The rich musical legacy of this magnificent region of the Alps is only the beginning of what you’ll love about Saalfelden Leogang in Salzburgerland, Austria. The iconic setting that inspired Mozart’s symphonies and that was behind the timeless Sound of Music story offers far more than you may expect throughout the year in this enchanting destination.

Typically a popular winter sports destination for locals, this lesser-known region in Austria is capturing attention for its impressive year-round holiday offering. Located only an hour away from the historic city of Salzburg lies the regional city of Saalfelden and the charming municipality of Leogang, situated between the towering mountains and deep valleys of the Pinzgau region. The diverse terrain of the Steinerne Meer plateau and Leoganger Steinberge mountains provides a diverse landscape that offers a range of activities for all seasons. That’s why the region is redefining itself by introducing the 365 Days Active and Creative Programme, providing travellers with outdoor adventures throughout summer in the Alps and autumnal wellness escapes.

During the summer months, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the hiking, climbing and running routes, or cycle through Austria’s renowned biking region. The summer programme includes wholesome herb-spotting hikes, workshops, and the family-friendly Stoissengraben Adventure. Also on offer is an exciting cultural programme which hosts concerts and festivals against the backdrop of the spectacular natural scenery, from classical to jazz music.

If you visit at the end of August, you’ll experience Salzburg Bauernherbst, a unique Harvest Festival where farmers, locals and around 500,000 visitors gather each year to celebrate the end-of-season harvest. Traditionally dressed herdsmen and women return to the valleys with cattle adorned with bells and flowers after the alpine summer. It’s an exciting time to taste delicious fresh produce from the Bauernherbst markets and take in this cultural highlight of the local calendar.

Winter transforms the landscape into one of the largest ski destinations in Austria, recently enhanced by the addition of two top ski areas to the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn pistes, courtesy of the Ski Alpin card. The ticket network provides skiers with access to a total of 408 kilometres of runs. For those seeking adventure, head off-piste on ski tours of unspoilt slopes, or enjoy the thrill of a toboggan run. For a more sedate view of the magical winter scenery, holiday goers can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through glistening snow.

Beyond the world-class skiing on offer in the winter, the 365 Days Active and Creative Programme provides activities for everyone during the warmer months. Visitors keen to get physically active can book invigorating hiking tours with one of the knowledgeable local guides to Birnbachloch. Whilst appreciating the impressive scenery, hikers can learn stark facts about how the environment is changing and what measures are being taken in response. Walkers can take advantage of the natural wooden hiking poles available at stations as part of the popular ‘pole sharing’ concept, handy when the terrain becomes a little unstable underfoot.

An unmissable panoramic highlight is a cable car trip to the Asitz (Mountain of the Senses) from the Steinbergbahn Valley station. For a moderate walk, explorers can follow the Leos Game Trail to the Naturkino (Cinema of Nature) for its awe-inspiring 360-degree views of the Alps. On the ascent, you can take a break at the TONspur Islands to kick back and listen to recent concerts whilst savouring the alpine views. Once at the summit, it’s possible to spot Austria’s highest glacier Grossglockner on a clear day.

Golfers can enjoy the mountainous scenery whilst playing one of the area’s two 18-hole golf courses, often combining golfing with walking or spa breaks. Saalfelden Leogang is also famed for its world-class biking routes and regularly hosts events including the International Cycling Union’s World Cup, so cyclists can delve into the popular new AlteSchmiede Trail or alternative routes catering for different abilities.

Given the restorative power of the surrounding natural beauty, it’s clear why this region has plenty of luxury hotel spas to choose from after a day’s activities in the mountains. Hotel Krallerhof’s iconic Atmosphere spa offers an extensive treatment list to indulge in after relaxing on the sun deck admiring the breath-taking views. Alternatively, Naturhotel Forsthofgut’s award-winning waldSPA offers a 25-metre sports pool, organic bathing lake and steam baths to restore aching limbs after days spent exploring.

Other activities include visiting the Stockis family distillery for a taste of fruit-infused gin and rum, or local farms such as Zieferhof to sample the fresh dairy produce.

After working up an appetite during the exhilarating activities on offer, travellers can indulge in Saalfelden Leogang’s wide range of dining options. The area has gained a reputation for culinary excellence boasting 14 Gault and Millau toques earned across six of the region’s restaurants, a French rating system based on food quality.

After an early morning hike, visitors can continue to enjoy the Asitz mountain views by dining at mountain restaurants Alte Schmiede Mountain Inn or AsitzBrau. The award-winning Alte Schmiede combines its use as a live music venue and a museum/restaurant, thanks to owner Sepp Altenberger’s intriguing collection of traditional artefacts. Guests can dine outside savouring the fine cuisine whilst taking in the sweeping mountain vistas.

Another option is Huwis Alm in Priesteregg which offers a rustic alpine dining experience with a seasonal menu featuring fresh produce from nearby farmers. The traditional wooden furniture and glowing lighting add to the cosy atmosphere, where groups experience the ‘Eat your hat’ meal, a gastronomic speciality not to be missed.

When considering where to stay during summer in the Alps, you’ll be spoilt for choice as the Saalfelden Leogang region has a reputation for its first-class selection of hotels. Whether staying in a charming local inn or a boutique hotel, locals pride themselves on providing accommodation of the highest quality.

The 5-star Hotel Krallerhof situated above Leogang is owned by the Altenberger family, a thriving hotelier business for four generations. To this day the family take a hands-on approach to running the business and even tend to the abundance of colourful flowers that spill over window boxes and add to the picturesque setting of the elegant hotel.

This upscale retreat with modern wood-panelled bedrooms and breathtaking views of the mountains offers an innovative blend of alpine luxury and recreational experiences. The hotel’s recently completed spa and wellness centre offers a unique space and expansive spa facilities to unwind in. Designed by renowned architect Hadi Teherani, the glass-fronted spa blends seamlessly into the natural surroundings maximising the panoramic views to stunning effect. In the summer guests can soak up the sun on the poolside loungers or choose to take a dip in the steaming swimming pool encased by a natural water lake. After a day of alpine adventures, spa guests can kick back in the Finnish sauna or relax in the lavender-infused sauna whilst enjoying nature’s magnificent display outside.

Every detail is considered from the menu of pillow options available to the turquoise outdoor pool heated by solar power. Guests can expect to feel truly indulged by the excellent hospitality at Krallerhof, from the high-quality cuisine to the variety of activities available.

Other hotel options include the recently renovated Naturhotel Forsthofgut 5-star hotel that offers travellers a sprawling waldSPA complex and Japanese restaurant, the Puradies 4-star hotel featuring chalets with epic mountain views, or boutique Hotel Rivus with its newly opened restaurant.

Whether seeking outdoor adventures or a relaxing wellness retreat, Saalfelden Leogang’s unique combination of a majestic alpine setting and diverse range of activities throughout the year provides a fantastic base for an unforgettable holiday. After experiencing all that the region has to offer firsthand, travellers leave understanding why the setting that inspired some of the greatest artists and musicians of all time continues to do so today in this captivating destination.