". More than half of all concerts are free again this year! For all those who unfortunately cannot make it to the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, Ö1 will be reporting live on Saturday. From 10.00 a.m. in the Klassiktreffpunkt with Helmut Jasbar and from 10.00 p.m. the mainstage concerts in the Ö1 Jazz Night with Andreas Felber. Tickets for the concerts can be ordered online at: https://tickets.jazzsaalfelden.com/ The "We Hike Jazz" concert hikes are already completely sold out. If you would like to insure your ticket purchase, you can now do so through Europäische Reiseversicherung - the cost of the insurance premium depends on the ticket price: https://start.europaeische.at/ess-en?AGN=511917 Download the festival app now: In the "JAZZ SAALFELDEN" app you will find all concerts and info about the musical weekend in Saalfelden Leogang. Don't forget to activate the push notifications - that way you'll always be up to date and be the first to know if there are any changes to the programme or the like: https://www.jazzsaalfelden.com/en/Festival/The-festival-app Free arrival and departure! Take the public transport to the Jazzfestival Saalfelden: Visitors to the Jazzfestival Saalfelden can use bus line 620 from Hinterthal to Saalfelden, bus line 260 from Brandlhof to Maishofen Lahntal, bus line 690 from Leogang Griessen to Saalfelden and city bus lines 60, 61 and 62 free of charge to travel to and from the festival from 17.08 - 20.08.2023. All information about the timetable can be found in the Salzburg Transport Route Planner or directly in the Salzburg Transport App!
At the end of the 19th century in Munich, those who wanted to drink “a distinct amount of beer” could enjoy it with the help of the Birnbach Glacier near Saalfelden Leogang. At that time it was one of the refrigerators of Munich beer breweries. From there, the natural ice was transported by rail to Bavaria in order to cool the cellars in the summer. Today the Birnbach Glacier and its numerous stories are an important part of the “Natur & Klima im Wandel” hike in Saalfelden Leogang. This particular hike is just one of many examples of how the entire region relies on sustainable and mindful tourism and offers a glimpse into the future. Since May, Saalfelden Leogang has been the first tourism association in Salzburg to become a climate alliance company. Climate migration: Birnbach Glacier as a symbol of climate change “When, if not now?” is the headline in the new magazine of Saalfelden Leogang. Content of the article: the commitment of the region to the careful use of resources. One of many initiatives is the “Natur & Klima im Wandel” hike with Anna Heuberger, KLAR Manager Pinzgau (Climate Change Adaptation Model Regions Funding Programme), who wants to illustrate and communicate the changes in our climate: “Climate change and its effects on our society and environment have become increasingly important topics for me in recent years. The climate affects us all. Extreme heat affects our daily lives just like a severe storm.” The Birnbach Glacier plays an important role in the “Natur & Klima im Wandel” hike. In the past, the Avalanche Glacier supplied the major breweries in Munich with ice, which was transported by a 1,600-metre long wooden slide into the valley and finally by train to the Bavarian state capital. Today, the ice masses have become smaller, even though no ice has been mined for beer cooling for a long time. Climate change is very well illustrated here. Heuberger: “The Birnbach Glacier is often described as the deepest glacier in Central Europe and represents a symbol of the climatic changes of the last century. The glacier and witnesses in the landscape explain the history, peculiarities and future challenges of the region.” Heuberger gives tips on dealing with nature and gives hope for the future. Further information on climate migration: www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/service-info/sustainability/climate-hike Saalfelden Leogang is leading the way in sustainability Saalfelden Leogang has long been at the forefront of the conscious use of resources and the development of forward-looking initiatives. There are numerous measures in various areas: from green events to sustainable accommodation and cable cars. Thanks to heat recovery from the lift engines, the Leoganger mountain railways heat the adjacent rooms of the mountain railways, the workshop and the mountain restaurant “Stocklalm”. In addition, they have purchased all their fuel requirements in the form of HVO100 renewable fuel for the winter of 2023/24. This is equivalent to a saving of up to 90 percent in CO2 emissions. Sustainability is also reflected in the region’s event calendar. Major events are carried out as sustainably as possible (UCI Mountainbike World Cup June 15-18, 2023), or certified as a Green Event like the Nordic Park Experience or Regionalitymesse. The focus will be on topics such as public travel to the event, the avoidance of waste and the use of reusable cups. As well as raising awareness among athletes and guests about the environment as well as the use of regional products. Many hotels also focus on environmental protection and sustainability, using their own biomass heating plants, wood chip plants or composting plants for energy supply. Many companies and companies have been awarded the Austrian Environmental Label for their commitment. As a member of respACT and as a pilot region for the Austrian Ecolabel, the region relies on sustainable concepts in order to preserve the offers in nature for the future, among other things, as a member of respACT and as a pilot region for the Austrian Ecolabel. Getting there by train is also easy and saves nerves and time. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card you can even use public transport in Pinzgau for free. The Loigom shuttle in Leogang complements the existing line network with numerous stops through the on-demand offer. This provided a connection to public transport where there was no connection before. Region from now on Climate Alliance operation The next step in climate protection: Saalfelden Leogang has recently become the first tourism association in Salzburg to declare itself a climate alliance company. In this way, the region is committed to sustainable action, the responsible use of resources and social responsibility. The Climate Alliance Austria is committed to climate protection, climate justice and a sustainable lifestyle. It builds and develops a global network of committed cities and communities. In order to be included in the Climate Alliance, the tourism association underwent a climate check for six months, and all employees were also trained in a workshop. New Saalfelden Leogang Magazine “As I Want” If you want to know everything about Saalfelden Leogang, the beauties of the region and the holiday offers, you should get the new magazine of the tourist region or download it on the Internet. In the edition titled “As I Want to” there are lots of exciting stories about locals, mountain love and mindful tourism, great insider tips, the best activities as well as numbers, facts and plenty of service. The magazine Saalfelden Leogang 2023 is available as a download here: www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/service-info/brochure-order
Starting May 12th, rookies and pros can let off steam in the Riders Playground, the Special Areas and on the countless routes of the bike destination Saalfelden Leogang. While everything is already in place in terms of trails and lines, preparations elsewhere are in full swing: The UCI Mountain Bike World Series from 15 to 18 June 2023 are on track and waiting with innovations. Ticket pre-sale for the upcoming season at Epic Bikepark Leogang is in full swing. New this summer: Dynamic bike ticket prices. This means that with the new online bike bonus there is the chance to secure day or multi-day tickets early at a cheaper price. And it means access, because the Epic Bikepark Leogang is considered one of the most prestigious bikeparks in Europe with its countless highlights, including a 10,000 square meter practice area, the Hot Shots fired by GoPro Jump Line, as well as the UCI World Championship and World Cup circuit Speedster. That this is so, even the best in the world know this. With the hosting of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Saalfelden Leogang is an annual fixture in the international racing calendar. However, 2023 is something different: for the first time, a “super-event” will be on the agenda from 15 to 18 June. In addition to the World Cup decisions in downhill and cross country, the international elite of enduro sport will also get the chance to prove their skills. For them, valuable points are at stake over a total of six stages through Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. Triple World Cup with new TV format Not only the sporting format of the Mountain Bike World Cup has been given a new structure by the International Cycling Federation, but also the TV broadcast rights are with Warner Bros.Discovery Sports Events 2023 in new hands. So are the final races of the elite classes in the Cross Country (Sunday, June 18, from 1 pm), Short Track (Friday) June 16, from 5.30pm) and Downhill (Saturday, 17 June, from 1pm) live on GCN+, Eurosport and discovery+. In addition, the U23 cross country finals, the downhill junior races and the elite downhill semi-finals, as well as daily racing highlights with a behind-the-scenes look will also be available on the official UCI Mountain Bike World Series YouTube channel. For all those who are directly live on site, the event weekend also has a lot to offer away from the sporting decisions. Exciting side events, such as a Red Bull air show with Dario Costa, a large exhibition area with signing sessions and sweepstakes, parties and much more await. Best to be quick and secure tickets for the bike event of the extra class from 15 to 18 June in Saalfelden Leogang at www.mtb-weltcup.at.
From May to October, the medieval tunnel offers insights into the hard work of the miners and their mined treasures such as silver, copper, nickel & co. Even at home you can download the English audio guide and immerse yourself in the past of the mining estate. Guided tours through the extensive pit construction of the medieval tunnels of the show mine transport guests into a long-forgotten world. After 3,200 years of mining history, the Knappenstube invites you to linger and feast. In addition to a unique hike through the tunnel, the adventure playground with Spielbach is an insider tip in good weather. As early as the 14th century in the Schwarzleograben in Saalfelden Leogang, a hand-carved system of underground tunnels led the miners to their work. Since 1989, part of the area has been accessible as a show mine, and in the summer months offers an insight into the history of one of the oldest mining sites in the country. With well-trained guides, we walk through a wide-ranging pit construction. Part stooped, part goose-stepping, the adventurous journey through narrow tunnels leads directly into the past and gives an insight into the hard work of the miners who at that time mined silver, copper, nickel, lead, cobalt and mercury here. One of the many highlights is the large adventure playground, which offers numerous experiences for the little ones. The old mine railway transports the youngest visitors through an artificial tunnel, right next to the Knappenstube. The show mine is also barrier-free and virtually walkable. For all those for whom the show mine is too narrow or who want to visit the tunnel virtually from home. July & August: Children's Day every Thursday! Every Thursday in July and August is Children's Day. Here there is a guided tour especially for children, each child gets a certificate and in good weather the guided tours take place incl. Baking bread instead. Show Mine Leogang: What, when and where? The show mine Leogang in the Schwarzleo Valley will keep its tunnel mouth hole open from 6 May to the end of October 2023. Guided tours only by reservation (+43 6583 8223 30) or online at: www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com Opening hours Knappenstube and adventure playground: 10.00 to 17.00 h. Guided tours from May to October: 11.00 and 13.00 h, in bad weather running from 11.00 to 16.00 h. Monday and Tuesday closed!
More than 90 kilometers of lines & trails, 9 lifts on 7 mountains, 3 large practice areas for kids and beginners, Alpine gravel biking routes for every taste and an almost limitless network of mountain bike trails for all abilities. In short: Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn is a true playground for riders of all walks of life and of all abilities. Austria’s largest bike region connects the sprawling mountain bike area of Saalbach Hinterglemm with the Epic Bikepark Leogang and the Bike Area in Fieberbrunn, which was newly created in 2021. The result: an incomparable variety of trails with more than 90 kilometers of lines & trails that cater to any skill level and a unique network of mountain and gravel bike routes that stretches across two of Austria’s states. News 2023 There is always plenty to do in between seasons and 2023 is no different as Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn has once again been hard at work to create new trails and further improve the infrastructure. Here’s the latest news from Austria’s largest bike region: The ONLINE BIKEBONUS - new from summer 2023: In summer 2023 we introduce a dynamic bike ticket pricing. That means: Save money with our new ONLINE BIKEBONUS and get your day or multi-day ticket early at a discount. Fixed rates apply at our cable car ticket counters. If you have booked a JOKER CARD accommodation in Saalbach Hinterglemm, you will get your best price directly on site at the cable car ticket counters in Saalbach Hinterglemm. New “Sheepy Hollow-Line” in Saalbach Hinterglemm: A new line that will connect the Westgipfel and Schattberg in Saalbach Hinterglemm from summer 2023. Starting from the upper section of the Westgipfel, the flowing line offers fantastic panoramic views over 1.1 kilometres. With a bit of luck, you can also spot the fluffy namesakes of the Sheepy Hollow-Line during the downhill ride. New “AlteSchmiede Trail” in Leogang: From the end of July / August: The single trail family in Saalfelden Leogang is growing again! Pure riding pleasure on the new AlteSchmiede Trail will thrill young and old alike. The start of the new approx. 3.5 km long AlteSchmiede Trail is above the mountain station on the Asitz. On the Asitz Trail in the direction of Saalbach Hinterglemm, it branches off to the right after approx. 350m. From there, you follow a hand-built single trail that offers you magnificent views of the imposing massif of the Leoganger Steinberge every now and then, over natural forest and alpine meadow sections. Perfect for taking unique souvenir shots. Flowing turns, north shores and easy technical passages skillfully alternate. Variety and maximum riding fun are definitely guaranteed. For all advanced bikers, there's a special tip to extend the trail pleasure after 3.5 km: At the end of the AlteSchmiede Trail, take the forest road towards the entrance to the lower part of the Matzalm Trail (Attention: Difficulty difficult!). Have fun biking! New single trail and reshape of the Hänsline in Fieberbrunn: The shapers are ready to go! In the Bike Area Fieberbrunn there will be a new single trail and a completely reshaped Hänsline in the course of summer 2023. The Hänsline in the Easypark Obingleitn: well-behaved was yesterday... Reshape for even more fun is today! Airtime, if desired, available. A line that is fun - not only for warming up! Sustainable biking in the Bikepark Leogang: True to the motto "What you take up the mountain, you bring back down to the valley", because Mother Nature has no use for our rubbish. This is the basic idea behind our "Clean the Trail Days" or "Roll Off instead of Tear Off" campaigns. This year as well, the Bikepark Leogang would like to draw attention to a sustainable approach to nature. Home of Lässig App: Since winter 2022/23, the new Home of Lässig App for the whole of Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn guarantees even more service and info directly on your smartphone. For the first time, all resorts with all offers on the mountain are integrated in one app. Summer guests appreciate the interactive hiking map and the bike map, the tours of which can also be found in the app. The app contains information from all the towns in the Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn region. Book a hotel or mountain railway ticket quickly and easily, check event information or weather reports? No problem, because the new app provides the latest information from the entire region all year round. And those who take up the challenge of the popular Bike Challenge can now track their own successes in even greater detail thanks to GPS recording. The optional login also makes the app even more individual and personal.
As the snow retreats to the last shady corners of the Leoganger Steinberge mountains and spring is finally here, the shape crews in Saalfelden Leogang have already been working on the trails for a while. Their goal: to get the lines & trails in the Epic Bikepark Leogang and the single trails in the bike region ready for the opening on 12 May 2023. The brand new AlteSchmiede Trail, which promises 3.5 kilometers of finest single trail action, will be added for the 2023 season for the first time. Another treat for mountain bike guests in Austria’s biggest bike region is the Online Bikebonus, which promises a dynamic price system and offers discounts if you book early enough. The hosting of the mountain bike world cup in the disciplines of cross-country (XCO & XCC), downhill and for the first time enduro places the Saalfelden Leogang region as a “super event” in the calendar of the newly formed UCI Mountain Bike World Series. Pure mountain bike fun on the AlteSchmiede Trail The brand-new AlteSchmiede single trail, which is expected to be open from the end of July, will lead mountain bikers over approx. 3.5 kilometers through natural sections of forest and alpine meadows, wowing riders with incredible views of the imposing Leoganger Steinberge massif. Flowy turns, north shores and easy technical passages alternate on the hand-built single trail in a smart way. The trail head of the most recent member of the Saalfelden Leogang single trail family can be found via the Asitz Trail towards Saalbach Hinterglemm, from which it branches off to the right after around 350 meters – easily accessible via the Asitz or Steinberg lift. If you’re in for some rougher action afterwards, you can continue with the challenging Matzalm Trail via the forest road at the end of the AlteSchmiede Trail. Online Bikebonus promises bike tickets at a reduced rate thanks to a dynamic price system From summer 2023 onwards, the Online Bikebonus gives Bikepark Leogang visitors who book early in advance the opportunity to secure both single-day and multi-day tickets at a lower price. While there is a dynamic price system online, fixed prices apply at the cable car ticket offices onsite. The bike ticket guarantees unlimited access to all cable cars in Austria’s biggest bike region Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn. Sustainability and environment protection: "Clean the Trail Days" and "Roll Off instead of Tear Off" How important sustainability and environment protection are to Saalfelden Leogang is not only shown by the minimally invasive built trails, which are laid out entirely by hand and without heavy machinery, but also in two special campaigns this year. The "Clean the Trail Days" in the Epic Bikepark Leogang are intended to set an example for the protection of nature and species. The employees of the bike rescue service, the guides of the bike schools and the athletes of the Bike Club Leogang will clean the trails together with the bike community after the end of the bike day. The "Clean the Trail Days" will take place on three dates: 24 June, 29 July and 19 August. The partners and sponsors of the Epic Bikepark Leogang will support the events with smaller activities. In the spirit of environment protection, the bike park is also continuing the “Roll Off instead of Tear Off” campaign. With its partner 100%, the Epic Bikepark Leogang offers a free film for the roll-off system on rainy days, as well as a 20% discount on new 100% goggles with the roll-off system from Sport Mitterer – so you have a clear view even in bad weather guaranteed! "Super event" as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series After two successful mountain bike double header world cups in 2021 and 2022 in the cross-country and downhill disciplines, the Saalfelden Leogang region and the Epic Bikepark Leogang are celebrating a very special premiere this year: in 2023, as part of the newly formed UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Austria's largest bike region will not only welcome the world’s best cross-country and downhill riders to compete for the World Cup victory, but also for the first time the Enduro athletes, who will determine their World Cup winners in the Epic Bikepark Leogang and in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Tickets for this all-weekend mountain bike “super event” are already available and highly sought after, so you better be quick! "Responding to the enormous number of visitors and the positive feedback from our bike guests, we have again invested in bike infrastructure and created attractive offers for loyal guests. We are particularly looking forward to the opening of the new AlteSchmiede Trail for the second half of the season. This year’s highlight event in will certainly be the super event of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series.” – Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of Leoganger Bergbahnen
From 15 to 18 June, the international cycling community will once again be looking forward to Saalfelden Leogang – and to a spectacular premiere as part of the UCI Mountain Bike World Series: For the first time in these days a “super-event” will be held. In addition to the World Cup decisions in downhill and cross country, the world's best enduro athletes will also receive the crown. The organisers recently gave an insight into the new format at a press conference. When a world champion and overall World Cup winner, a European champion and a junior world champion appear at a press conference as concentrated domestic mountain bike competence in the triple pack, it means that it is not long before the first highlight of the season, the World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang. “The fact that we are able to welcome Vali Héll, Mona Mitterwallner and Andi Kolb today shows the importance of the World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang,” said organizers Marco Pointner and Kornel Grundner. This year, the World Cup returns to Pinzgau as a “super-event” by the international cycling federation and under the name “UCI Mountain Bike World Series”. The novelty? For the first time, in addition to the downhill and cross country athletes, the Enduro and E-Enduro riders will take to the tracks and compete for valuable points. The newcomers to the boat, the Enduro and E-Enduro riders, are on the turn on Thursday, June 15. For them, it involves a total of six stages through Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn: “After two World Championships and eleven years of World Cup, it was the next step to bring the Enduro World Cup to the region. Enduro fits the bike region like a fist to the eye”, explains organizer Kornel Grundner: “But we knew we wanted to tackle this new dimension together in our network as Austria’s largest bike region. That’s why we are glad that Saalbach Hinterglemm did not hesitate for a moment”, says Grundner. Saalbach Hinterglemm will host three of the six stages. The start and finish of the event are at the Epic Bikepark Leogang: “Together we are proud to be able to host this ‘super event’ in the region,” says Manuel Hirner, Managing Director of the Saalbach Hinterglemm mountain railways. Five competitions – three disciplines – one spectacular bike event “The restructuring within the International Cycling Federation brings great opportunities. The World Series is supposed to take mountain biking to the next level. We expect 1,200 athletes and their entourage. This is a dimension that is often underestimated in Austria,” says organiser Marco Pointner. The riders at the UCI Mountainbike World Cup are whipped up every year by more than 21,500 spectators at the tracks, which make the event with incredible atmosphere against an impressive natural backdrop the highlight event of the mountainbike calendar. A fact that also makes the local mountain bike stars look at the home World Cup with some nervousness, especially local matador Valentina Héll, who has so far struggled with her Leogang performances: “For me, it’s the fourth start. I’ll try to approach the World Cup a little differently this year, to keep my nerves in check. You learn and mature.” Mona Mitterwallner also has an open account with Leogang: “Last year I was unfortunately shot down at the start. I was then able to fight my way to the front to some extent, but it was of course very annoying. This year I want to approach things with a little more calmness, because nervousness only inhibits me. I have much more experience and I am more confident.” Andi Kolb looks at his performance in Leogang in a completely different way last year: “What happened in Leogang, I will never forget. Fifth place was a start to an unforgettable rest of the season. Leogang is special for us local athletes. The credo remains: not to be nervous and have fun.” Saalfelden Leogang 2028 world champion again And a major event is already casting its shadow: from 30 August to 3 September 2028, Saalfelden Leogang will host a World Championship for the third time after 2012 and 2020: “I’m really looking forward to the World Cup 2028, you never know what happens in sport, but then I’d be 26 and actually still at a good age”, knows local matador Vali Héll. Epic Bikepark Leogang starts the season Starting on May 12, the bikers at Epic Bikepark Leogang will start a long bike season. In addition to the great offer in the bike park, the infrastructure in Saalfelden Leogang is continuously being developed. At the end of July 2023, there will be a new trail, the “AlteSchmiede Trail”, which should score with advanced families. Another new highlight in Austria’s largest bike region is the online Bikebonus, which promises a dynamic pricing system and the occasional bargain if you book accordingly early.
In addition to the beautiful landscapes, in the most contrasting region of the Alps there is also a varied music and cultural programme to enjoy. As always, the well-known Jazzfestival Saalfelden will be included in 2023, but the Theater Ecce will also provide excellent entertainment with its pieces and the Kunsthaus Nexus will offer a versatile program for music and culture lovers of all ages. If you want to learn more about the history of the Saalfelden Leogang region, you will find old treasures as well as special exhibitions in the Museum Schloss Ritzen and in the Mining and Gothic Museum. 43rd Jazzfestival Saalfelden from 17 - 20 August 2023 For the 43rd time, the Jazzfestival Saalfelden is the meeting place of the international jazz scene and as every year there is a lot of new things to discover. The combination of stunning scenery and experimental sounds draws devotees from all over the world to the small town by the sea every August. For four days, international artists play the stages around Saalfelden. Jazz is not only a musical style, but also a synonym for openness and freedom as well as musical crossing of borders. Musicians such as Lukas King, Dave Douglas, Yvonne Moriel, Luis Vicente, Leo Genovese, Zoh Amba, Myra Melford, Allison Miller, Andreas Schaerer, Michiyo Yagi and many more will perform on the stages in and around Saalfelden on these four days and delight the hearts of the visitors. Among the various venues are the Congress Saalfelden, the Kunsthaus Nexus and the Otto-Gruberhalle, an empty industrial hall from the 1950s. The program also includes concerts in the open air or musical hikes on the surrounding mountains. More than half of the concerts are free again this year! ALM:CULTURE: Tradition meets modernity “Tradition meets modern” is the motto of the Salzburger Almsommer in Saalfelden Leogang and makes a beautiful hiking day a unique experience. From July to September, various art and cultural projects, such as concerts and workshops, take those interested in culture to the surrounding alpine pastures. It will start on July 14th at the Steinalm with a concert by the Paris Lodron Music Ensemble. No registration is required, the concerts are free! SOUNDTRACKS: Enjoy music at sunset on the mountain In the midst of a breathtaking mountain backdrop, the TONspur concerts at the Asitz will inspire again this summer. On five Thursdays between 29 June and 10 August, different musical bands and performers play at sunset on an outdoor stage at the foot of the large Asitz with a fascinating view. In bad weather, it is loaded into the Asitzbrew. Kunsthaus Nexus: lots of concert series, cinema and theatre With its versatile offer for young and old, the Kunsthaus Nexus in Saalfelden is a fixture in the Pinzgau cultural scene. Cinema for kids and Gschnagga theatre for the little ones, clubbings and band contests for the youth, jazz concerts, blues, rock and metal events, exhibitions in the Kunsthalle, programme cinema, literature, lectures, theatre and cabaret – the programme leaves nothing to be desired. At the Jazzfestival Saalfelden from 17th to 20th August, the Kunsthaus Nexus is again one of the central stages. Solstice Festival: the game of fire on the mountain At the astronomical beginning of summer, the annual traditional fire play takes place on the mountain. On June 24, countless mountain fires adorn the Steinerne Meer and the Leoganger Steinberge. The ancient custom is said to ward off evil demons and “boost” the fertility of meadows and fields. Under the musical framework of the railway town band Saalfelden you can enjoy the magical sight of the solstice festival at the Ritzensee. There is also a solstice event at the Asitz, the “Fest am Berg”. Kulturverein FRERAUM: culture-loving & communal The Kulturverein FRERAUM Leogang wants to promote grown and new culture locally and offers an open stage for local and foreign artists. The diverse offer is intended to offer guests and locals an added cultural value. The art trail at the Asitz will be filled with artworks by Abtenauer Isabella de Lorenzo this year and will open on June 25. Until October, her artworks invite you to take a short break from the forest trail (mountain station Asitz) via the “Stille Wasser” at Asitz to the Sinnerpark. Furthermore, FRERAUM also organizes a concert with “Conny und die Sonntagsfahrer” and thus brings the most beautiful cult hits of the 50s and 60s to Saalfelden Leogang. Another highlight is the “chamber music in huts” festival from 3 to 5 November. On three consecutive days, the Kulturverein FRERAUM in cooperation with the Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang offers lovers of contemporary and early music the finest listening pleasure in chamber music. Theatre Ecce in Saalfelden Leogang In Saalfelden Leogang, theatre is of great importance. Therefore, the Theatre Ecce visits us several times and honors us with a variety of plays. It will also start on May 9 at the Kunsthaus Nexus with “Das grote Welttheater”. The play “Paradise” is also performed there. Finally, in October, Theater Ecce enriches the region with the play series “Alaaddin and the Wunderlamp” in the Theater Tent in Leogang. Mining and Gothic Museum Leogang The Mining and Gothic Museum houses mining masterpieces and Gothic art from the Middle Ages and the so-called heyday of mining. For example, the famous prayer nut Mary of Burgundy can also be admired. In addition, visitors can expect exciting special exhibitions again this year, such as the Kitzbuehel private collection Vogl-Reitter with a total of 50 panel paintings, sculptures, reliefs and furniture from the Gothic period. In addition, the limited special stamp of the series “Sacred Art” will be available from May. Through the cooperation with the Philatelist Association “St. Gabriel” and the Austrian Post AG, the brand “Hostienpyxis der Archbishops of Salzburg, Limoges” was created. Museum Saalfelden in the castle Ritzen As one of the four remaining castles in Saalfelden, the Museum Schloss Ritzen offers insights into the history of Saalfelden. In addition to the permanent exhibitions, you can always discover special exhibitions. From the 4th of May, the new exhibition “H_ZWEI_O” will be shown, which highlights water as a central role in our lives. The museum also hosts two castle concerts. The first will take place on May 4 and will be designed by Musikum Pinzgau. The Klezmer Connection Trio feat. Simone Pergmann her acclaimed program. Showcase mine Leogang If you want to learn more about mining, you should visit the show mine Leogang. From the 15th century onwards, miners mined silver, mercury, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and magnesite here. Many unique tunnels have been created as a result. In 1970, the mine was closed, and in 1989 it was opened to visitors. The show mine covers the history of mining dating back to the 14th century. Guides guide the guests on foot through the extensive mine construction. Part crouched, part goose-walking, the adventurous path leads directly into the past through narrow tunnels and gives an insight into the hard work of the miners. The show mine can also be experienced barrier-free and virtually. The “Virtual 3D Tour” can be viewed from home at www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com. Visitors get an insight into the 3,000-year-old history of Leogang mining. The digital excursion is accessible to everyone without barriers – all you need is a smartphone, a PC or a tablet. This makes the history of mining in the Schauer mine in the Schwarzleo Valley even more attractive. For this special commitment and personal commitment, Knappschaft Leogang was honored with the Tourism Award. In addition to the interactive 3D model, there was some reconstruction work around the show mine. A mine railway that once transported miners and mined treasures now takes even the smallest visitors through an artificial tunnel. After the eventful visit to the Schauminwerk, it is worth a stop in the cozy Knappenstube. There you can enjoy the local cuisine, discover interesting pit maps and take home some mining souvenirs. Guided tours are offered from May to October. Solid shoes and warm clothes should be brought. Peasant Autumn The weekly market at Rathausplatz Saalfelden has already started in April and of course continues into the autumn farmers season. Every Friday from 8:00 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. , visitors can expect regional specialties, homemade crafts and souvenirs that can be purchased. Summer sounds around Saalfelden Leogang For musical entertainment around the region, the citizens’ music Saalfelden and the railway town band Saalfelden provide. In July and August, sea concerts take place every Tuesday at the Museumplatz Ritzensee. The music band Leogang also organizes traditional concerts for connoisseurs during the summer months.
