When people think of Salzburg, classical concerts, baroque architecture and the Sound of Music usually spring to mind. But travel an hour and a half west of the city into the Pinzgau region, and you will find a completely different side of the province. Leogang is located between the steep limestone cliffs of the Leoganger Steinberge and the green, rolling slopes of the Asitz.
While it has long been popular for winter sports, the warmer months turn this region into a great spot for outdoor activities.
What Makes Leogang Special?
Leogang perfectly combines a traditional agricultural and mining history with a very progressive outdoor culture. Long before tourism took hold, the area was defined by hard labor. For centuries, miners pulled silver, copper, and cobalt out of the earth. Today, you can step directly into that history at the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum (Schaubergwerk), which offers a fascinating look at the subterranean tunnels that shaped the local community.
Beyond the museum, the town itself has a very distinct layout. Rather than featuring a single dense, urban center, Leogang is spread out across several small hamlets and quiet farming settlements. This unique geography gives the entire community a remarkably authentic, unhurried feel. As you explore the area, you will notice centuries-old traditional farmhouses sitting right alongside striking, modern design hotels.
What really makes Leogang stand out today is how well it combines exciting adventures with relaxed alpine traditions. You can spend the morning watching world-class mountain bikers test their limits on steep forest tracks, and the afternoon listening to a live classical concert on a mountain ridge or sitting outside a rustic timber hut eating homemade cheese dumplings.
Things to Do: Beyond the Village
The real action happens up on the mountain, and getting there is only half the fun. The Asitz and Steinberg cable cars take visitors from the valley floor up to the high alpine terrain in minutes.
Hit the Trails
Leogang is part of one of the largest biking regions in Europe. The Epic Bikepark Leogang draws downhill riders from across the continent with its network of technical lines, pump tracks, and the huge Riders Playground training area. If you prefer traveling on two feet, over 400 kilometers of marked hiking trails fan out across the valley, ranging from gentle meadow walks to serious alpine ascents. You can find more information on the official website of the Bike Park.
Soak Up the Culture on the Summit
The Asitz mountain isn’t just for sports; it’s also a cultural hub. Throughout the summer, the mountain hosts the TONspur concert series, bringing live international musicians to a stage high above the tree line. Find out more about the programme on the official website of the festival.
Explore the Underworld
Just a short drive down the valley lies the Lamprechts Cave, one of the longest cave systems in the world. Walking deep into the illuminated stone chambers offers a cool escape on a hot summer afternoon. You an read more about the cave in the dedicated article.
Family Adventures on the Mountain of the Senses (Berg der Sinne)
Traveling with kids in Leogang is remarkably stress-free, largely thanks to the Saalfelden Leogang Card, which gives guests free daily cable car rides and local discounts.
The Asitz mountain is officially branded as the Berg der Sinne (Mountain of the Senses), and its emotional heart is the sprawling Sinne Park (Senses Park) located right at the middle station of the Asitzbahn. This freely accessible discovery area features over 30 interactive hands-on stations designed to test touch, sound, sight, and balance. Kids and adults can experiment with giant water wheels, walk barefoot across textured alpine paths of wood and stone, and play oversized outdoor musical instruments. We have prepared a dedicated article on the Sinne Park.
Additional Family Adventures
Beyond the middle station, the adventure continues as you head higher up the mountain:
- Leo’s Puzzle Hunt Trail: Hiking with children can sometimes lead to complaints, but the themed puzzle and game trails starting from the top stations turn a standard walk into a scavenger hunt. Complete with balancing beams, climbing elements, and interactive riddles, it keeps kids engaged while covering several kilometers of alpine scenery. The hike takes about 2 hours and is open from end of May until the end of September. You can find more information about the trail here.
- Leo’s Water World: Situated near the middle station reservoir, this splash-heavy zone features walk-through waterfalls and mountain streams. The park is open from end of May until the end of September between 9am and 4:30pm. Tip: Bring a complete change of clothes, because staying dry is practically impossible.
- Flying Fox XXL: While the valley is also home to one of the world’s most famous high-speed steel cable rides, the massive Flying Fox XXL, that high-flying adrenaline rush deserves its own dedicated breakdown, which you can read about in the dedicated article.
The Saalfelden Leogang Card: Your Ultimate Holiday Pass
One of the best perks of visiting the region is the Saalfelden Leogang Card, a digital guest pass handed out for free by participating partner hotels and guesthouses upon arrival. Be sure to check with your accommodation beforehand to confirm that they participate, as the card is exclusive to partner properties. When included, it is a total game-changer for holiday budgeting, unlocking free daily cable car rides with bike transport included, free entry to local outdoor pools like the Sonnenrain public pool, and free public transit across the entire Pinzgau region. It also covers admission to regional highlights like the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum, making it effortless to explore the valley without constantly reaching for your wallet.
Read more about the Saalfelden Leogang Card on the official website.
Where to Stay and Eat
Leogang has evolved into a masterclass for modern alpine hospitality. The region features everything from traditional family-run guesthouses to cutting-edge eco-resorts and luxury chalet villages where private saunas and fresh breakfast baskets delivered to your door are standard.
When hunger strikes, skip the generic hotel dining and head up to an Alm (alpine pasture hut). Order a traditional Pinzgauer Kasnocken (cast-iron skillet cheese noodles topped with crispy onions) paired with a glass of local cider or elderflower syrup, and enjoy it on a sunny wooden terrace with views stretching all the way to the Steinberge peaks.
Whether you come to challenge yourself on the bike tracks, hike from peak to peak with the family, or simply disconnect in an alpine spa, Leogang proves that Salzburg’s mountains offer excitement long after the winter snow melts.
Additional Essential Information for Your Visit
Official Website
Address: 5771 Leogang
Map:
Around Leogang, the wider Saalach Valley opens up a landscape defined by raw water and rock. Just a short distance away, you can explore the region’s famous natural monuments, including the roaring rock formations of the Vorderkaser gorge and Seisenberg gorge. Right alongside them is Lamprecht’s Cave, one of the deepest and most extensive cave systems in Europe, where you can walk deep into the illuminated subterranean rock.
