A wonderful gesture of solidarity: Hubert Eberhard, an employee of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company, donated part of his income to the Badhaus Leogang. To further support this commitment, the Leoganger Bergbahnen increased the amount to a total of €1,000. The Badhaus Leogang supports people with disabilities and creates space for an inclusive, diverse, and vibrant community. With offerings such as inclusive holiday care, joint leisure activities, assisted communication, and individual support, the institution enables valuable encounters and strengthens togetherness. As part of the donation handover, Kornel Grundner and Hubert Eberhard (from left to right) presented the check to Marcella Staberg from the Badhaus Leogang.
On September 20, the most magnificent beards from across Europe will gather in Saalfelden Leogang for the European Beard Championship. More than one hundred participants from all over the continent will compete for the coveted title. The Pinzgau region is no stranger to beard competitions. In fact, it has a long-standing tradition in hosting such events: the Beard Olympics were held here in 2005, the European Beard Championship in 2010, and finally, the legendary Beard World Championship in 2015. Back then, 318 beard artists from 20 nations – ranging from Austria, Germany, and Switzerland to the USA, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Arab Emirates – presented their extraordinary creations to an audience of around 1,500. After several hours of judging, the international jury crowned 18 world champions. The USA claimed six titles, followed by Germany with five and Austria with four. With beard spans reaching over one meter, the event became an unforgettable spectacle that drew wide media attention – something that is once again expected for this year’s hair-raising European Championship. “We are delighted to once again host such an extraordinary competition. The European Beard Championship combines humor, tradition, and international flair – a perfect match for our region,” says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. In 2025, beards will be judged in four main categories: mustache, partial beard (chin and sideburns), full beard, and barber style. Evaluation criteria include length, density, shape, grooming, and styling, with the jury assessing both the personality and craftsmanship of the participants. The competition begins in the gymnasium of the Leogang Secondary School with the ceremonial parade of participants and the official opening. Afterward, a panel of expert judges will carefully evaluate every detail of the bearded masterpieces. For the audience, the event promises to be a feast for the senses: in addition to the visual highlights, the Leogang brass band and regional culinary specialties will provide lively entertainment. Registrations for the 2025 European Beard Championship are still open. Anyone who believes their beard has what it takes to be crowned European champion should not miss this unique opportunity. Program Highlights: • 10:00–12:00: Registration, pre-jury assessment, and start number distribution • 13:00: Parade of participants • 13:15: Official opening • 13:30–14:30: Judging of mustaches • 14:45–16:00: Judging of partial beards (chin and sideburns) • 16:15–18:00: Judging of full beards • 19:30: Awards ceremony and evening entertainment
With the high-energy session of Austrian bassist Lukas Kranzelbinder, the 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden came to a close last night. For four days, the town in the Salzburgerland region once again transformed into a stage for contemporary jazz and experimental music – and into a meeting place for an open-minded and enthusiastic audience. 190 artists from 26 countries, more than 28,500 concert visits, a capacity utilization of 98%, and a record in ticket sales: the 2025 edition exceeded all expectations. The program defied categorization – stylistically diverse, artistically bold, and emotionally moving. A Festival Between Nature and Urbanity The festival kick-off on Thursday already made a statement: The City Tracks in the town park attracted large crowds with acts such as Sir Waldo Weathers & Henry Carpaneto Trio and Vieux Farka Touré, turning the center of Saalfelden into a funk and blues zone. Dutch guitarist Teis Semey, who performed on several stages throughout the festival weekend, gave his first concert together with Estonian pianist Kirke Karja in the unique setting of the Fuchs bookbindery. The project Chez Fría merged old and new – from Baroque to Trap – into a witty sound experiment. The popular Short Cuts at Nexus once again delivered great discoveries on a small stage: concerts by Max Andrzejewski & Ensemble Resonanz, Alfred Vogel with Leo Genovese & Camila Nebbia, and the Portuguese trio HIIT sold out already on the first day. In the industrial atmosphere of the Otto Gruber Hall, acts such as Phønix and I Like To Sleep created impressive soundscapes, while outside in the town park, bands like the SoulVision Allstars and the Italian formation Shanti Powa kept the festival vibe alive despite cooler temperatures. Variety on the Mainstage Following the Mainstage opening concert at Congress Saalfelden by Austrian musician Leonhard Skorupa, who invited collaborators from Germany and Estonia on saxophone, piano, bass, and percussion for his commissioned project “Sonic Feast”, the stage featured primarily international ensembles this year, including Laura Jurd, Tomoki Sanders, [Ahmed], Ancient to the Future, and The Bad Plus w/ Chris Potter & Craig Taborn. Austrian drummer Alfred Vogel also brought Argentina and Portugal into play with his Bezau Beatz Orchestra of Good Hope. Jazz in Nature and in the Heart of the City Once again, the Mountain Tracks and musical flash mobs proved to be unique highlights: the Einsiedelei (hermitage) concert with Laura Jurd and saxophonist Jon Irabagon cast the alpine soundscape in an entirely new light. Valentin Schuster and other artists left creative marks in the cityscape with spontaneous mini-concerts at unexpected locations – a signature feature of the festival. Records, Awards, and Impact “We look back on an extraordinarily successful edition in the history of the festival,” says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik & organizer of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden. “With a capacity utilization of 98% and just over 28,500 concert visits, the previous record was slightly surpassed once again – and more tickets were sold than ever before.” A special milestone was receiving the EJN Award for Adventurous Programming, which honors the festival’s bold and diverse program selection on a European level. The latest economic impact study proves that artistic ambition and financial success are not mutually exclusive: the festival generated a regional gross value added of around €5.3 million. With an overall budget of approximately €870,000, more than €190,000 was generated through ticket sales – another record. Particularly encouraging: the audience is not only growing in numbers, but also in diversity. More and more young and international visitors are drawn to Saalfelden, while long-standing jazz enthusiasts remain loyal to the festival – a balance that impressively underlines its future viability. Unforgettable Moments Whether intimate improvisations at the bookbindery, danceable grooves in the town park, or breathtaking soundscapes high up in the mountains – the 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden was shaped by moments that touched, surprised, and lingered. Artists such as Patricia Brennan, Mette Rasmussen, Ingebrigt Håker Flaten, Andreas Schaerer, and Sun-Mi Hong turned the festival into a place of musical freedom. Boundaries dissolved, new sound worlds were opened – and again and again, a special connection emerged between stage and audience. Mario Steidl, Artistic Director of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden, is thrilled: “Every time I think it can’t get any better, the festival surprises me again: it moves, touches, makes happy and grateful – and goes a little deeper than everything that came before. Maybe we grow together over time: artists, audience, team, and town – becoming a kind of ‘large ensemble’ that meets with curiosity and joy, supports and drives each other, and once again rushes into the next adventure with anticipation. I am grateful that the EJN Adventurous Programming Award gave us an interim round of applause that encourages us to keep going.” Outlook: The Anticipation Begins Now After this outstanding festival year, the team looks ahead with great confidence and fresh inspiration to the coming editions. The small but fine winter festival “3 Days of Jazz” will take place from January 23 to 25, 2026, before the 46th Jazzfestival Saalfelden is scheduled for August 20 to 23, 2026. Once again, audiences can look forward to diverse and daring programs. The festival will remain true to its essence: musical discoveries in unique settings, defined by openness, curiosity, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere between mountains and stages. Preparations are already underway – and those who attended in 2025 know: it pays to mark the calendar early.
Tomorrow marks the long-awaited start of the 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden – and just in time for the festival, the winners of the traditional shop window competition have been announced. A total of 19 shops and local businesses in Saalfelden took part, transforming their displays into small works of art with extraordinary commitment, creativity, and attention to detail. Inspired by the festival, the participants let their imagination run free and created shop windows that reflect the unique atmosphere of the Jazzfestival. In doing so, they not only contributed to the festive spirit but also added colorful highlights to the townscape, delighting locals and visitors alike. On Wednesday, 20 August 2025, the jury – consisting of representatives of the Club of Friends of Jazzfestival Saalfelden, Saalfelden City Marketing, and Saalfelden Leogang Touristik – met to select the winners. After thorough deliberation and evaluation of all participating shop windows, the winners were chosen: 1st Place: Resis kleine Freuden (Resi’s Little Joys) With an incredible love for detail, they brought the theme to life in an impressive way. Every element radiates care, creativity, and a deep passion that has gone into this work. 2nd Place: Saalachtaler Farmers’ Shop Here, regionality and culture merged in a special way. The combination of local products with the unmistakable elements of the Jazzfestival – from instruments to accessories – created a harmonious overall artwork. 3rd Place: Optics Studio Claudia Trixl They impressed not only with jazzy design elements but also with an extraordinary highlight: the studio presented a painting by local artist Peter Tschulnigg – co-founder of Jazzfestival Saalfelden – thus building a bridge to the history of the festival. “The diversity and creativity of the decorated shop windows were once again impressive this year. Each one contributed to the festival atmosphere in its very own way,” said Robert Groger, Chairman of the Club of Friends of Jazzfestival Saalfelden. “It was not an easy decision, as all participants showed great commitment.” About Jazzfestival Saalfelden: From 21 to 24 August 2025, Saalfelden will once again become the pulsating center of the international jazz scene. At this renowned festival, established greats and exciting newcomers come together to explore the boundaries of the genre and captivate audiences with unique sounds. With more than 60 concerts on various stages in and around Saalfelden, visitors can expect a diverse program that attracts jazz fans from all over the world. Looking Ahead to 2026: The next Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place from 20 to 23 August 2026. The shop window competition will once again be an integral part of the festival. All businesses in Saalfelden are warmly invited to participate next year and enrich the townscape with creative ideas.
The mountain bike season in Saalfelden Leogang and the Epic Bikepark Leogang is nowhere near winding down. You can keep chasing trails on the Asitz in Leogang right up until 9 November. And the late summer/early fall line-up is stacked – think big events like the legendary BIKE Festival, plus not one but two brand-new tracks you can ride for the very first time: T-Line and Back to the Roots are now officially open. The Epic Bikepark Leogang runs from 9 May to 9 November – that’s 185 days of pure MTB goodness, meaning it’s actually open more days a year than it’s closed. And here’s the kicker: even after the park closes in November, some single tracks outside the park stay open. You’ll just have to pedal (or e-pedal) to the trailheads yourself. New Line and Trail open: Back to the Roots and T-Line The new additions are worth the trip. The T-Line, at 1.3 kilometers, is packed with rollers, sharkfins, and a massive 7-meter table, flowing between Vali’s Hölle and Bongo Bongo before dropping down to the Asitzbahn. The trail branches off the Speedster DH track in the lower quarter, carries a red rating, and takes inspiration from the freeride-oriented Flying Gangster – but with an even beefier build. For those who prefer their trails raw, Back to the Roots offers 1.3 kilometers of pure, hand-built, old-school freeride. Created entirely without heavy machinery, this black single track serves up tight natural lines, steep sections, playful jumps, and a rock drop finale. It peels off from the Steinberg Line by Fox and merges into Hangman II for the ride back to the valley. Both tracks are open now and ready to be shredded. BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang A firm fixture in the mountain bike calendar, the BIKE Festival rolls into Saalfelden Leogang from 12 to 14 September. With free entry, it’s the place to check out the hottest gear for the 2026 season – from bikes and parts to protection, apparel, and more. But it’s not just about drooling over the latest kit: the festival serves up workshops, ride-outs, skill sessions, and shows for the 15,000 visitors expected. David Trummer, former Austrian downhill champion and silver medalist at the World Championships in Leogang, will lead a ride-out on the Speedster World Cup track, while slopestyle pro Lukas Knopf will take the experts to Hot Shots Fired by GoPro. Young riders can get a taste of competition at the VPACE Kids Cup and the Scott Junior Trophy Pumptrack, while female riders can sharpen their downhill skills with Marlena Neißl. Elias Schwärzler, founder of the Senders Academy, will host a Gambler Ride Out, giving participants the chance to test the brand-new Scott Gambler for the first time. All lines and trails in the bike park will stay open during the festival weekend, and festival visitors can enjoy 10% off all bike park day tickets — the perfect excuse to go all in. auner Austrian Gravity Series, Ladies Shred Events and more The action doesn’t stop there. On 11 October, the Epic Bikepark Leogang will host the final round of the auner Austrian Gravity Series, a popular race series that’s especially geared towards young and amateur riders, offering a pro-level setup with easy access. Female riders can keep pushing their limits at the Ladies Shred events in August, September, and October. On 29 August, the local community and bike park partners will come together for the final Clean the Trail Day of the season, a collective effort to give the trails some love. Everyone who pitches in has the chance to win a 2026 Gravity Card in the prize draw. 300-Kilometer Road Challenge at the Rush300 And for those who prefer skinny tires to knobby ones, Saalfelden Leogang has something special, too: the Rush300 team event on 21 September. It’s a 300-kilometer, 3,000-meter climbing challenge through Salzburg and Berchtesgaden National Park, starting and finishing at Ritzensee in Saalfelden.
From September 12 to 14, 2025, the Epic Bikepark Leogang will once again become the meeting place for mountain bike enthusiasts. For the sixth time, the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang invites riders to a weekend packed with test opportunities, skills training, riding fun, and festival flair for the entire family. Whether beginner, young talent, or pro – the BIKE Festival offers the perfect setting for everyone looking to take their mountain bike skills to the next level. The bike season in Saalfelden Leogang gets an autumn extension: for the sixth time, the renowned BIKE Festival stops at the Epic Bikepark Leogang. As always, the proven mix of the latest products, workshops, and community get-togethers is part of the program. On September 12, the popular Expo Area at the Asitzbahn valley station will open its doors again. With free admission, numerous top brands will present their highlights for the upcoming 2026 season. Visitors can not only check out the equipment but also test it – directly on the large practice area or on the bike park trails. All lines and trails in the Epic Bikepark Leogang will remain fully open throughout the weekend. As a special festival offer, visitors will receive a 10% discount on all bike park day tickets – an extra incentive to make the most of everything on offer. Ride with the Pros – with the stars of the scene A central highlight in 2025 will again be the diverse bike workshops with top-class coaches. Among them: Stefan Schlie, e-bike pioneer and trial pro, offering special e-MTB riding technique sessions; Lukas Knopf, slopestyle star and YouTube personality, giving insights on the “Hot Shots fired by GoPro” line; and David Trummer, Downhill World Cup rider and Vice World Champion in Leogang, analyzing the World Cup track in his workshop. Joost Wichman, former 4X World Champion, will share tips and tricks on the pump track, while Elias Schwärzler, founder of the first holistic MTB academy in the German-speaking region and talent factory “Senders Academy,” will host a Gambler Ride Out where participants can be among the first to try the new Scott Gambler. Marlena Neißl will lead an exclusive “Women’s Downhill Session” for female riders. Timo Pritzel, dirt jump legend and yoga instructor, combines biking and mindfulness in his sessions. Thomas Klausner, a pro in bike trials, will wow the crowds with spectacular show performances. Wrench, learn, understand – tech workshops for everyone Participants can also look forward to technical workshops, where they can learn skills such as repairing suspension forks or derailleurs – along with in-depth advice from experienced guides and mechanics. Action for young riders Young bike fans will also get their money’s worth: the VPACE Kids Cup and the SCOTT Junior Trophy Pumptrack will give them a taste of racing and their first competition experience – accompanied by a child-friendly supporting program and age-appropriate courses. Party, community, and festival vibes In addition to the sporting highlights, there’s plenty of festival atmosphere: during signing sessions and meet-and-greets with the stars, fans can get up close with their idols, grab autographs, and make personal memories. On Saturday evening, the big festival party with DJ Max Teaser at the B3 Bar will provide the perfect way to wrap up the day. The BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang 2025 brings together everything a mountain bike fan could wish for: cutting-edge technology, sporting variety, personal encounters, and an unparalleled nature experience.
The countdown is on: in just 11 days, on August 21, the Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2025 will begin – a place where musical boundaries blur, and fans of contemporary music and sonic innovation gather in the alpine surroundings of Saalfelden Leogang. For four days, the town at the mountain range “Steinernes Meer” will transform for the 45th time into a vibrant hub for contemporary jazz, improvisation, and sonic art. We’re getting you in the mood with two exclusive artist interviews. In the spotlight: Danish guitarist and composer Teis Semey, and the Austrian ensemble Chez Fria, with Ferdinand Rauchmann and Paul Widauer offering insights into their creative process. Artistic Perspectives: Teis Semey and Chez Fria in Interview Teis Semey Guitarist and composer Teis Semey is no stranger to Saalfelden and will be performing several times during this year’s festival – including on the mainstage at the Congress with his Amsterdam-based large ensemble EN MASSE! Merging free jazz, punk riffs, and atmospheric density, the group strikes an impressive balance between chaos and tenderness, raw energy and deep concentration. At the bookbindery Fuchs, Semey teams up with Estonian pianist Kirke Karja. As part of the trio Raw Fish, he explores raw, spontaneous compositions. He’ll also close out the festival with an energetic Late Night Session featuring, among others, Christian Lillinger and Ingebrigt Håker Flaten – delivering improvisation that is free, direct, and close to the audience. In the interview, Semey speaks about music as an artistic expression rooted in community, empathy, and collective energy. Interview: LINK Chez Fria Taking a completely different approach is the five-piece ensemble Chez Fria. Represented in the interview by Ferdinand Rauchmann and Paul Widauer, they reflect on their artistic identity that navigates the space between structure and freedom. Their current project “Die Kunst dem Fuge” (= The Art of him Fugue) merges parallel musical worlds: Hildegard von Bingen, Bach, Webern, and contemporary club music. With synthesizer, trumpet, bass, recorder, and drums, they create an irreverent sonic fabric that balances humor, modernity, and musical reference traditions with precision. Their work is defined by interplay and a conscious focus on timbre – making Chez Fria an exciting representative of Austria’s young jazz scene. Interview: LINK New Value Creation Study: Jazz as a Regional Economic Driver That the Jazzfestival Saalfelden plays an important role not only musically but also economically is confirmed by the latest value creation study from the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce (WKS). According to the study, the festival draws around 17,000 visitors annually, generating significant economic impact in the region. The report highlights positive effects on the hospitality, gastronomy, and retail sectors, as well as enhanced image benefits for Saalfelden as a cultural and tourism destination. Behind the Beats – Guided Tour for Children & Teens A special program is designed for the youngest festival fans: the free guided tour Behind the Beats offers children and teens an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the festival on Saturday, August 23 at 12:00 (noon). How does a concert work from a technical perspective? Who ensures that sound and lighting come together perfectly at just the right moment? The meeting point is the Saalfelden Tourism Office – no registration required.
Road cycling highlight in SalzburgerLand September 21, 2025 – a must for all long-distance lovers. RUSH300 is about more than just distance. It’s about togetherness. The thrill at the starting line, the buzz in your legs, the mental strength on the final climb – and that unmatched feeling of crossing the finish line together. On this day, Saalfelden Leogang becomes the stage for one of Austria’s most spectacular cycling adventures. RUSH300 brings together ambitious road cyclists and sports enthusiasts from various disciplines – united in a challenge that gets under your skin. 300 kilometers and roughly 3,000 meters of climbing An epic loop through SalzburgerLand – past emerald lakes and along scenic roads. The grand finale: the Hirschbichl, a final climb with real character. Those who know it, know: it hurts – but a culinary surprise awaits at the top. Guided groups and strong support You don’t ride the RUSH300 alone: it’s all about the team – with guided groups matched to your pace. The pacing groups (24–26 km/h, 27–29 km/h, 30–32 km/h) are led by experienced guides – including well-known personalities like former biathlete Julian Eberhard and RAAM winner Philipp Kaider, who knows how to push through mental lows and master epic distances. There’s also a Women’s Only Group for female riders. “Ride your story” – that’s the motto. No race. No pressure. Just maximum emotion and ambition. “RUSH300 is a powerful example of how sport, nature, and community can be brought together at the highest level. Events like this not only strengthen our tourism positioning, but also offer fresh momentum for a modern sports culture in SalzburgerLand.” – Stefan Schnöll, Deputy Governor of Salzburg Support like in the pro peloton Four premium feed zones, mechanical service, support vehicles, and a dedicated media team – everything’s in place so you can focus on one thing: ride, push through, enjoy. Saalfelden Leogang – the laid-back base for big dreams. Already world-renowned for MTB, Saalfelden Leogang shows its road cycling side at RUSH300: The region impresses with a growing cycling community, stunning natural scenery, and a strong commitment to high-quality sporting events. Ritzensee sets the scene for the start and finish – and in the evening, everyone who made it celebrates the big day together. “With RUSH300, we’re sending a clear message that Saalfelden Leogang is a year-round destination for active experiences – with a focus on quality, community, and unforgettable moments. This event brings together people who share a passion for performance, connection, and the outdoors.” – Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH Long-distance for everyone – with character and community Whether you're tackling 300 kilometers for the first time or want to test your power over an epic distance – RUSH300 is the perfect mix of athletic challenge, mental flow, and seamless organization. “To me, RUSH300 captures the essence of road cycling: starting together, finishing together, and creating personal stories that stay with you. It’s not about time or rankings, but about the experience, the real connections, that one day that changes you.” – Hans-Peter Kreidl, organizer of RUSHdieSERIE and founder of skitourenwinter.com
According to a recent value creation study by the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce (WKS = Wirtschaftskammer Salzburg), the Jazzfestival Saalfelden delivers significant economic benefits and serves as a major driver for the region. From 21 to 24 August 2025, the 45th edition of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place, featuring a total of 184 musicians from 26 countries. Last year, the four-day festival attracted around 17,000 enthusiastic visitors - many attending multiple events - across its wide variety of venues. “The artistic quality of the Jazzfestival is well known. What had remained unclear until now was the festival’s specific economic impact on the region and Austria as a whole,” says Marco Pointner, festival organiser and tourism director of Saalfelden. Thanks to a recent value creation analysis by the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce based on the 2024 edition, there are now reliable figures highlighting the festival's economic contribution: • € 5.3 million in value creation across Austria, including € 4.2 million in Salzburg • 75 full-time jobs in Austria, of which 69 are based in Salzburg • € 2 million in taxes and levies The calculations were based on visitor spending during the 2024 festival, gathered through online surveys and mobile data analysis. On average, guests spent € 208 per day (including concert tickets). “With total expenditures amounting to around € 6.2 million, the festival not only creates beautiful sounds on stage but also rings the tills of businesses across multiple sectors,” says Christoph Fuchs, Head of Economic and Location Policy at WKS, pleased by the economic boost for the region. “The largest share of daily spending - € 134 - went to accommodation and gastronomy. Visitors also found time to shop, spending an average of € 33 per day.” “These figures make it clear: the Jazzfestival is not only a cultural beacon, but also a powerful economic engine for the region and beyond. Public and private investments in the event clearly pay off from an economic perspective,” Pointner continues. “Tax revenues including social contributions alone amount to € 2 million annually!” Daniela Neumayer, the festival’s production manager, adds: “An event of this scale wouldn’t be possible without a dedicated team. The study also shows that the festival secures or creates 75 jobs directly or indirectly - many of them right here in the Saalfelden region.” Festival Guests from All Across Europe The Jazzfestival Saalfelden is not only popular with locals from Salzburg, who account for the largest share of visitors at around 34%. They are followed by guests from Vienna (11%) and neighbouring Bavaria (10%). The festival also attracts visitors from Hungary, Norway, Italy, the Czech Republic, and Slovenia. More than half of the attendees use tourist accommodation - on average for five days. Most bookings are made for two people and four nights. A remarkable 82% of guests attended the festival due to the high artistic quality of the concerts. The unique atmosphere was also a key reason, cited by nearly half of respondents. The festival also serves as a meeting point for friends and acquaintances - 41% mentioned this as a motivation for their visit. Additionally, 11% attended the festival as part of a holiday and 6% came at the invitation of others. “In Salzburg, culture and the economy often go hand in hand, benefiting both,” says Fuchs. “Over 90% of the employment effects and nearly 80% of the value creation remain in the province of Salzburg. The Jazzfestival Saalfelden is not just a cultural highlight - it’s an economic one too!” Image (from left to right): Marco Pointner, organiser of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden; Daniela Neumayer, production manager of the Jazzfestival Saalfelden; Vanessa Kahn and Christoph Fuchs from Salzburg Chamber of Commerce (WKS) Photo credit: WKS/Kolarik
A trip to the idyllic Schwarzleo Valley in Saalfelden Leogang is like a journey through time – deep into the lives and work of the miners of the past. At the Leogang Show Mine, thousands of years of mining history come to life for visitors of all ages. Here, where the Celts were already extracting valuable ores like silver, copper, cobalt, and mercury over 3,200 years ago, visitors can now enjoy a fascinating underground adventure – and much more above ground, too. Whether in sunshine or rain, the Leogang Show Mine offers exciting guided tours through faithfully preserved tunnels. Sometimes ducking, sometimes walking in single file, equipped with helmets and headlamps, visitors venture through the underground maze – a memorable experience that lets everyday life fade away for a while. A Family-Friendly World of Discovery with Fun, Play & Culinary Delights It's not just the underground tour that excites: Right by the Unterberghaus – the starting point for all tours – a large adventure playground with an old mining train and a specially created children's tunnel invites kids to play and explore. A dedicated children's program ensures fun-filled hours for young explorers. Every Thursday in July and August, a special children’s tour takes place at the Leogang Show Mine: Leo’s Mining Adventure. With a certificate, a miner's meal, and small treasures from the tunnels, the visit becomes an unforgettable adventure. If you're looking to refuel afterwards, the Unterberghaus – the former miners’ house – offers regional culinary treats and a cozy atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing break surrounded by nature. “Accessible Leogang Show Mine” Using state-of-the-art laser technology, the Barbara Tunnel was digitally scanned in 2021, creating a fascinating 3D experience. Now, you can embark on a virtual tour of the Leogang Show Mine and follow in the footsteps of the miners from the comfort of your home. The interactive online tour can be accessed at: www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com Guided Tours & Opening Hours May to October: Show Mine: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM In good weather: guided tours at 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM Unterberghaus / Miners’ Tavern: Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays Tour Duration: approx. 1 hour May to October: 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM In bad weather: ongoing tours every 30–60 minutes between 11:00 AM and 3:30 PM Group tours: available by prior arrangement Reservation Required Book your tickets easily online or by phone: +43 (0)6583 8223 30 or +43 (0)664 3375852 Prices Adults: €18.00 Children (up to 15 years): €10.50 (Additional €7.00 for Leo's Mining Adventure) Please note: For safety reasons, children must be at least 5 years old to participate in the guided underground tours. More Information: www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com
