Modern hiking poles in all honour, but a real hiking companion needs a proper hiking pole. Ideally carved from a piece of wood by the side of the trail. But because not everyone has a carving knife or the right hiking poles with them, a special service has been created in Saalfelden Leogang: pole sharing. Take, hike, return - the motto at the Stecken stations Exercise in nature doesn't need any fuss. Lace up some sturdy shoes, grab a walking stick and off you go. Hiking can be that easy. As a special service for guests, so-called "stick-sharing stations" have been set up at the starting points of the hiking trails in Saalfelden Leogang. "Take, hike, return" is the motto at these stations. Around 40 natural wooden sticks, sawn to different sizes, finely sanded so that you don't tear your hands open and with a neatly branded Saalfelden Leogang logo, are available at each station. "The idea is that every hiker, no matter how big or old, can grab a stick and go hiking with it," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. At the end of the tour, the poles are simply put back in the holders at one of the stations. "However, our hiking poles are quite popular, there are always a few less at the end of the summer." But Marco Pointner takes it as a compliment for the idea and the region. And so the stick production, a collaboration between a joinery and Lebenshilfe, continues unabated. "Simply hike" and enjoy the different views Trail sharing is part of the "simply hiking" concept. The idea behind it: Hiking alone is absolutely enough. Nothing should distract from the essentials; guests should be encouraged to simply walk, enjoy nature and socialise. This concept also includes 360-degree wooden benches, for example, on which you can not only relax but also choose any angle you like. A self-determined panoramic view, so to speak. The wrought-iron forest swings offer a similar experience. Anyone who swings comfortably here will realise that a change of perspective, i.e. simply looking up at the sky through the treetops instead of down to the ground and straight ahead, can also be very beautiful. The concept also includes special photo points, where the perfect opportunity to take a beautiful panoramic picture is pointed out. Hikers can simply leave their mobile phone in their rucksack or trouser pocket and look at nature in its purest form, i.e. not through the smartphone display. You still won't miss the opportunity to take the perfect holiday picture.
Many things are new, but one thing remains tried and tested: At the Out of Bounds Festival, the world's best downhillers will not only compete in a spectacular race for seconds, but there will also be plenty of supporting programme. Next weekend, the downhillers will kick off the new season at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in Losinj, Croatia. From 7 to 10 June, Saalfelden Leogang will then be the venue for the only World Cup stop in Austria for the eighth time in a row. Many things are new at the eighth edition of the World Cup in Saalfelden Leogang, including the supporting programme: a spectacular FMX show will cause a stir for the first time this year. With the Hogmoa Team Challenge, there will also be a relay competition for everyone. This is a team-building event for uphill riders, downhillers and bike acrobats, who have to complete three sections of the course in the shortest time - the winning team will then take to the skies in a helicopter to see the impressive mountain panorama of Saalfelden Leogang from a different perspective. At the kids' pump track race on Saturday, the very youngest get their big performance before an open-air concert with the rock band "Strongbow" awaits in the evening with free admission. Afterwards, the party continues at the "After Show Bar-Hopping". A free shuttle service takes partygoers into the town of Saalfelden, where they can turn night into day in the various venues. The large Expo area is worth seeing and experiencing every year, where you can not only shop to your heart's content, but also get up close to the stars of the scene. The starting field has also been expanded this year to include a local heroine: for the first time ever, Vali Höll, a Pinzgau native and Austria's greatest young hope, will be competing in the Junior World Cup. The look at the favourites among the top athletes is not new - because there is a reason why the American Aaron Gwin is gracing the poster of the Out of Bounds Festival this year: Gwin made history last year and left his mark on the Austrian bike mecca with his hat-trick success. 2020 Downhill World Championships Of course, preparations for the next major event in Saalfelden Leogang are also in full swing: in 2020, Austria's mountain bike stronghold will once again host a World Championships after eight years. In autumn 2020, the medal decision in the downhill discipline will return to the experienced World Cup venue. For all those who can't make it to Leogang, the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Leogang will be available live and as video-on-demand free of charge at redbull.tv/uci on the Red Bull TV BIKE Channel: redbull.tv/bike. The Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup in Leogang will also be broadcast live on Servus TV.
This year's T.A.I. Advertising Grand Prix winners were honoured at a festive awards ceremony at the Hilton Vienna on 13 April 2018. Saalfelden Leogang impressed twice and was honoured with silver in both categories - jury and audience. Last year, the holiday region's new website went online, impressing visitors with its innovative tools and creative design. Together with the digital agency elements, a holistic concept was developed in 2017 that brings the Saalfelden Leogang holiday region, Leoganger Bergbahnen, Bikepark Leogang and the Saalfelden Jazz Festival together and unites their interests. www.saalfelden-leogang.com, www.jazzsaalfelden.com and www.bikepark-leogang.com - 3 portals that are maintained and displayed centrally in one system. Topics are thus presented in a structured and, above all, simplified manner - making maintenance much easier. Pimcore, the system behind it, is crucial for the flexible and simple handling of any data. The responsive web design is based on the region's high-contrast offering. This is also reflected in the greatly reduced navigation levels. Customised landing pages provide the right content for visitors, which are generated via the holiday wizard. Thanks to this tool, the desired holiday season, fellow travellers and preferred activities can be defined quickly and easily. Guests then receive customised holiday suggestions. Booking accommodation is seamless and very user-friendly directly on the website. The centralised live information provides users with a quick overview of classic areas such as weather, webcams and open facilities. Other features such as the social media wall, brochure orders, a personal watch list, the integration of Outdooractive tour maps or the event calendar round off the entire spectrum. Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, is delighted: "The T.A.I. Advertising Grand Prix is recognised as the world's toughest and fairest competition for tourism advertising media thanks to the inclusion of the public in the voting, in addition to an expert jury. We are very proud to have won two "Signum Laudis" medals in this competition. The silver medals are confirmation for us that we are on the right track and we are delighted to have successfully initiated the digital future of our Saalfelden Leogang region together with the elements agency." The popular holiday region Saalfelden Leogang and the digital agency elements were already honoured last year for the new website. They also won silver in the annual creative competition "Annual Multimedia Award".
While the event summer starts with the renowned "Out of Bounds Festival" from 7 to 10 June, a spectacular premiere awaits at the start of autumn with the BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang from 31 August to 2 September. MTB world championship routes and a world cup-tested bike park, which opens its doors again on 10 May: The Saalfelden Leogang region has been one of Austria's top bike destinations for some time now. The fact that the euphoria for the sport in the region is no coincidence is shown by the commitment of the organisers, who are once again pulling big things out of the hat in terms of bike events this year. As early as June, some of the best in their field will leave their mark at the "Out of Bounds Festival" in Bikepark Leogang. At the end of August, the renowned BIKE Festival will set up camp in the region for the first time. From 7 to 10 June, the wheels will be turning at the "Out of Bounds Festival" "Out of Bounds" - beyond the limits. Looking at the course and riders, the question of "why" is superfluous when it comes to the name. At the UCI Downhill Mountain Bike World Cup, the best in their field push themselves to the limit on the challenging trails of Bikepark Leogang. In addition to side events to take part in and the large expo area, the "Out of Bounds Festival 2018" will also feature an open-air concert for the first time. "BIKE Festival" in Saalfelden Leogang for the first time at the end of August From 31 August to 2 September, Saalfelden Leogang will once again host one of the international bike highlights of the season: the BIKE Festival, known for its venues in Riva del Garda and Willingen, will also take place in Saalfelden Leogang for the first time in 2018. In addition to bike competitions - such as the Scott Enduro Series, the Scott Junior Trophy and the Rocky Mountain Bike Marathon - the programme also includes test courses and training camps. However, the big outdoor trade fair, where over 100 exhibitors will be presenting their top models for 2019, is sure to take centre stage these days. The best opportunity to take a closer look at the future of biking. Wide-ranging bike programme The two festival pillars in early summer and at the start of the autumn season will once again be accompanied by numerous other bike-related activities in Saalfelden Leogang this year. At Bikepark Leogang, which kicks off its season on 10 May, various bike camps await throughout the summer: from "Bike&Pole" and "Girls Shred Too" to the E-Bike Days and the Rookie Camp for beginners, there is something for every skill level and age group. The extensive programme ranges from riding technique training for mountain bike beginners to freeride and downhill courses for bike park fans. Once again, the programme shows just how diverse not only the topic of biking itself is, but also what is on offer in the Saalfelden Leogang bike region. Speaking of which: For all those who prefer a classic uphill ride instead of a rapid descent, the "Biberg Auffiradler" will take place again this year on Saalfelden's local mountain. Over a distance of 5.5 kilometres and 700 metres in altitude, the toughest calves will once again be sought on 30 June.
Karin Liese has been coming to Saalfelden Leogang on holiday for 60 years. The 83-year-old from Wipperfürth has found her second home here. She visited Saalfelden Leogang for the first time exactly 60 years ago - since then she has travelled to the region two to three times a year to relax. In summer she stays at the Hotel Salzburger Hof on the Asitz and in winter she enjoys her time at Apartments Hirschbichler. Karin Liese is usually accompanied on her trips by her daughter Bianca. Last Thursday, Karin Liese was honoured for her loyalty. Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik, and Sylvia Hirschbichler from Apartments Hirschbichler presented her with a certificate and gifts from regional producers and craft businesses at a small ceremony. Karin Liese is delighted: "For me, a holiday in Saalfelden Leogang means feeling good. I really appreciate the warmth of the hosts, the wide range of activities on offer and the wonderful landscape in the middle of the mountains. I always look forward to our annual holiday in Saalfelden Leogang!" With an almost inexhaustible range of holiday destinations worldwide, it is no longer a matter of course to welcome such loyal guests. This is precisely why Saalfelden Leogang is so keen to honour its regular guests. Guests who feel at home with their hosts not only come back themselves, but are also the best holiday ambassador a holiday region could wish for.
Traditionally, the already legendary "ITB Gugelhof Dinner", which has been organised by MCI Tourism together with a destination partner since 2002, was held outside of the trade fair. This year, the destination Saalfelden Leogang was the first region outside of Tyrol to take on the role of host alongside the MCI. With over 50 participants, the Gugelhof Dinner 2018 was filled to capacity with national and international tourism experts, much to the delight of Hubert Siller (Head of MCI Tourism) and Marco Pointner (Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik). The convivial atmosphere and the excellent Alsatian dishes delighted all the guests at this meeting, which already enjoys cult status. It was also particularly pleasing that MCI Tourism won the prestigious ITB-DGT Science Award for the 7th time in a row.
The Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place from August 23 to 26, 2018. We are delighted to announce one of this year’s visual leitmotif as well as the opening act, a work by an Austrian musician commissioned annually by artistic director Mario Steidl of Verein Zentrum Zeitgenössische Musik (Center & Association for Contemporary Music). Saxophonist Ulrich Drechsler will officially open the Jazzfestival Saalfelden on the Main Stage with a work entitled: „Liminal Zone“ Clara Luzia – vocals Özlem Bulut – coloratura soprano Yasmin Hafedh - slam poetry/ recitative Peter Zirbs – electronic Simon Raab – piano Judith Ferstl – double bass Judith Schwarz - drums/percussion Ulrich Drechsler – clarinet We would also like to draw your attention to two additional acts: while saxophonist Shabaka will perform with the Austrian Shake Stew ensemble, Marc Ribot will stage the European premiere of his “Songs of Resistance.” Headed by managing director Marco Pointner, the Saalfelden Tourism Board will handle the administration and finances of the festival. Cultural manager Daniela Neumayer will assure that operations run smoothly. The idea behind “Encounters,” this year’s visual leitmotif: This year's performance by the Jazzfestival Saalfelden 2018 - which will once again be promoted by the Rahofer advertising agency - features „Encounters“ as its guiding principle. Born just a year ago, special sound creatures meet for the first time in 2018. As a result, distinctive sound ambiences start to interweave. The Jazzfestival Saalfelden is the perfect venue for these acoustic encounters—sounds will effortlessly flow into each other to give shape to experiments and breaks from routine. Sponsors & Supporters We would not be able to stage the festival without the support of all our loyal partners. Special thanks go to our sponsors including Zipfer, Raiffeisen, ÖBB, Volvo, and our many other partners as well as our public sponsors from federal, state, and local institutions. Tickets are already on sale Tickets have already gone on sale. Book your tickets by phone at +43 (0) 6582/70660. Discounts are available for Raiffeisen and Ö1 Club members and holders of the ÖBB-Vorteilscard and AK Card. Online Shop: https://www.jazzsaalfelden.com/en/tickets/buy-tickets-online Jazz package Visitors may also book their jazz tickets and accommodation as a package. To find out more, go to: https://www.jazzsaalfelden.com/en/online-booking/package-deals Organizer: Marco Pointner, Saalfelden Tourism Board, phone: +43(0)6582 70660, info@saalfelden-leogang.at Artistic directors: Mario Steidl, Verein Zentrum Zeitgenössische Musik - Kunsthaus Nexus, phone: +43(0)6582 74963, mario.steidl@jazzsaalfelden.at Production/Administration: Daniela Neumayer, phone: +43 (0)6582 70660 18, daniela.neumayer@saalfelden-leogang.at Press relations: Selina Hörl, phone: +43(0)6582 70660 22, presse@saalfelden-leogang.at For more information, go to: www.jazzsaalfelden.com
Nordic Park - this is the name of the Nordic competence centre at Ritzensee in Saalfelden Leogang, which combines sports such as cross-country skiing, ice skating, winter hiking and tobogganing with culinary delights. To celebrate this, the Nordic Park Experience event series was organised for the second time this February. An event for all those who love the Nordic lifestyle. On 11 and 25 February, an ice disco for young and old and the "Kids Winter Games" awaited all visitors. Children of all ages were able to try their hand at various sports such as biathlon, curling, winter golf and hockey. If you were then looking for a way to replenish your energy reserves, you had the opportunity to sample the culinary delights on offer at the BBQ. You could enjoy various delicacies inspired by the far north, such as smoked bread, vegetable yoghurt, beetroot stew and cinnamon buns. Punch, organic juices and beer from the region were also on offer. The homemade marshmallows for barbecuing by the campfire were particularly popular with the young guests. After the sporting activities and refreshments at the snow bar, the Chill-Out Lounge was the perfect place for cosy sunbathing with music from the DJ. Fantastic weather and a wonderful backdrop rounded off the two days of the event. The "Nordic Park Experience" was officially organised as a "Green Event Salzburg" for the first time this year. All drinks and food on offer at the snow bar came from the region, for example the smoked fish from the Grundner fish farm in Leogang, the yoghurt from Mei Muich in Leogang and the organic frankfurters from the Saalfelden Leogang regional brand "Echt.Gsund.Guad." Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik GmbH, is delighted: "With the Nordic Park, we are trying to combine the excellent range of Nordic sports on offer and make them more accessible. The Nordic Park Experience is the perfect addition to the existing offer and once again emphasises the Nordic expertise in Saalfelden Leogang. The successful series of events confirms that we are on the right track!"
In the new documentary series "Österreichische Hotel-Legenden - Traditionshäuser in Familienhand", ServusTV takes its viewers on an exciting journey across the country. The series takes viewers on an exciting journey across the country, stopping off at some of Austria's best-known, cosiest, most stylish and, above all, most family-run hotels. The new ServusTV documentary series shows very different hotels and host families - and as different as the family stories of the hosts are, they all put their heart and soul into ensuring that their guests can spend the best time of the year with them. Three hosts from the Saalfelden Leogang region were portrayed: the beautiful Naturhotel Forsthofgut, the traditional Hotel Kirchenwirt and the extraordinary mountain village of Priesteregg. The Schmuck family (Forsthofgut), Unterreiner family (Kirchenwirt) and Oberlader family (Priesteregg) tell their personal stories and provide an insight behind the scenes of these top hotels. "It speaks for the high quality of the businesses in Saalfelden Leogang that three entrepreneurial families from the region are portrayed in this series," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik. Broadcast dates: Hotel Kirchenwirt First broadcast: 20.10.2017 Naturhotel Forsthofgut First broadcast Friday 02.03.2018 / 21.15h on Servus TV / for all who receive Servus TV in Austria Sunday 04.03.2018 / 19.10h on Servus TV / for all who receive Servus TV in Germany and Switzerland Mountain village Priesteregg Friday 09.03.2018 / 21.15h on Servus TV / for all who receive Servus TV in Austria Sunday 11.03.2018 / 19.10h on Servus TV / for all who receive Servus TV in Germany and Switzerland
Delicious BBQ, good music and sporting activities in the fresh air - all this was on offer at the "Nordic Park Experience" last Sunday in Saalfelden Leogang. For the second time, all "nordic" fans gathered at the Ritzensee to have a good time with friends and family. Delicious dishes were created from regional and seasonal products. You could try various Scandinavian delicacies such as smörrebröd, vegetable yoghurt and beetroot stew. Punch, organic juices and beer from the region were also served. For dessert, there were cinnamon buns and homemade marshmallows that you could grill yourself over an open fire. While some enjoyed a drink at the snow bar, others were already doing their laps on the cross-country ski trail or performing pirouettes on the natural ice rink. The Alarm Alarm DJ team provided good sound and an exuberant atmosphere. Kids Wintergames The Kids Winter Games took place for the first time this year. Five stations invited children to take part in sporting activities with lots of fun. Children of all ages could try their hand at winter golf, biathlon, curling, snow frisbee or on the slide. Those who successfully completed all the stations were rewarded with a "Nordic Park" medal. "Nordic Park Experience" goes green: All products from the region The "Nordic Park Experience" event series is officially a "Green Event Salzburg" this year. This means that the event is organised with sustainability and environmental protection in mind. A lot of emphasis was placed on regionality when it came to the drinks and food on offer at the snow bar. For example, the smoked fish came from the Grundner fish farm in Leogang, the yoghurt from Mei Muich in Leogang and the organic frankfurters from the Saalfelden Leogang regional brand "Echt.Gsund.Guad.". SAVE THE DATE: 25 February 2018 All those who were unable to attend last Sunday will have another chance to visit the "Nordic Park Experience" on 25 February 2018 from 13:00 - 16:00.
