RICH IN CONTRAST: SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

Hiking, biking, climbing, culture, enjoyment – and all this in the midst of beautiful nature! A holiday in Saalfelden Leogang is never boring, because the most contrasting habitat in the Alps, located around 70 kilometres southwest of the city of Salzburg, has everything you need for a relaxing but also action-packed holiday. Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria's largest bike region, features an extensive network of varied hiking trails and is ideal for climbing enthusiasts, golf lovers and culture fans. In a region characterised by a magnificent landscape flanked by the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range, sustainability and environmental protection are more than just a promise - they are a way of life. 

 

“Simply hiking”: New themed trail, hiking pass challenge and overnight stays in huts 
In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is "simply hiking”. No fuss, just out into nature. 
There is a large network of hiking trails, including the long-distance hiking trails "Pinzga' Hatscha," the Saalachtaler Höhenweg trail and the Saalachtal circular trail, as well as the new hiking trail "forest bathing at the Asitz," which was added last year. There is a new agricultural theme trail around the Ritzensee lake, which provides insights into the world of agriculture with the help of display boards. Another exciting guided hike, titled “Nature and Climate in transition”, offers interesting insights into the changes affecting nature. It inspires discussion and gives hope. 
The "365 days active and creative programme” with guided themed hikes offers further opportunities. On offer are medicinal plant, torchlight and beaver hikes as well as the wild animal and Kaiserschmarrn tour – for a safari in the mountains. A tip: At the Lindlalm mountain hut there is a truly special delicacy worth trying: the "Almwuzl" (a unique twist on Kaiserschmarren). 
For a relaxing break, there are stations along the hiking routes – such as the 360-degree wooden benches or the wrought-iron forest swings. You can borrow a hiking pole at the pole-sharing stations. Don't miss the nature cinema on the mountain peak of the Sonnkogel on the Asitz – a panoramic cinema with wooden lounging islands and plateaus with hammocks. Netflix can’t hold a candle to the incredible views of the majestic mountain range. You can reach the nature cinema with the Asitzbahn or Steinbergbahn cable cars, via Leo’s Game Trail, or from the Grosser Asitz mountain along the TONspur islands trail. 
A tip: Those wishing to walk longer and further in Saalfelden Leogang do not need to bother with a heavy backpack. The reason: the “Hiking without Luggage” service. Hikers can set off with just a light daypack, while the larger piece of luggage is already transported ahead to the next stopover in the meantime. An overnight stay in a mountain hut, for example in the Passauer Hütte, the Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte or the newly renovated Riemannhaus, is also a good idea. Ambitious hikers can also earn a badge with the Hiking Pass Challenge – a gold, silver or bronze hiking pin. The hiking pass is available at the tourist information offices, or you can simply use the SummitLynx app.

 

The Steinberge mountain sports region: climbing trails, via ferratas and climbing gyms 
The Steinberge mountain sports region boast over 1,000 climbing routes and Alpine multi-pitch routes for beginners, advanced and experienced climbers. The mountain sports region boasts the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge mountains, the Pillerseetal valley and the Saalachtal valley in Salzburg, as well as the Steinplatte mountain. Amidst the breathtaking mountain scenery, there is a total of twelve via ferratas to choose from and five climbing gyms for poor weather days. The 45-pitch “Pinzgawurm route” is one of the longest climbing routes in the Northern Limestone Alps and a real challenge. 

 

Coolcation: The best places for holidaymakers to beat the heat 
On a hot summer's day, you need to cool off after a hike, bike ride or climb. Saalfelden Leogang has many beautiful places for this: For example, the Birnbachloch, a karstic spring near the Birnbach glacier or the Stoissengraben, through which the cool mountain water of the Buchweißbach flows, with a waterfall waiting at the end. And of course, the beautiful Ritzensee lake. On the Asitz mountain, the Stille Wasser (peaceful waters) area invites you to take a Kneipp dip, while the new forest bathing trail offers peace and relaxation in the shade of the forest with a focus on mindfulness. The dense forest along the trails also offers hikers and bikers natural protection from the summer heat and a soothing break in the midst of nature. Whether it's a refreshing glacier breeze, bubbling waterfalls or quiet forest bathing – Saalfelden Leogang is the ideal destination for a coolcation. 

 

"UCI Bike Region": award for Saalfelden Leogang 
Some two dozen cities and regions around the world have been designated a "UCI Bike Region" or "UCI Bike City.” This includes cities such as Copenhagen, Montreal, Paris, Glasgow and Vancouver, as well as regions such as Flanders, Val di Sole and southern Scotland. As a UCI Bike Region, Saalfelden Leogang has now joined this exclusive club as of autumn 2023. The distinction is awarded by the International Cycling Union to cities and regions that make a special commitment to cycling. Prerequisites for the award include the staging of a major UCI cycling event and the promotion of public cycling with the implementation of appropriate programmes. Aspects such as sustainability, an increase in bike use, expansion of infrastructure, safety and accident reduction as well as bike training for the next generation play an important role in Saalfelden Leogang.

 

Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria’s largest bike region – excellent for mountain biking, gravel biking and leisure tours 
In partnership with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, Saalfelden Leogang is part of Austria's largest bike region, which boasts over 105 kilometres of lines and trails – with 45 kilometres of them located in the Epic Bikepark Leogang alone. These (partly brand new) trails in the Bikepark Leogang are open daily from 9 May to 9 November. Reaching them is easy thanks to the Asitz or Steinbergbahn cable cars. The variety-rich network of trails is perfectly suited for beginners, the advanced and professionals. Enthusiasts can tackle the natural singletrails outside the Bikepark Leogang as early as April. 
In addition to being one of the top mountain bike destinations in Europe, Saalfelden Leogang also offers downhill pros, leisure cyclists, gravel bikers and e-bikers a fantastic holiday experience. The diverse network of tours allows gravel bikers to enjoy fast off-road adventures on gravel roads and forest tracks alongside leisurely exploratory tours. For a really relaxed experience, you can hire an e-bike in Saalfelden Leogang for a culinary e-bike tour. This will allow you to explore the region in comfort and sample the occasional Pinzgau speciality here and there. 

 

New lines in the Epic Bikepark Leogang – for beginners to pros 
The Epic Bikepark Leogang: the beating heart of the bike region. Since 2001, the Epic Bikepark Leogang has been thrilling riders of all ages and is regarded as one of the most renowned parks in Europe. In 2026, it will celebrate its 25th anniversary. However, this season, the bikepark, open from 9 May to 9 November 2025, is already featuring several new lines and trails. Popular existing routes have been refined, and brand-new ones have been introduced: All freeriders can look forward to the new red line, the "T-LINE," which connects Vali's Hölle and Bongo Bongo. The red line is accessed via the Flying Gangster or Speedster and ends after 1.3 
kilometres at the Riders Playground at the Asitz valley station. Starting in summer 2025, a new blue line called "GATEWAY" will link the middle station of the Steinbergbahn cable car with the Steinberg Line by Fox. Spanning over 600 metres, this scenic trail will partly pass over wooden walkways, offering the perfect introduction to the bikepark. The new black singletrail “Back to the Roots” in the Steinberg Line by Fox area offers a more technically challenging experience. A 1.3-kilometre, natural singletrail that can be ridden from summer onwards. The popular Hangman I now features additional track variants in black and red, with one of them receiving its own unique name “Hangover." Both the black Hangman I bypass "Hangover" and the new black singletrail "Back to the Roots" were named by the community through an Instagram voting process. 
Mountain biking is no longer a male-dominated sport – more and more women are conquering the trails as well! Especially for this emerging group, the Epic Bikepark Leogang offers camps and workshops to improve riding skills, build confidence, and grow in a supportive community. 

During the summer, bike ticket prices in Austria's largest bike region are dynamic. Take advantage of the online bike bonus to book day or multi-day tickets early at a reduced price. It's now even more convenient: Just buy your bike ticket through the Mountainticket app at the best price, activate it, and head straight through the turnstile to enjoy your favourite trails.

 

WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, BIKE Festival, RUSH 300 and Austrian Bike Summit 
From 5 to 8 June, the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series will once again visit Saalfelden Leogang in SalzburgerLand for a Triple World Cup. The World Cup races will feature Olympic Cross Country, Short Track, Downhill, and Enduro events. Alongside the exciting World Cup races, the event weekend will include spectacular side events, numerous signing sessions, a large expo area, and lively parties. By the way: Saalfelden Leogang will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships from 30 August to 3 September 2028. Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) Sports recently announced a five-year partnership (2025-2030) with Saalfelden Leogang - SalzburgerLand. This is the first long-term agreement of its kind between WBD, the organiser of the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, and a region. It guarantees first-class mountain bike events in Austria's largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, until 2030. 
Another highlight for bike fans is the 6th annual BIKE Festival in Saalfelden Leogang, which takes place from 12 to 14 September in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang. Over 50 top brands will be exhibiting here in addition to workshops with stars from the bike scene, kids’ races, exciting side events and several signing sessions. 
Additional event highlights include the 16th Austrian Bike Summit, a specialised conference on “Rad.Region.Bewegen. – Enhancing Cycling for Everyday Life and Leisure”, set to take place in Saalfelden Leogang from 3 to 4 June 2025. Another exciting first is the debut of the RUSH 300 racing bike event. On 21 September 2025, it will take riders through the magnificent alpine landscape of SalzburgerLand, covering 302 kilometres and 3,425 metres of elevation gain. 

 

Fun golf with a view of the Alps and a wow effect 
Tee off against a fantastic mountain backdrop. In Saalfelden Leogang, two special 18-hole courses invite you to enjoy a memorable golfing experience. The Urslautal golf course is located between Saalfelden and Maria Alm and offers a 5,000 square metre driving range and two golf academies. At the Gut Brandlhof Golf Club, you have to cross the Saalach mountain river six times while enjoying the magnificent view of the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. Dogs are allowed on the course here. In case of bad weather, passionate golfers can take advantage of the Indoor Golf Performance Centre at Gut Brandlhof hotel. The centre even boasts a golf simulator. 

 

Fast-paced adventures: Flying Fox XXL and summer toboggan runs 
For adrenaline junkies, a "flight" on the Flying Fox XXL – one of the longest and fastest steel cable zip lines in the world – is a must. At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, float through the air head first for 1,600 metres. This is an adventure for the whole family, and children aged 10 and over can take flight with parental permission. The summer toboggan runs on the Saalfelden Biberg (1.6 kilometres long) and the “Leos sound toboggan run” at 1,800 metres altitude on the Asitz mountain are also recommended. This year it's getting a makeover with a brand-new sound and look.

 

Family holidays on Asitz: senses park, barefoot trail and “peaceful waters on Asitz” 
The Asitz mountain is a popular family destination. Here, at the middle station of the “Mountain of Senses”, lies an adventurous sensory park: a varied obstacle course that immerses you in a fascinating world of sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. Meanwhile, in the forest, sharpen your sense of hearing while at the same time enjoying the refreshing scents of Alpine and wild-herb plants, a delight for your sense of smell. Afterwards, either relax on the lounging chairs, the panoramic terrace or the swimming platform in the “peaceful waters on Asitz" area. 

 

Summer for your ears: Jazzfestival Saalfelden, TONspuren am Asitz, ALM:KULTUR and Suma Hoagascht 
Beautiful sounds in summer: the 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden will take place this year from 21 to 24 August 2025. International and national jazz musicians perform at numerous and often free concerts in town and in the mountains. There are also musical hikes, as well as concerts on the mountain, in the forest and around the lake. 
Every Friday between 11 July and 5 September 2025, hikers get to meet artists and other creatives at mountain huts, where tradition meets modern life. This extraordinary event series called "ALM:KULTUR" includes free concerts and workshops of all kinds to join in. 
On five Thursdays between 26 June and 7 August 2025, bands and solo artists from various genres will be performing for the “TONspuren am Asitz” series. When the weather is good, you can enjoy the concerts with a picturesque sunset on the outdoor stage at the foot of the Asitz mountain. When the weather is sub-optimal, you are invited to the AsitzBräu restaurant. If you miss out on these concerts, you can also listen to the music later and in other places: As of 2020, there is a hiking trail on the Asitz mountain with five TONspur islands (listening stations) where you can listen to live recordings of the TONspur concerts from the previous year. Launching in summer 2025, the "Suma Hoagascht Leogang" event series is a brand-new addition. Warm ‘Suma’ (summer) evenings invite you to a cosy ‘Hoagascht’ gathering, filled with music and culinary delights. 'Hoagaschtn' means, in Alpine dialect, to stay together and chat in an enjoyable way. 

 

Kunsthaus Nexus: culture for young and old, from the “Gschnagga” theatre to cabaret 
The Kunsthaus Nexus has put together a comprehensive programme aimed at all ages again for the upcoming season. The cultural centre is an important part of Pinzgau’s art and culture scene. The programme is featuring plenty of concerts, a “Gschnagga” theatre for kids, an art-house cinema and numerous literary lectures and cabarets. 

 

Travel through time in museums: The Museum of Mining and Gothic Art, Leogang show mine and Schloss Ritzen castle 
The Museum of Mining and Gothic Art in Leogang is a special destination worth a visit. The exhibition provides an insight into the heyday of mining in Leogang. The museum also houses sacred art, such as the "Beautiful Madonna," a Gothic statue of a saint from 1410. This year's special exhibition "Medieval Glass – The Stained Glass of St. Lorenzen ob Katsch" includes items on loan from the Jagiellonian University in Krakow, the MAK Vienna, the Esterházy Collection and private Austrian collections. 
If you want to delve even deeper into the footsteps of the ancient miners, you should definitely visit the Leogang show mine. A guide will lead you through the narrow tunnels of an extensive mine. A mine railway that once carried both miners and mined treasures now offers younger visitors the opportunity to better get to know the mine by means of an artificial gallery. Guided tours of the showmine are offered from May to October. Sturdy footwear and warm clothing are required. 
The Schloss Ritzen castle in Saalfelden is another must-see museum, which houses Austria's largest and most important collection of nativity scenes and sacred treasures. In addition to the baroque church nativity scene, there is also a large oriental nativity scene and the Saalfelden nativity scene by the famous nativity scene builder Alexander "Xandi" Schläffer. To mark the 25th anniversary of the town Saalfelden, the Schloss Ritzen Museum is presenting a special exhibition that impressively reflects the development and milestones of the last 25 years in Saalfelden.

 

Unusual competition: European Beard and Moustache Championships in Leogang 
It’s set to be a spectacularly hairy event – the European Beard and Moustache Championships will be held in Leogang on 20 September 2025. Winners are sought in the mustache, chin & beard, and full beard categories. The artistic facial hairstyles can be admired in the MS Leogang school. 

 

Wellness and culinary delights: top hotels to pamper all your senses 
The most contrast-rich environment in the Alps is known for its first-class climbing. Countless wellness services on site offer a boon for your physical, mental and emotional balance. You will come back from your Saalfelden Leogang holiday with a renewed sense of well-being that will reverberate for a long time. Many of the local hospitality businesses attach great importance to sustainability and use regional and natural materials, such as wood and stone. 

•    The Krallerhof***** hotel sets high-end standards and has ventured into new dimensions in terms of recreation. Designed by Hadi Teherani Architects, in 2023 the Altenberger family of hoteliers has created a new SPA of superlatives for its guests that is both grand and purist. 
•    In 2023, the hotel lobby and restaurants at Naturhotel Forsthofgut***** were remodelled. In addition, hotel rooms were renovated, and a team campus was built for employees. The hotel also offers a riding stable as well as brand new loft suites and medical spa suites. 
•    Holidaymakers will discover lovingly designed chalets with fantastic mountain views at Puradies hotel****S. Since June of 2023, guests can look forward to the new "Heaven Spa" and other sports and culinary innovations. 
•    Meanwhile, the Eco Premium Bergdorf Priesteregg ****S, with its chalets and the Priesteregg Bad spa, offers ample luxury and plenty of time to relax. In 2024, seven mountain chalets will be transformed into new lakeside huts with exclusive access to the natural pond, which has been carefully enlarged into a bathing lake. 
•    The new city hotel Das SAAL**** in the centre of Saalfelden will open in early summer 2024 with a total of 75 double rooms and 5 suites. 
•    The 4****S Boutique Hotel Rivus recently added a new restaurant and wellness area. Not to mention new rooms that leave nothing to be desired. 
•    Since 2023, the Hotel Der Löwe****S has a year-round heated outdoor pool as well as a new underground car park and a new dining room. 
•    The Biohotel Rupertus**** offers sustainable relaxation in the recently built SPA area as well as organic delights to taste, feel and see. 
•    In addition to fantastic rooms, the Gut Brandlhof****S hotel also boasts the autohaus automotive event centre, plenty of space for events and an indoor golf simulator. In 2026, a groundbreaking new building will open, elevating the event experience at Brandlhof to an entirely new level. 
•    At the Hotel Salzburgerhof ****S guests can look forward to the dreamlike Sky-SPA. 
•    The Riederalm Good Life Resort****S impresses with its “dahoam” Gault-Millau rated restaurant and a wellness area for families. 
•    Exceptional feel-good offers are also available at the Forsthofalm hotel****S, the Senhoog apartment house and the Stockinggut**** hotel. 
•    The "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle concept at the Ritzenhof Hotel & Spa at the Lake****S offers guests the perfect opportunity to relax and unwind. 
•    For a holiday experience "in the mountains and yet in the city,” look no further than Die Hindenburg**** boutique and city hotel. In 2023, the SPA and fitness area was expanded. 
•    The Bacher Asitzstub'n*** hotel boasts a heated infinity panorama pool. 
•    The mama thresl hotel**** offers rooms in urban style. 

On top of all that, Gault&Millau has bestowed again many honours upon the region: Saalfelden Leogang boasts a total of 17 toques across seven restaurants, earning it the well-deserved reputation of an award-
winning culinary destination. The prestigious MICHELIN Guide recently awarded stars to two restaurants in the region. Both the ‘Dahoam’ restaurant at the Riederalm - Good Life Resort and the ‘Kirchenwirt Leogang’ received the coveted recognition for their outstanding cuisine. 

 

Regionality and sustainability: everything from organic products to environmentally friendly travel 
Regional marketing and the gentle use of resources is a priority in the Saalfelden Leogang region. More than 70 percent of all farms in Saalfelden Leogang are now organic farms. As part of this programme, special organic sausage and meat products as well as other products like cheese, yoghurt, jams or fruit juices from Saalfelden Leogang are certified accordingly. The 'ECHT.GSUND.GUAD’ (authentic.healthy.delicious) seal of quality makes the quality of local products easily apparent at a glance. 
In recent years, many farm shops have emerged that invite you to sample regional delicacies and purchase them to take home. At the Stechaubauer organic farm, fresh organic vegetables are available around the clock from a self-service vending machine via touchscreen. Leogang saffron, grown by the Wölfler family and supplied to the local award-winning restaurants, is a real speciality. The village shop in Leogang and the Saalachtaler Bauernladen farm shop in Saalfelden offer a wide selection of local products and souvenirs from regional producers. Or how about the tastiest ice cream in the Alps? Misssi makes ice cream from natural, regional ingredients and organic milk from cows with horns. 
When it comes to sustainability, travelling to Saalfelden Leogang by train is also an important aspect. The benefits: No traffic jams, and fast and regular train connections directly from Salzburg, Innsbruck or Munich. Rail travel takes you to your destination or the trailheads of your chosen hiking routes effortlessly. With the new Guest Mobility Ticket Salzburg, you can access most public transport across the entire province of Salzburg. The Loigom Soifen shuttle augments the existing route network by offering an on-demand service with Mercedes eVitos and serves numerous stops. 
The topic of sustainability is reflected in numerous measures and projects in the region: green events, clean energy, value chains and climate hikes are a matter of course in Saalfelden Leogang. For instance, the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company is the first cable car company in Austria to use HVO100 fuel for its entire vehicle fleet. The fuel is made from renewable raw materials and saves up to 96 percent CO2. In addition, 100 percent of the electricity required comes from regional energy sources, such as hydropower, since 2018. The cable cars have thus taken on a pioneering role in terms of sustainability and resource conservation. Incidentally, the Leogang cable cars are open for hikers throughout the summer and autumn until the start of the ski season.

 

Saalfelden Leogang designated as an Eco-label destination 
In Saalfelden Leogang, sustainability and environmental protection are a way of life. Saalfelden Leogang is one of just four destinations in Austria to be awarded the Austrian Eco-label for holiday destinations. The region is also involved with its memberships in respACT (Saalfelden Leogang was the first regional tourism organization), the Climate Alliance and the Salzburg Fair-bindet sustainability club (Saalfelden Leogang was the first tourism association in SalzburgerLand to join both). Many companies and businesses in Saalfelden Leogang have also already been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel. This seal of quality evaluates measures such as public transport, waste disposal and resource management. In-house biomass heating plants, wood chip heating systems and composting plants are used to provide energy. In addition, the region pays great attention to the avoidance of waste. 

 

Free Saalfelden Leogang Card: countless advantages 365 days a year 
The Saalfelden Leogang Card is a fantastic offer for anyone visiting the region. It provides holidaymakers with an array of nature, sports and cultural offers in summer and winter. From May to the start of the winter season, you can take advantage of two free return tickets per person/day for the Asitz, Steinberg or Saalbach Hinterglemm cable cars. The card also gives you access to many activities of the “365 Days active and creative programme” from May until October. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card in hand, you’ll also profit from free admission to the Schloss Ritzen Museum and the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang as well as the leisure complex at Sonnrain, the Obsmarkt adventure swimming pool and the natural bathing complex at Ritzensee lake. Guests will automatically receive the Saalfelden Leogang Card automatically upon check-
in at any Saalfelden Leogang Card partner establishment. The card is valid continuously from the day of arrival to the day of departure.

 

Event highlights in summer 2025: 
1 June: Opening of the Hiking Trail of Arts at Asitz 
3-4 June: 16th Austrian Bike Summit 
5-8 June: WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series 
26 June to 7 August: Concert series TONspuren am Asitz 
11 July to 5 September: ALM:KULTUR in Saalfelden Leogang 
17 July, 9 and 28 August: Suma Hoagascht Leogang 
25-27 July: Town festival - 25 years Saalfelden 
21 to 24 August: 45th Jazzfestival Saalfelden 
12 to 14 September: BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang 
20 September: European Beard and Moustache Championships 
21 September: RUSH 300 
7-9 November: Chamber Music in Hütten