Saalfelden Leogang honoured with the Austrian Ecolabel as a pioneer for sustainable tourism

The Saalfelden Leogang tourism region has been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Destinations and is thus recognised as one of four outstanding Ecolabel regions in Austria to date.

‘Because We Care": Sustainability as lived practice
Saalfelden Leogang is strongly committed to environmental protection and sustainability. The region is a member of the Climate Alliance and respACT. Many businesses and hotels already bear the Austrian Ecolabel, 28% of all overnight stays in Saalfelden Leogang are in ecolabelled establishments. The ‘Nature & Climate in Transition’ hikes and e-bike tours allow guests to experience the beauty of the region in a particularly environmentally conscious way.

Sustainable experiences and green events
The region offers its guests a wide range of sustainable activities. The ‘365 Days Active & Creative’ programme includes a ‘Nature and Climate in Transition’ hike, which raises awareness of environmental changes. The single trails in Saalfelden Leogang were built exclusively by hand and with natural materials, and attention is paid to energy efficiency and waste avoidance at events. In addition, around 70% of all farms in Saalfelden Leogang are organic and cooperation with regional direct marketers is actively promoted.
Saalfelden Leogang favours the efficient use and production of energy directly on site. Photovoltaic systems with citizen participation have been installed for several years now - for example on the roofs of the school centre (2015) and Congress Saalfelden (2018). Numerous other projects are being planned in the municipalities of Leogang and Saalfelden to further expand local electricity production.
This year's Jazzfestival Saalfelden has also set an example for sustainability: The Congress' photovoltaic system and a new system on the roof of the Otto-Gruberhalle ensured that all concerts on these stages were powered by clean, self-produced electricity - another example of how culture and environmental protection go hand in hand in Saalfelden Leogang.

Sustainable travel and mobility in Saalfelden Leogang
Travelling to Saalfelden Leogang is not only easy, but also environmentally friendly: the region has three train stations and an extensive network of public transport, which can be used free of charge with the Saalfelden Leogang Card. The ‘Loigom Soifen Shuttle’ complements the existing public transport network with its on-demand service. Guests can also hire electric cars at the hotels. There are numerous e-charging stations throughout the region.

Leoganger Bergbahnen as a pioneer in environmental protection
Since 2018, all the electricity required has been sourced from regional energy sources such as hydropower. Other measures include the use of district heating from a biomass heating plant and heat recovery at the gondola lift stations.

A significant milestone for Saalfelden Leogang
The award as an eco-labelled destination marks an important milestone in the sustainable development of the region and underlines Saalfelden Leogang's commitment to environmental protection and sustainability. The region is looking forward to continuing its pioneering work in environmentally friendly tourism in the future and inspiring its guests to enjoy sustainable experiences.

‘We are incredibly proud and delighted to have been awarded the Austrian Ecolabel for Destinations. It is a great confirmation of our commitment to sustainability and shows that we are on the right track. This recognition motivates us to continue working with full commitment for an environmentally friendly and liveable future for our region.’ - Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Touristik

Federal Minister Leonore Gewessler emphasises: ‘I am delighted that we are able to present Saalfelden Leogang with the Ecolabel. The Ecolabel is awarded to businesses and tourism destinations that show that climate-friendly business is successfully possible. Be it through environmentally friendly products, services or educational programmes. In the tourism sector in particular, this strengthens businesses and the regional economy. Sustainable tourism destinations not only ensure that their guests feel completely at ease, but also contribute to greater climate and environmental protection and future-proof regions.’