Go mountain biking in Saalfelden Leogang

Head to Austria’s SalzburgerLand for a cycling holiday this summer

Whether you’re on two wheels or two feet, Saalfelden Leogang will get the adrenalin going. In this alluring corner of Austria’s SalzburgerLand, you’re surrounded by some of the most captivating mountain scenery in the country – and it’s ripe for exploration on dozens of biking and hiking trails.

Freewheeling heaven

Mountain bikers, road cyclists, families towing kids in trailers – they’re all catered for on the many mountain bike routes and valley cycle paths spread out around Saalfelden Leogang.

Thrill-seekers of all ages flock to Bikepark Leogang, one of the largest bike parks in Europe. Take the Asitz gondola and let rip on any of the 11 different trails and various single trails around the Bikepark. You’ll find everything from breathtakingly steep drops to gentle introductory jumps in the beginner’s Riders’ Playground. Check out the pump track including a jump line, which will open just before the summer holidays, and discover why Bikepark Leogang is one of the venues for the UCI Mountain Bike Downhill World Cup.

If you really want to test yourself to the limit, join the BIG-5 Challenge, which links five mountains around Leogang and Saalbach Hinterglemm – and all to be done in one day if you’ve got the stamina. It’s made easier thanks to constant expansion and investment in the bike network, with four new lines and trails opening this summer in Saalfelden Leogang as well as the Steinbergbahn lift for transporting bikes.

Road cyclists can pit themselves against winding mountain roads and steep passes, while family bikers can enjoy the serenity of the valley cycling routes. You’ll also find bike-friendly hotels as well as a growing number of charging points for e-bikes.

Hiking high life

With more than 400km of hiking trails winding through the Leoganger Steinberge mountains and the Steinernes Meer plateau, hikers and walkers can lose themselves in the wondrous beauty of the Austrian Alps. Make it easier on yourself by hopping on the gondola at Asitz for high-altitude hikes, or take a gentle ramble around the shimmering waters of Lake Ritzensee. There’s even an authentic hermitage, where you can pause and soak up the peaceful atmosphere.

Wherever you wander, you can look forward to stopping for a well-earned break at one of many mountain huts and refuel on Austrian dumplings, cheese and delicious cakes.

Music and more

Enjoy music in the mountains at the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden

Saalfelden Leogang’s cultural side is just as intoxicating as its landscapes. This August marks the 40^th edition of the International Jazzfestival Saalfelden, when more than 50 concerts are held over four days in this glorious mountain setting.

Earlier in August, it’s the turn of the VolXommer Theatre Festival to bring 18 days of spectacular performances – indoor and outdoor – to the mountains. Catch live music, theatre and circus acts during this lively festival that’s for all ages.

Pick up the new Saalfeld Leogang Card, which offers discounts and free transport on the mountain lifts. Getting there is easy too, with regular flights to Salzburg Airport, which is only about an hour’s drive.

Visit austria.info/summer, salzburgerland.com and saalfelden-leogang.com to find out more about Austria’s SalzburgerLand