Austria, in the Saalfelden Leogang region nature, traditions, music and adventurous experiences

The Austrian region of Saalfelden Leogang in Salzburg is renowned not only for its enchanting natural landscape, but also for the richness of its cultural and musical offerings. It is a place that combines adventure, culture and relaxation, which is why it is an ideal destination for visitors of all ages, all year round.

During the summer months, Saalfelden Leogang transforms into a true paradise foroutdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of activities to immerse oneself in the natural beauty of the region. Hikers can explore an extensive network of trails that wind through beautiful landscapes, offering routes suitable for all levels of experience. Among the most impressive experiences is a visit to the Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the region’s rich mining history. For those who wish to learn about the history of mining, a visit to the Leogang Mine is indeed a must. Since the 15th century, miners have worked with hammers and picks to extract a variety of minerals, including silver (which was mined for the famous Salzburger Silbertaler), mercury, cobalt, copper, lead, nickel and magnesite. This has resulted in a series of unique galleries that are a true historical treasure trove. Mining at the Leolang mine stopped in 1970, but in 1989 the mine was opened to the public. Today the mine offers a fascinating exhibition on the history of mining, which has its roots in the 14th century. Guided tours allow visitors to explore the vast mines along a trail, offering a true immersion into the past and the miners’ hard work. It is an adventurous experience that takes visitors part single file and part bent over through narrow tunnels, engaging them in an authentic look at the miners’ lives. For those who prefer to explore the mine virtually, there is the Virtual 3D Tour accessible at www.schaubergwerk-leogang.com. However, this digital tour offers an engaging way to learn about the millennia-long history of the Leogang mines, accessible to everyone via smartphone, PC or tablet. The Knappschaft Leogang received the Tourism Award for its commitment to the preservation and dissemination of mining history. In addition to the virtual tour, renovations have been made around the mine, including the mining railway, which now offers a unique experience for even the youngest visitors thanks to an artificial tunnel. The Leogang Mining and Gothic Museum also houses sacred artwork, and the Beautiful Madonna, a Gothic statue of a saint from the Alpine region that dates as far back as 1410. This year the public will also have the opportunity to visit special exhibitions, including the Vogl-Reitter private collection in Kitzbühel, which features a total of fifty panel paintings, sculptures, reliefs, and furniture dating back to the Gothic period. After an adventurous visit to the mine, it is worth stopping in the miners’ restaurant, where you can enjoy local cuisine and discover maps of the mine. You can also buy mining souvenirs to take home. Guided tours are available from May to October.

For those looking for a more unusual adventure, the hike to theSaalfelden Hermitage, located at 1,006 meters above sea level, is a unique opportunity. This atmospheric tour, also suitable for families, takes visitors to the hermitage built directly into the rock above Lichtenberg Castle in the 17th century, offering the chance to take a short break and admire this unique place. It is considered one of the last inhabited hermitages in Europe: this adds further charm to an already wonderful place.

The Saalfelden Leogang region is surrounded by four majestic castles that add to its charm, including Ritzen Castle. This is not only an architectural icon, but also a place that holds a rich cultural heritage. Inside is the museum with Austria’s largest and most significant collection of nativity scenes, as well as valuable sacred treasures. Among the most important works is the famous Saalfelden nativity scene, created by renowned nativity scene artist Alexander “Xandi” Schläffer of Saalfelden. Permanent exhibitions on Roman frescoes and local traditions and history of Saalfelden round out the museum’s offerings, making it a year-round destination for lovers of history, art, and culture.

Traditions and holidays play a central role in the life of the Saalfelden Leogang community: the summer solstice, for example, takes on a particularly evocative significance. The fires on the Pinzgau mountains on June 21 are said to not only evoke sunlight to ward off evil spirits, but also fertility and prosperity on the surrounding fields and meadows. During the evening, the majestic Leoganger Steinberge and Steinernes Meer mountains are tinged with enchanted light, while mysterious symbols and shapes are outlined on the slopes, creating a magical and unforgettable spectacle.

But Saalfelden Leogang is not only a paradise for nature lovers. The region also boasts a vibrant cultural and traditional scene, with local events such as ALM:KULTUR, a series of special events held every Friday from mid-July to early September in the surrounding mountain huts. During these days, hikers have the opportunity to meet various artists and cultural professionals and participate in a variety of concerts and workshops. The motto guiding these gatherings is “Tradition meets modernity.” The scheduled dates are July 12, July 19, July 26, August 2, August 9, August 16, August 30 and September 6. No registration or payment is required to participate in the events, but simply go up to the mountain pasture and get involved in the cultural program offered. This makes it possible to enjoy a special cultural experience, sometimes quite casually.

The region offers events that celebrate music, and jazz in particular has a special place in the hearts of the local community, with numerous concerts and events enlivening the summer evenings. Indeed, the Saalfelden Jazz Festival returns again this year for its 44th edition, promising an exceptional musical experience from August 22 to 25, 2024. This event attracts world and nationally renowned jazz musicians, as well as other top-notch artists, for a series of concerts held both in the city and in the mountains. From the stages of Congress Saalfelden and Kunsthaus Nexus (which again this year offers a diverse cultural program, from concerts to the Gschnagga children’s theater, art-house cinema, and numerous literary lectures and cabarets) to the atmospheric Otto-Gruber-Halle, a 1950s industrial warehouse converted into a concert venue, visitors will enjoy more than 60 performances. And the good news is that more than half of them are free! As in previous years then the Fuchs bookbindery will become into a place of musical encounters, where musicians gather for spontaneous improvisation sessions among the original handcrafted machines. In addition, the concerts will extend to the Kollingwald forest, creating a mystical and enchanted atmosphere where the magic of jazz blends with the beauty of nature. There will be no shortage of free alpine concerts, offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy jazz music amidst the mountains and alpine huts, with a variety of musical styles. To stay up-to-date on programming and various concert venues, the JFS app is available for free download from the Apple (iOS) and Google (Android) app stores. With this app, users can compile their own calendar and create customized playlists, making sure they don’t miss any of the favorite events offered by the festival.

OnAsitz, known as the “mountain of the senses” in Leogang, on the other hand, it is possible to immerse oneself in nature, sharpen one’s senses and simultaneously enjoy cultural experiences. Here the motto is “sit back, enjoy and escape from everyday life”-you are in fact in an extraordinary natural cinema with several scenic plateaus, on which hikers can relax on cozy wooden islands and hammocks. This place can be reached by taking the Asitzbahn cable car or the Steinbergbahn cable car, or via the Leo’s Play trail or the Great Asitz. During the hike, you can also explore the five TONspur islands, which are located between the top station and the top of the Asitz. Here music lovers can listen to live recordings of the previous year’s TONspur concerts. Comfortable wooden deck chairs, the management of which varies according to weather conditions, on these TONspur islands amplify the nature experience: on sunny days they are placed outdoors to enjoy the sunshine, while on rainy days they are placed under a canopy. TONspur concerts on the Asitz take place this year from June 27 to August 8. For five Thursdays, bands and musicians of different genres perform, offering spectators the opportunity to enjoy music in a spectacular setting. In good weather, the concerts are held at sunset on an outdoor stage at the foot of the Großer Asitz, and in bad weather at the AsitzBräu.

Then, at the end of August, Farmer’s Autumn kicks off, a season when the focus is on good food, fun, and the harvest. The Harvest Festival is excellent opportunity to immerse yourself in traditional farm life, with craft demonstrations, hikes, cooking classes, harvest festivals, cattle drives and traditional events. For those who wish to wear clothing suitable for traditional occasions, a visit to the small traditional costume manufactory in Saalfelden is a must. Here, seamstress Regina Wienerroither has been working for more than 30 years, creating beautiful Dirndl by hand. Among her most innovative creations is the Stretch Dirndl, a unique garment made from stretch fabrics, loden, linen, and printed cotton that combines tradition and comfort. If, on the other hand, you are looking for a creative souvenir to take to your loved ones, the best place to go is the creative store in Leogang, where you can find handmade works of art made of wood that are an authentic expression of local craftsmanship.

Finally, for food lovers who wish to take home some delicacies, there is no better place than the many farms in the Saalfelden Leogang region that sell their products directly. In addition to eggs, bread, cheese, and milk, there is a wide selection of schnapps, spirits, and specialties made from alpaca and sheep’s wool here. In the Saalachtal farm store and the Leogang village store, for example, there is a wide variety of local Pinzgau delicacies, including sausages and organic meat products from Leogang. Gerstbodner Troadladl, the Zieferhof farm store, is also renowned for its high-quality dairy products and grains. The HPH year 1905, a country store made out of an old horse barn, has received numerous awards for its homemade butter. Another recommended destination is the Stechaubauer organic farm, home to the “vegetable hut,” a self-service vending machine offering fresh vegetables, fruits, and organic meat products. Simply select the desired products via touchscreen and pick them up from the corresponding compartment, 24 hours a day. Also not to be missed is the “Stockis Destillerie” in Leogang: the only distillery in Austria with three qualified sommeliers and a master distiller; or a visit to master distiller Siegfried Herzog Destillate, winner of numerous awards for his schnapps, whiskey and gin.

Saalfelden Leogang is a place where history and modernity meet, offering authentic and memorable experiences for every type of traveler. Whether exploring unspoiled nature, immersing oneself in the local culture, or enjoying gastronomic delicacies, this region has something special to offer all who visit.

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Austria, in the Saalfelden Leogang region nature, traditions, music and adventurous experiences

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