Saalfelden Leogang is the ideal holiday destination for bikers regardless of whether they prefer leisurely riding, mountain biking, or downhill in the Epic Bikepark Leogang. This diverse landscape offers tours, trails and stretches of all kinds from easy to difficult. No wonder that everyone, from world champions to beginners, loves to pedal here. “As a bike region full of variety, we want to attract professional bikers as well as beginners to explore our area on two wheels,” said Marco Pointner, CEO of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. To make sure that everything runs smoothly, the range of biking-related offers is constantly being expanded. In the previous few year alone, around one million euros was invested in infrastructure expansion alone! Set your wheels and your pulse racing with four new lines & trails, a new asphalt pump track featuring a jump and dirt line as well as the opening of the Steinbergbahn gondola lift for summer operation! In partnership with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn, the Saalfelden Leogang Bike Region is now the largest biking region in Austria with seven mountains, nine cable cars and over 70 kilometres of lines and trails. Now there’s even better news for all those who prefer downhill to uphill riding: since last summer, both the Asitz and Steinbergbahn gondola lifts happily transport both bikes and bikers! The Epic Bikepark Leogang: where world champions meet Bikepark Leogang is also a hot spot for the Bike World Champions and Austria’s only venue for the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup. From 7-11 October, the 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships will be held here for the second time since 2012. The title battles in Downhill, Pump Track, Cross-Country and E-Mountain Biking will be happening. Good news: the bike park’s numerous and varied routes are not reserved for professionals alone! Those just getting their start in the sport will also feel right at home! Last year, the new Antonius Trail and the Steinberg Line by FOX were opened. The latter was an absolute highlight featuring 10 km of tracks, 969 m of descent, and flowing curves. Its approx. 9% gradient makes it the bike park’s most flowy line! Open spaces along the way provide riders with panoramic views of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. Meanwhile, the Hot Shots-fired by GoPro attraction, which has been converted into a fun jump line, is all new in 2020. Those who love big air will feel immediately at home here. Now open for its second season in the Epic Bikepark Leogang, the large asphalt pump track, which features both a jump line and a dirt line, is now even easier to access via the exit area of the newly built conveyor belt in the Riders Playground (constructed in 2020). This 5000-m2 area is the perfect place to get your kicks! All-new, handcrafted single trails boasting fantastic views! Beyond this year’s latest trail lines, the Bikepark Leogang also boasts two fantastic lines, the now indispensable Forsthof Trail and the Schwarzleo Trail, which both premiered last season. Both are narrow, handmade single trails. Crossing several streams and leading past high rocks, while enjoying the the approx. 2-km Forsthof Trail you’ll feel like you’re in Middle Earth! The 1.8-km Schwarzleo Trail is just marginally shorter. This picturesque trail winds through mixed woodland and offers a jaw-dropping views of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range in addition to tight technical curves, flowy passages and North Shore elements. All ages can learn to mountain bike in the Riders Playground. The Riders Playground at the valley station of the Leoganger Bergbahnen is the ideal place for enthusiasts of all ages to try out the trend sport of mountain biking for the first time while on holiday. At 10,000 m2, this is one of Europe’s largest parks for beginners. In addition to practical conveyor belts for both bikes and riders, there’s even a surface lift suitable for transporting bikes uphill. This is an ideal environment for beginners and children to get used to biking, cornering and overcoming smaller obstacles prior to tackling the bike park’s more action-packed tracks. Those with a bit more experience and courage can practice cool jumps at the GoPro Bagjump! Jump after jump, a giant airbag in the landing area will ensure safe landings. But that’s not all: Two more tracks are currently being planned in the Riders Playground! In future, these will be accessible via the new conveyor belts. From the new 45-metre-long conveyor belt that opens up the lower bike area, bikers will soon be able to transfer directly to an additional 66-metre-long conveyor belt in the upper area. The new conveyor belts will also provide easy access to the new paved pump track. More cycling fun thanks to e-bikes Bikes with electric power are becoming increasingly popular. Long gone are the days when only older or unfit cyclists used them. Those who simply desire to expand their realm of sporty possibilities and to experience ascending to a mountain hut, or who have a much faster partner to keep up with, will enjoy the benefits of a fully charged battery. You can travel up to 100 km on a single battery charge depending on route conditions. Saalfelden Leogang is amongst the world’s largest e-bike regions and is ideal for extended electric cycling tours thanks to its countless routes. E-bike batteries can be exchanged or recharged at countless charging stations, partner hotels, sports shops or even at the mountain inns while bikers take a refreshment stop. Road biking on the highest mountain in Austria Saalfelden Leogang is also ideal for road bikers. For example, the Kaisertour winds along the famous Grossglockner High Alpine Road up to Austria’s highest mountain. Bike hotels and guides for a unique holiday experience Specialised bike hotels are fully devoted to cyclists. This includes infrastructure such as lockable bike storage rooms and loaner tools as well as a laundry washing service for worn bike clothing. Many of the hotel owners are themselves enthusiastic bikers and often join guests on tour. In any case, hotel personnel endeavour to meet and exceed the demands of cyclists and to help in route planning. The following hotels are biker-friendly: Hotel Bacher, Hotel Forsthofalm, Hotel Der Löwe, mama thresl, Riederalm Good Life Resort, Ritzenhof lakeside hotel and spa, Biohotel Rupertus, Salzburgerhof – home of sports and four star superior Krallerhof Hotel. Even the guides at the Elements Outdoorsports bike school are happy to help plan and are able to transform any guided tour into an adventure. At the Sport 2000 Simon and Sport Mitterer sports shops, the right equipment is available, from protective clothing to bikes, and is of course also available for hire. The best bike events in Saalfelden Leogang During the 8th Biberg Auffiradler uphill race and mountain run, participants will ascend 5.5 km with 700 m vertical rise. The goal of this competition for ambitious bikers among the guests and local residents is to reach the Berlis Hütte mountain inn. Many will be familiar with BIKE Festival from Riva on Lake Garda in Italy and Willingen in the Sauerland region of Germany. For the third time, this popular event will take place in Saalfelden Leogang in 2020. It will feature different, action-packed competitions for all age groups in addition to test courses and of course plenty of space to celebrate from 11-13 September. Meanwhile, at the associated BIKE trade fair, test the latest models for 2021 for yourself! This fantastic event is a must for die-hard biking fans of all stripes. Don’t miss a minute of the action at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships (Downhill, Cross-Country, Pumptrack and E-MTB), which will take place from 7-11 October in Saalfelden Leogang!
Plan just the summer holiday you want in a destination packed with thrilling steep trails and delightful relaxed outings. Want to conquer a craggy via ferrata or explore a gentle forest path? The choice is yours! Located around 70 km south-west of the city of Salzburg, Saalfelden Leogang has everything you’re looking for in a holiday region. From rugged limestone giants to gently sloping hillside meadows, from rural to urban, from traditional to innovatively modern, it offers all the ingredients of a perfect summer holiday in the mountains. Hiking with hiking pole sharing and forest swings Rich in contrast aptly describes the offers for hikers available in Saalfelden Leogang. The paths in the valley below and the grass-covered mountains offer hikers impressive panoramic views of the giant mountains that rise steeply above the lush green Alpine pastures. More sporty mountain lovers can choose between numerous high-Alpine mountain routes or long-distance hikes spanning several days. Luggage transport is even included. True to the Saalfelden Leogang motto of “simply hiking”, guests are encouraged to savour easygoing, stress-free adventures far away from the travails of day-to-day life. And a series of installations produced in the region, including 360° wooden benches and wrought-iron swings in the heart of the forest, offer the chance to take a break and enjoy a change of perspective. As a special service for guests in Saalfelden Leogang, there are so-called “pole-sharing-stations" at the starting points of the hiking trails. These natural wooden walking sticks are the perfect hiking companion for guests and may be simply returned at the end of the hike. Breathtaking panoramas atop Asitz mountain Looking for the ultimate way to escape the everyday? Take the Asitzbahn gondola lift, Steinbergbahn gondola lift, Leo’s Spielewanderweg trail or the route via the Großer Asitz to the top of imposing Asitz mountain and get ready for a majestic natural spectacle. At the Sonnkogel summit, you will come to the new “natural cinema” installation specially intended for hikers: featuring the natural sounds of the mountain landscape, an array of loungers and even a series of hammocks out on the plateaus, it’s a remarkable way to experience the region. New too are the TONspur stations, which will be erected along the hiking trail between the mountain station and the Asitz summit. Hikers who visit these five stations can listen to live recordings of TONspur concerts from the previous year while enjoying the beautiful nature. Climbing in the Steinberge mountains region Whether via ferratas, sport or Alpine climbing, it’s all uphill for climbing fans in Saalfelden Leogang. The Steinberge mountains region boasts the Loferer and Leoganger Steinberge mountains as well as the Steinplatte mountain. Due to the popularity of the area, you’re sure to meet up with climbing professionals here. Four new trails and a new pump track - one region for all cycling fans Saalfelden Leogang has the right offers for every biking enthusiast including numerous mountain bike routes, valley cycle paths and one of the most popular bike parks in Europe! The extensive mountain bike and trail bike path network in Saalfelden Leogang features easy, short or difficult tours for beginners and advanced bikers. Guides from the bike school and the hoteliers of the excellent bike hotels are always happy to help guests with tour planning. At the Bikepark Leogang, one of the most renowned in Europe, beginners of all ages can practice in the so-called Riders Playground. It’s the ideal place to navigate the trails, stones and roots down the mountain. The Riders Playground was also expanded this year to include numerous new attractions. In 2019, Saalfelden Leogang invested a total of approx. one million euros, which enabled it to significantly expand its range of biking trails. Two new routes are also on offer at the bike park: the Antonius Trail and the Steinberg Line by Fox. The latter is one of the park's most flowy and easy trails with an average gradient of nine percent and an altitude difference of just under 1,000 metres. Also new in the region are the Forsthof and the Schwarzleo trails, which boast absolute riding fun and pure nature. Those who aren’t quite ready to take a demanding cycling tour, but simply want to expand their range of possibilities, will benefit from offerings at one of the largest e-bike regions in the world in Saalfelden Leogang. At numerous places, you can rent e-bikes of any class and also quickly recharge batteries, even in the mountain huts. "“Because nowadays it's no longer just older or less physically active tourists who want electric assistance," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. "Most cyclists use the e-bike to make longer, more substantial tours during a single day.” The Bikepark will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships for the second time from 7 to11 October 2020. Bike fans will also get their money’s worth at the BIKE Festival from 11 to 13 September 2020, which offers the chance to test out the new bikes and innovations scheduled for 2021. The world’s best mountain bikers come to town Saalfelden Leogang hosts Quadruple World Championships in October: Saalfelden Leogang will once again become the focal venue for the mountain bike scene on a grand scale. From 7th to 11th October 2020 will be the second time the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships will take place in Saalfelden Leogang after 2012. The title battles in Downhill, Pump Track, Cross-Country and E-Mountain Biking will be happening. That means a lot of action in the EPIC Bikepark Leogang! Saalfelden Leogang, Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn now Austria’s largest bike region Saalfelden Leogang teams up with Saalbach Hinterglemm and Fieberbrunn in winter to form the Skicircus – and starting this year, these three regions will now join forces in summer as the largest bike region in Austria. Only a stone’s throw from Bikepark Leogang, the trails of Saalbach Hinterglemm take in seven mountains, nine cable cars and over 70 kilometres of lines and trails for bikers to explore. Family holidays on the barefoot hiking trail and the Riders Playground What does the perfect holiday look like? Members of the family both young and old have very different ideas about the matter. In Saalfelden Leogang, however, everyone will surely get their money's worth. The Asitz mountain is a wonderful excursion destination. In Saalfelden Leogang, it is called the "mountain of the senses" because visitors to the Sinne Erlebnispark adventure park at the middle station are whisked away into a world of seeing, smelling, hearing, tasting and feeling. Along the barefoot path on the soft ground of an Alpine pasture, smell the scent of the mountains including the many wild herbs and Alpine plants. In the forest, your sense of hearing will be sharpened as you move very quietly, concentrating on the sounds. According to the motto "Silent waters at the Asitz mountain," relaxation loungers, panoramic terraces, a Kneipp area and a swimming platform in the Speichersee reservoir offer ample opportunity to relax and enjoy nature with your eyes wide open as well. Easier hikes lower down in the valley are suitable for parents with small children. Energetic children who have a great urge to move can let off steam on their bikes in the Riders Playground, or they can race down the Biberg mountain on the 1.6-km summer toboggan run. Weightless gliding with the Flying Fox XXL zip line At a length of 1,600 m and a height of up to 143 metres, the Flying Fox XXL zip line at the Asitz mountain in Leogang guarantees fun for the entire family. At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, you’ll actually experience the sensation of flying while at the same time enjoying a wonderful view. Golfing at the Steinernes Meer plateau is rich in variety The two 18-hole courses, the Urslautal and Brandlhof, both feature breathtaking mountain scenery and transform golf into a rich experience. Both are classic championship courses and boast many interesting natural obstacles. Not far from the tees and greens there are several hotels that are perfectly suited to golfers, blending quality cooking with wellness treatments and golfing instruction. Recreation and cuisine: diverse, sustainable, regional The outdoor offerings are not the only thing rich in contrast here: so too is the region’s wellness programme. For instance, Saalfelden Leogang is known for its first-class hotels and some establishments focus on sustainable recreation. Many feature regional natural materials such as wood and stone. The WaldSPA at the Naturhotel Forsthofgut, the thermal spa at the Riederalm Good Life Resort, the "Alpine Holistic" lifestyle programme at the Ritzenhof - Hotel und Spa am See, or the superlative wellness offers at the Hotel Puradies are particularly suitable for relaxation. Pure relaxation is also available in Bergdorf Priesteregg mountain village with its chalets, two new villas, the new Priesteregg Bad pool, the Holzhotel Forsthofalm, the Salzburger Hof sports and wellness hotel, the Rupertus organic hotel, the unusual and modern yet traditional mama thresl hotel, and the 4-star superior Krallerhof hotel. Some of these hotels emphasise sustainability and guests can hire electric cars to explore the local area. The hotels even use energy they produce from their own biomass heating plants, wood chip plants or composting plants. In Austria, having a sense of wellbeing always includes delicious, regionally sourced cuisine. In Saalfelden Leogang, local specialties include various organic-quality sausages and other meat products. And that’s not all: with a total of twelve Gault Millau toques split between six establishments, one of which is in Saalfelden, the richly diverse Saalfelden Leogang region is no stranger to exclusive dining. The many medicinal herbs that grow on the alpine meadows are also important. Through workshops and hikes focusing on medicinal plants, visitors can learn about the healing wisdom related to these herbs, which is well known in Pinzgau and even forms part of UNESCO’S Intangible Cultural Heritage. Sense the forest Forests have their own special charms: sometimes mystical and scary, but also kitschy beautiful and enchanting. As part of the summer adventure programme, guests can discover the forests of the region in various ways. From forest bathing to medicinal plant hikes, torchlit hikes and even beaver hikes, there’s something for everyone. The offer “Einatmen. Wald spüren. Ausatmen.” (inhale, sense the forest, exhale) includes a seven-night stay, the Saalfelden Leogang Card, a hiking map, hiking socks, an Alpine snack, two hikes and a TEM (Traditional European Medicine) herbal workshop. Overnight in a bed and breakfast from 289 euros or in a 4-star hotel with half board from 598 euros. Music, Art and Culture - International Jazz Festival, ALM:KULTUR and TONspuren The region’s wide range of cultural attractions provides the ideal complement to its many outdoor activities. During the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden in August, jazz legends from around the world will get Saalfelden in the groove with many good concerts. The “TONspuren am Asitz” festival comprises five outdoor concerts performed between June and August on the Asitz, which is affectionately known as the ‘Mountain of the Senses’. Meanwhile, something extra special takes place every Friday from the beginning of July to the end of August when hikers meet various artists and cultural aficionados. As part of ALM:KULTUR, the mountain huts host a variety of concerts and workshops. Anyone can take part in the free-of-charge events and no registration is necessary. The Kunsthaus Nexus offers exhibitions, theatre or cabaret performances, lectures, readings, workshops and concerts all year round. Following an expansion project completed last year, the Mining and Gothic Museum in Leogang now boasts twice as much exhibition space for guests to experience the history of the region. A visit to the Leogang show mine is also exciting, as it deals with the historical ore, silver and copper mining in the region. In addition to the large nativity scene exhibition and the sacral treasures on display, the Schloss Ritzen Museum offers numerous special exhibitions. Take your holiday to the next level with the Saalfelden Leogang Card Regardless of whether you prefer to be active on the mountain, relax in the valley, join a guided hike or sample a little culture, the new year-round card issued to every guest checking in to one of the partner hotels offers complete freedom of choice. The benefits include a daily return ticket for the Asitzbahn gondola lift in Leogang or the Saalbach Hinterglemm cable car, plus unlimited ascents and descents with the chairlift on Biberg mountain. Cardholders also enjoy free entry to the leisure complex at Sonnrain, the Obsmarkt adventure pool and the natural bathing complex at Ritzensee lake. The Saalfelden Leogang Card also includes access to numerous guided hikes every week. Event highlights in summer 2020: 20 June 2020 Summer Solstice in Saalfelden and Leogang 25 June - 13 August 2020 “TONspuren am Asitz” (on five Thursdays) 3 July – 28 August 2020 ALM:KULTUR (every Friday) 11 – 13 September 2020 BIKE Festival Saalfelden Leogang 7 – 11 October 2020 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships - Downhill - Cross-Country - Pumptrack - E-MTB
