Alpine pastures and huts in Leogang

Past chirping birds, rushing streams, and up to the region's most beautiful alpine pastures: Whether you're a novice mountaineer, an ambitious summit conqueror, or a leisurely hiker, everyone will find something to their liking around Leogang! In addition to the gentle Pinzgau Grasberge, you'll find more challenging routes in the rugged Leogang Steinberge. What makes any hiking route perfect is a stop at one of the many rustic alpine huts. We'll share the best hut and snack tips, as well as charming traditions you shouldn't miss! We'll also give you ideas for the perfect place to unwind after a long hike.

Alpine pastures have been cultivated for centuries, breathing life and love into the mountain landscape. What was once a secluded home for dairymen, shepherds, and alpine farmers has now become a popular destination for vacationers and day-trippers. Whether summer or winter, the huts offer more than just culinary delights: musicians in traditional costumes often perform, or yodeling masters showcase their skills. A particularly popular custom is to usher in the start of summer with mountain bonfires, music, and dancing at the solstice, and in the autumn, at Thanksgiving, to thank nature for its bounty and to round off the summer with Harvest Festivals.

• Weather Bells
  When dark and stormy clouds gather, church bells are still rung continuously in many communities today. This has a dual purpose: to warn farmers in the fields and, according to legend, to drive away the clouds with the sound of the bells.

• Weather Candles
  On some farms, black, consecrated candles are still lit to ward off lightning from their homes and farmyards.

• Tying Herb Bouquets
  Even today, on the Feast of the Assumption on August 15th, seven herbs are often tied together to form a bouquet. After the herb blessing, the bouquet is traditionally dried and hung in the attic. This custom is also said to protect against lightning strikes. If placed under the pillow, it brings marital happiness, but the herbs are also often used as a medicine cabinet.

• Smoking out
  Smoking out the house and stables is a Christmas tradition. During the Rauhnächte (Twelve Nights of Christmas), each room is smoked out with embers and herbs in a smoking pan. But it's also a popular custom when an illness is on the horizon.

• Wrestling
  Wrestling is a very ancient form of testing one's strength. Hundstoa wrestling has been part of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage since 2010.

Alpine pastures have always played an important role throughout the Alpine region. In Austria alone, there are 8,400 alpine pastures in almost every federal state (except Vienna and Burgenland). Not everyone is aware that these are agricultural enterprises with diverse functions. Alpine farmers contribute to preserving the diversity, functionality, and beauty of mountain regions. But alpine pastures also play an essential role in society. By producing high-quality food, they provide the surrounding residents with the best regional food, ensure the health of livestock, and also provide protection against mudslides and avalanches.

Alpine huts are the mountain's evergreens. Always popular with young and old, every exhausted hiker enjoys the homemade delicacies. Whether it's a cold beer, home-smoked sausage and bacon, or sweets for big, happy children's eyes – the alpine hut is as rustic and charming as you'll find anywhere else. Alpine butter, cheese (e.g., Pinzgauer Kas), elderberry juice, schnapps, and oven-warm bread – all of this is typical and incomparable in quality and taste. Refined with regional herbs, visitors experience a culinary delight. In addition to the typical snack, there are other delicacies on the menu: cheese spaetzle, cheese dumpling soup, and yeast dumplings are just as popular and served as lovingly baked cakes. Particularly beautiful alpine huts in the region include:

• Spielbergalmen (moderate hike, approx. 5 hours)

The Spielbergalmen in the Pinzgau Grasberge are a popular hiking destination. The first attraction you'll encounter right at the start of the day's hike: the centuries-old mine. The gentle ascent is manageable, but stamina is still required for this day's hike. The well-deserved reward at the end are the small, rustic huts of the Spielbergalmen. Hot tip: The Lindlalm with the "best Kaiserschmarrn" (also called Almwuzl) in the region.

• Lettlkaser (moderately difficult hike, approx. 3 hours) - directly from the hotel

Impressive mountain scenery and dense forests await passionate hikers here. What's not to be missed are impressive views. At the end, the Lettlkaser offers a more than welcome place to stop for a break. As a reward after the strenuous climb, guests can expect comfort, rich food, and captivating views.

• Unterberghaus/Knappenstube

The starting point before and a refreshment stop after the mine adventure is the Knappenstube. Here you'll find a cozy atmosphere and the finest Alpine cuisine. Old mine maps of the Schwarzleo mining area can provide further lasting memories.

Alpine pastures are not only a place to enjoy and relax, but to ensure that both humans and animals feel comfortable, hikers in particular should follow a few rules:

• Encounter animals on the pastures at a safe distance and do not feed them.
• Do not frighten animals and remain calm.
• Dogs must be kept on a leash.
• Please stay on the marked trails.
• Treat natural areas, people, and animals with respect.
• Do not make unnecessary noise.
• Do not leave any trash behind.

After an eventful day of hiking, it's especially nice to treat yourself to a bit of rest. Those who've fulfilled their personal hiking quota can look forward to our Löwengartl (Lion Garden) with its year-round heated outdoor pool. Those who prefer to retreat to the wellness area after a good dose of fresh air will find various relaxation and quiet zones, as well as saunas and swimming pools, in our two spas.

The wonderful Leogang landscape, made up of rocky and grassy mountains, the Kitzbühel Alps, the Steinernes Meer (Steinernes Meer), forests, and pristine alpine meadows, stretches around our hotel. This Pinzgau natural paradise is diverse and perfect for a family hiking holiday. The perfect blend of activity, adventure, and enjoyment can be found right outside the hotel door. To make your hiking holiday as relaxing as possible, we not only have fully packed backpacks, but also offer additional services that will enable you to have the adventure you desire. With our "live free" philosophy, your holiday will be something truly special!

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