Found in SalzburgerLand, Saalfelden Leogang is one of the most dynamic, enriching regions in all of Austria. It’s a hugely popular ski resort during the winter, the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, but it’s perhaps even more famous as a destination for mountain bikers during the summer.
And no wonder, the region boasts one of the world's best bike parks, as well as numerous mountain bike routes of every skill level. Cyclists from all over the globe flock here.
The EPIC Bikepark Leogang is an ever-growing network of downhill runs dedicated to mountain biking. Lifts and conveyor belts take bikers of all levels to beautiful spots across the mountain and drop them down flowing trails.
Experts relish the jumps and steep drops, while beginners of all ages can learn skills on the lower slopes. Unsurprisingly, Bikepark Leogang also hosts some of the most prestigious mountain biking events anywhere, such as the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup.
Find out more at saalfelden-leogang.com
Top 5 new bike trails in Saalfelden Leogang
Steinberg Line by FOX
This brand-new line, officially opening summer 2019, descends around 10km from the Steinbergbahn cable station on Kleiner Asitz down to the valley station in Leogang.
Schwarzleo Trail
This 1.8km hand-made trail offers some northshores and switchbacks as well as some of the best views across the region.
Forsthof Trail
Also new for 2019 is 2km of thrilling singletrack that starts at Forsthofalm and finishes, conveniently, in the valley.
Big-5 Challenge
The Big-5 Challenge links together five cable cars and five mountains around Saalbach Hinterglemm and Leogang. Mountain bike enthusiasts aim to complete all five in one day. Can you? Find out more about the Big-5 Challenge here
Matzalm-Trail Tour
This is one of the best singletrack trails in the whole area, loaded with rooty passages and technical bends.
Hiking nirvana
Away from cycling, hikers can explore 400km of routes throughout the mountain ranges, with plenty of huts to rest in along the way. One of the highlights is a hike up the Spielberghorn, maybe timing it to pause at the Lindlalm hut for a hearty lunch. Or why not hike to Birnbachgletscher, one of the lowest glaciers in Central Europe?
Fun for all the family
Families will find plenty of kid-friendly biking routes in the mountains and at Bikepark Leogang, along with many other activities including Flying Fox XXL – a head-first steel rope slide that is a world-beating 1,600m long. You’ll be flying through the air 140m above the ground, with potential top speeds of 130km/h.
Rest and relaxation
Fortunately, Saalfelden Leogang has a wealth of places to recharge after all that activity. Its mountain huts and cosy inns bring the best of regional produce to the table: cheeses, charcuterie, fresh vegetables and even a cleansing shot of schnapps.
Slow walks can be taken up to Hermitage Palfen, where you can talk to the hermit about anything on your mind. Another relaxing experience offers the ‘Mountain of senses’ with it’s peaceful waters, a snow-making reservoir that’s precipitously places among the mountains and offers amazing views. You’ll find little walks, a herbal garden, and sun loungers for a quick nap.
Jazz hands
Sport may spring to people’s minds when they think of Saalfelden Leogang, but the region is also known as much for its cultural offering. The centrepiece of the year is the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden.
Since 1978, this festival has grown its reputation and attracts jazz greats from across the globe. The 2018 festival saw 42 concerts across 10 venues and five stages. This year, between 22 and 25 August, the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden will be celebrating its 40th anniversary, with four days of contemporary and experimental music and more than 60 concerts. Alongside the jazz, visitors can also enjoy a diverse programme of events for all ages throughout the year, from sports to culture events.
Find out more
Visit the Saalfelden Leogang website for more details!