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12-07-2024 | Ella van der Veer

Mountain biking in paradise

Austria’s largest bike region Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn has been recommended by CycloWorld as a cycling destination at heart for a while now. It is well known to us on road bikes, but it also offers ultimate opportunities on mountain bikes.

In winter, the region is home to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn, which is popular with the Dutch. In summer, the villages of Saalbach Hintergemm, Leogang and Fieberbrunn form an interconnected mountain bike paradise and Austria's largest bike region.

At the invitation of the tourism office, CycloWorld visited Saalbach Hinterglemm at the end of June to explore the region off-road for two days.

MTB Saalbach

MTB Saalbach
Photo: traffic jam!

Paradise for bikers

Driving into Saalbach, you see mountain bikes riding everywhere. From E-bikes to XC speedsters to downhillers in full protection. A sign of the versatility of this area. That the valley welcomes cyclists is obvious. Everywhere you see bikewashes, tool stations, bike shops and bike parking spaces at restaurants. That promises something! Hotels and flats have also embraced cyclists, many are 'bike-friendly' and have well-enclosed areas for bikes, washing machines and their own bike washes.

MTB Saalbach
Photo: The bike washes were well needed with all the rain.... but the perfectly groomed trails make up for a lot!

MTB Saalbach
Photograph: One of the many wall rides on the trails.

Those bike washes certainly proved necessary in the days we were there. The ordered sun had not quite come through so we had to make do with rain. Nevertheless, we were ready in the morning for a nice day at the bike park accompanied by guide Dani. As a warm-up, we did the blue Panorama Trail (Panorama Line), after which it was soon time to head to the other side of the valley. Here, among other things, lies the famous Hacklberg-Trail. This is known as perhaps the best flow trail in the Alps.

Starting among the alpine meadows, you roll down at perfect speed. The bowl bends carry you excellently, and even though the trail is certainly not smooth, you get into a playful flow here. The views over the trail and the valley are breathtaking and make it totally worth riding this signature trail. But don't forget the fAIRy line. This red trail goes straight through a mysterious forest which shows a completely different side of the area. Secretly, this was still our favourite over the Hacklberg-Trail!

MTB Saalbach

MTB Saalbach

Climbing

Of course, we are not averse to a bit of climbing either. Austria’s largest bike region has many marked XC or E-bike routes which have a summit or alpine pasture as their destination. Often they can also be combined with a downhill descent. We chose to climb the Reiterkogel on the second day. This 17km route has about 850hm, and leads up mainly over forstrasse that are used in winter to prepare the slopes.

So quite steep at times! At the top, you again have great views over the valley and Saalbach. Going down, you can opt for the Forstrasse or, as we did, for the 'Blue Line'. The name says it all: a blue downhill line that takes you back down nice and flowy.

MTB Saalbach

MTB Saalbach
Photo: View of Saalbach

MTB Saalbach

There's something for everyone

Our conclusion after two days of exploring is very positive! There is something for every mountain biker. Beginners can start in the various skill parks, get acquainted with downhill on the blue lines and progress through red to the black trails. Or if you are more of a climber, even then you can definitely have a go on all the plotted tours. You can make it as crazy as you want! There is also the option of crossing to the EPIC Bikepark Leogang & Fieberbrunn from Saalbach. To do this, you ride the Wurzel trail, another very well-known but tricky trail. It is littered with roots and slippery in wet weather, but opens up many possibilities on the other side of the mountain such as the famous World Championship descent. That one, incidentally, is for advanced bikers. There is a total of over 90km of lines and trails, served by up to 9 modern lifts from the various villages.

MTB Saalbach
Photo: Practicing skills at one of the three training grounds in the region.

MTB Saalbach
Photo: Did someone say flow?

Enjoying even after cycling

Cycling, of course, takes up most of our days, but when the lifts close, mountain bikers, as in winter, often pop into one of the many outdoor cafés to catch up on the day's strong stories. On the mountain, many alms are simply open for lunch or a drink along the way. There is no shortage of accommodation either, and many thus welcome cyclists. We stayed at Hotel Barbarahof, a perfect base. Here you are completely taken care of so you can focus on cycling. Breakfast and dinner are perfectly arranged, and you can relax in the saunas after your ride to get your muscles back in shape. Not unimportant: The JOKER CARD included with partner accommodations and the Saalfelden Leogang Card, allow you to go up by bike twice a day for free. Ideal to get acquainted with the downhill sport or to start your ride higher up in the mountains. If you stay in Saalfelden, Leogang or Fieberbrunn, you should definitely make use of the Online Bike Bonus. As the bike ticket prices are dynamic, you have the chance to get your day or multi-day ticket early at a lower price.

Absolutely recommended

Clearly, this region invests a lot to welcome cyclists of all forms! So no stone is left unturned to come and explore Austria's largest bike region. As far as we are concerned, an absolute must for everyone: we are assured that every cyclist from young to old, experienced or inexperienced, climber or downhiller, will have a great time no matter which village you stay in!

Find more info on regional page!

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