SIMPLY HIKING IN SAALFELDEN LEOGANG

"You've only really been where you've walked." Even Johann Wolfgang von Goethe appreciated the merits of hiking. Accordingly, he would have certainly loved Saalfelden Leogang, the most contrast-rich environment in the Alps. Here in the SalzburgerLand’s most beautiful and varied holiday region, there is a large network of hiking and running routes to discover. For example, the Pinzga‘ Hatscha long-distance trail, the Saalachtaler Höhenweg and the Saalachtal Circular Trail – all will treat you to magnificent views of the Steinernes Meer plateau and the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range. There are also countless worthwhile stops for hikers, including the spectacular TONspur islands, the Senses Park, the summer toboggan runs, or the Flying Fox XXL zip line!

 

Forest bathing at the Asitz
On this superlative trail, hikers immerse themselves in the forest environment: The aim of forest bathing, or Shinrin Yoku as it is called in Japan, is to relax in and amongst nature, to slow down, and to temporarily escape the stresses of daily life. The “forest bathing at the Asitz" hiking trail, which was open last summer, extends for 8.2 kilometres past 14 stations. It boasts viewpoints, resting stations, nature swings, a yoga area, and even a treetop bed. Forest bathing is an activity focussed entirely on the senses. It's about seeing, hearing, feeling, smelling and tasting the forest. This is how mindful hiking should be.
NEW from July 2025: "Your time-out on the Mountain of Senses" – mindful hiking with Shinrin Yoku elements. Every Thursday in July, August and October, Maria Leutgeb – initiator of the "forest bathing at the Asitz" project, trained hiking guide and Shinrin Yoku expert – will lead a mindfulness day on the Mountain of Senses. 

 

"Simply hiking": pole sharing, tours for baby carriages and overnight stays in mountain huts
In Saalfelden Leogang, the motto is "simply hiking”. No fuss. Just out into nature. "We want to avoid distractions and focus on what matters," says Marco Pointner, Managing Director of Saalfelden Leogang Tourism. "We want to encourage our guests to just start walking, to enjoy nature and to have fun. The focus is on hiking, pure and simple, as well as the ability to switch off from the concerns of everyday life." For those keen to take a short break, there are unobtrusive, regionally produced features along the trails, such as the 360-degree wooden benches and the wrought-iron forest swings.
Another suggestion is "pole sharing:" At various selected trailheads in Saalfelden Leogang you find pole-sharing stations, where you can borrow wooden hiking poles, which you simply put back in the holders provided at the end of your hike. 
The region is also great for hiking with children: The Saalfelden Leogang holiday region features several hiking routes and paths that are also suitable for families with prams and small children. The not-too steep hike to the Sinnlehenalm mountain hut, for example, at an altitude of 950 metres, is easy to tackle. 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.
For a unique touch to your hike on the Steinernes Meer plateau or the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range, consider planning an overnight stay in a mountain hut. For example, in the Passauer Hütte, Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte or the newly renovated Riemannhaus mountain huts.
Another exciting guided hike, titled “Nature and Climate in transition”, offers interesting insights into the changes affecting nature. This hike to the lowest glacier in Central Europe inspires discussion and gives hope. 

 

Earn badges in the hiking pass challenge
As if a hike wasn't already beautiful enough, in Saalfelden Leogang all hard-working explorers on the diverse hiking trails can also earn a badge - a hiking pin in gold, silver or bronze. With a range of difficulty levels and route lengths, there are options to satisfy both seasoned mountaineers and casual hikers. The tours range from Leo’s Game Trail to the challenging ascent to the Sommerstein summit. The hiking pass is available at the tourist information offices, or you can simply use the SummitLynx app.

 

Hiking without luggage: multi-day tours on the Saalachtaler Höhenweg and Saalachtal Circular Trail
Those walking longer and further in Saalfelden Leogang need not 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 stage location in the meantime. This service is available for both the Saalachtaler Höhenweg and Saalachtal Circular Trail. All-inclusive hiking packages for these two beautiful routes are also available: Six nights, including luggage transfer, a hiking map and a hiking equipment kit (consisting of hiking pin, hiking pole, and hiking socks) are included. Hikers along the Saalachtaler Höhenweg trail also receive a ticket for the cable car in Hinterglemm and one for the ride back to the valley using the Biberg summer toboggan run. This fantastic offer is available from 864 EUR per person. A similar package for the Saalachtal Circular Trail is available from 742 EUR per person (including the ticket for the ascent on the Huggenberg chairlift). The offers are bookable from the beginning of June until the end of September by visiting: https://www.saalfelden-leogang.com/en/region-experience/hiking/hiking-without-luggage

 

Outstanding climbing in the Steinberge mountain sports region   
For pure climbing pleasure, look no further than the Steinberge mountains: The Steinberge mountain sports region, including Saalfelden Leogang, Pillerseetal and Salzburger Saalachtal, features over 1,000 climbing routes and Alpine multi-pitches for beginners, advanced and experienced climbers. The 45-pitch “Pinzgawurm route” is one of the longest climbing routes in the Northern Limestone Alps.  
You’ll also have access to five climbing gyms and twelve via ferratas. The indoor options are especially popular on a rainy day. At the "Felsenfest" climbing gym, Alpine climbers can hone their skills in the 1,700 square metre climbing area. It is one of the most modern and largest climbing gyms in Austria. The smaller Alpenverein climbing gym Leogang features a 50 m² bouldering room. Varied climbing programmes are also available from May to October as part of the “365 Days Active and Creative Programme” – also for families. After a strenuous climbing tour, don’t forget to reward yourself with some delicious food. A recommendation is to stop at one of the traditional mountain huts. Regional delicacies await in the Passauer Hütte, Riemannhaus and Peter-Wiechenthaler-Hütte mountain huts, among others. 

 

Nature cinema and the TONspur islands: relax, gaze into the distance, and listen to music
Saalfelden Leogang’s beautiful nature always offers plenty to see and hear. For the eyes and ears, the region boasts two particularly extraordinary attractions.  Firstly, there is the nature cinema on the Sonnkogel (Asitz) with its various panoramic plateaus. Hikers and visitors can take in the impressive vista of the Leoganger Steinberge mountain range and the Steinernes Meer plateau from loungers and hammocks. You can reach the nature cinema via the Asitzbahn or Steinbergbahn cable car, or via Leo’s Game Trail and the Grosser Asitz mountain.
Meanwhile, the five TONspur islands are a delight for the ears. They constitute an archive of recordings from the previous year’s TONspur concerts, an annual series of concerts held on the Asitz in summer. Put your feet up and lean back on a wooden lounger, then immerse yourself in the music from the sound system. Raining outside? No problem. The loungers are mounted on rails and can be pulled out or into the covered station depending on the weather. In 2020 the TONspuren Islands were even awarded the MAECENAS Austrian Art Sponsorship Prize. 

 

Family fun on the Asitz: "Mountain of Senses" and “peaceful waters"
The Asitz is known as the “Mountain of Senses" for good reason. At the Senses Park, located at the Asitzbahn middle station, mountain-lovers can see, hear, taste, smell and feel at 30 experience stations. The Asitz mountain is ideal for an adventurous outing with the whole family. What can guests expect? Walking barefoot on the soft Alpine soil, listening to the sounds of the forest, or enjoying the scent of the many wild herbs and Alpine plants. At the Senses Park, children can try their hands at many creative activities, from baking flatbread to painting, crafting and designing their own T-shirt. There is also plenty for little ones to enjoy at Leo’s Game Trail: Along the way, there are many exciting stops where the kids can climb, balance and burn off some energy. This year's puzzles will be particularly exciting, as the questions have been revised and a new prize awaits the children. If you’re keen to relax after a long day out (or just all day long), the “Stille Wasser (peaceful waters)” area on the Asitz features lounging chairs, panoramic terraces, a Kneipp-therapy area and a floating platform at the Speichersee reservoir – sit back and enjoy the view!

The best part is that the region offers plenty of opportunities in autumn as well. The cable cars of the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company are open continuously until the start of the ski season, so that the region’s most colourful season can be enjoyed in all its glory.

Tip: With the Saalfelden Leogang Card, which you receive automatically when you check in at partner accommodations, you can get your money's worth all year round. After all, with this advantage card in hand, numerous nature, sports and cultural offers can be readily combined. From May until the start of the ski season, for example, you can enjoy two free return tickets (including bike transport) with the Leoganger Bergbahnen cable car company every day. You also enjoy free admission to museums, swimming pools and much more. 

 

Adrenaline packed action: summer tobogganing and Flying Fox XXL zip line 
Even though the ski slopes are green meadows in summer, some places in Saalfelden Leogang are still fast-paced. The two summer toboggan runs promise plenty of thrills! The first is located on Saalfelden's Biberg mountain: the wild ride stretches over 1.6 kilometres and offers curves, jumps and a phenomenal view of the Saalfelden basin! The second, “Leo’s Sound Toboggan Run”, is located at an altitude of 1,800 metres on the Asitz mountain and even delights tobogganers with music on the way. Best of all: This year it's getting a makeover with a brand new sound and look. Adrenaline junkies should definitely try out one of the longest and fastest steel cable slides in the world: the Flying Fox XXL zip line, which starts at the Stöcklalm mountain hut in Leogang. At speeds of up to 130 kilometres per hour, rush through the air headfirst for 1,600 metres.

 

Trailrunning: A highly varied network of running trails
The Saalfelden Leogang sports region is also well positioned in the trend sport of trail running. There is a large selection of trail running routes to choose from, including short, medium and longer distances as well as different elevations. Saalfelden Leogang also offers two fitness obstacle courses to complement the running trails.

 

365 Days Active and Creative: The perfect way to discover the region 
Just how rich in contrast is Saalfelden Leogang? See for yourself when enjoying the natural environment. The "365 Days Active and Creative Programme," allows you to discover the region in a variety of ways. The opulent range of activities includes guided themed hikes like the "Nature & Climate in Transition" trek to the lowest glacier in Central Europe, or the "Wildlife and Kaiserschmarren Tour" – a mountain safari. Other options include alpaca trekking, horse-drawn carriage rides, Nordic walking, and cultural events. With the Saalfelden Leogang Card in hand, take advantage of numerous reduced-price or even free offers in the region as well as tours from the year-round programme.