Rauris

Experience exhilarating downhill fun on the dedicated Rauris Valley Toboggan Run. Available both in winter (often with natural snow or maintained artificial tracks) and sometimes as a summer mountain cart/scooter track, this attraction offers fun for all ages. Sleds or carts can usually be rented directly at the site. The runs vary in length and gradient, providing a thrilling ride with fantastic views of the surrounding valley. Check local information for specific operating hours, seasonal availability, and rental fees, which typically range from 5-15 EUR per ride/rental.

Nestled among the trees, the Rauris Adventure Forest offers a thrilling high ropes course for families, friends, and solo adventurers. Featuring various difficulty levels, from beginner-friendly circuits to challenging aerial obstacles and zip-lines, it provides an exhilarating way to experience the forest from a new perspective. Professional guides ensure safety, and equipment is provided. Typically open from late spring to early autumn, depending on weather. Prices usually start around 20-30 EUR for adults and 15-25 EUR for children for a 2-3 hour session.

Explore the picturesque Rauris Valley on horseback. This riding center offers guided rides suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike, taking you through meadows, forests, and along scenic river paths. Options range from short introductory treks to longer half-day or full-day excursions, including pony rides for younger children. The center often operates throughout the warmer months and sometimes offers special winter rides, such as through snow-covered landscapes. Lessons are also available. Prices for a guided hour-long ride typically range from 25-45 EUR.

During the winter months, visitors have the unique opportunity to observe local wildlife, particularly deer and other forest animals, at designated feeding stations in the Rauris Valley. Guided tours often take participants to these quiet spots, offering an intimate glimpse into the alpine ecosystem without disturbing the animals. This activity is perfect for families and nature photographers. Tours typically run from December to March, with specific times (often late afternoon) to coincide with the feeding. Booking in advance is recommended. Costs usually range from 10-20 EUR per person, often including a warm drink.

Embark on a self-guided journey through the historic village center of Rauris. Information boards and local maps, often available at local shops or guesthouses, highlight points of interest, traditional buildings, and historical anecdotes. This leisurely stroll offers insights into the village's rich past, including its gold mining heritage and traditional alpine architecture. It's a free activity, accessible year-round, offering a glimpse into the local culture and everyday life.

During winter, the Rauris village often features a charming outdoor ice skating rink, providing fun for the whole family. Skates can be rented on-site, and the rink may host local events or 'ice disco' nights. It's a popular activity for both locals and tourists, offering a classic winter experience in the heart of the village. Operating hours are usually in the afternoon and early evening, from December to March, weather permitting. Entry fees are typically low, around 3-7 EUR, with skate rental extra.

A historic landmark in the heart of Rauris, the Pfarrkirche St. Oswald dates back to the 14th century, though much of its current appearance is Baroque. The church features beautiful frescoes, an impressive high altar, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is a testament to the village's rich cultural and religious heritage. Public access is generally free, with specific hours for visitors outside of service times. Guided tours on local history and architecture are occasionally available, especially during summer months. Opening hours typically vary but are often from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily for visits, with services on Sundays and religious holidays.

For experienced hikers and mountaineers, Rauris offers various guided high-alpine summit tours into the Hohe Tauern National Park, led by certified local mountain guides. These challenging excursions can include ascents to peaks like the Sonnblick (3,106m) or other glaciated areas, offering unparalleled views and a deep immersion into the alpine wilderness. Tours typically require good physical condition, appropriate gear, and can range from full-day trips to multi-day expeditions with overnight stays in remote mountain shelters. Prices start from approximately €100-€200 per person per day, depending on the route and group size, often excluding hut fees. Available primarily in late spring, summer, and early autumn, weather permitting.

Experience the 'gold rush' heritage of Rauris first-hand at designated gold panning sites near Sportalm. Visitors can rent equipment and learn the traditional techniques of gold panning, searching for genuine gold flakes in the mountain streams. It's a fun and educational activity for families and individuals, connecting directly with the valley's history. Guides are often on-site to assist and provide historical context. Equipment rental and a basic instruction typically cost around €10-€20 per person. Open daily during the warmer months, usually from May to October, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

A family-friendly minigolf course located in the center of Rauris, offering a fun and relaxed activity for all ages. With various challenging holes, it's a perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening. Equipment rental is available on-site. Entry fee typically around 5-8 EUR per person. It provides entertainment especially during summer months and is a popular spot for families.

An educational hiking trail that guides visitors through the geological history of the Rauris Valley, showcasing unique rock formations, mineral deposits, and the forces that shaped the landscape. Informative panels explain the local geology, including the history of gold mining. It's an accessible path, suitable for families, offering both natural beauty and scientific insights. The path is typically clear of snow from late spring to early autumn.

The Seidlwinkltal is often referred to as the 'Valley of Alpine Pastures' due to its numerous traditional mountain huts and pastures. It's a car-free valley accessible by the 'Almerlebnisbus' (Alpine Experience Bus) or on foot/bike. Visitors can explore various themed hiking trails, enjoy regional delicacies at the many huts (e.g., Litzlhofalm, Kasereckalm), and experience authentic alpine farming. The valley is particularly beautiful for leisurely walks and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Bus operates typically from late May to mid-October; specific bus schedules and hut opening times vary seasonally but generally run daily during peak summer. Prices for bus tickets are around 8-10 EUR for adults return.

Just a short drive from Rauris, the Kitzlochklamm is a spectacular natural gorge carved by the Rauriser Ache river. Wooden walkways and bridges lead visitors deep into the gorge, past roaring waterfalls, fascinating rock formations, and serene pools. It's an exhilarating experience for all ages, offering stunning photographic opportunities and a sense of raw natural power. There's also a small chapel built into the rock. Open typically from early May to late October. Entry fees are approximately 7-9 EUR for adults, with discounts for children and families. Allow 1-1.5 hours for the walk.

Located near the Kolm Saigurn area, this family-friendly attraction allows children (and adults) to experience the thrill of gold panning in a structured environment. Unlike the natural gold panning sites, this is specifically designed for younger visitors, offering dedicated basins and equipment. It's an educational and fun activity that harks back to Rauris's rich gold mining history. Often paired with a visit to the nearby 'Tauerngold' exhibition. Open daily during summer season (June-September), typically 10:00-16:00. Small fee for equipment rental or included with certain activity passes.

A breathtaking high-alpine hiking experience located within the Hohe Tauern National Park, offering stunning views of glaciers and the surrounding peaks. This trail, accessible from Heiligenblut (a scenic drive from Rauris), features well-maintained paths and information boards about glacial landscapes and alpine ecology. It's a moderate to challenging hike, requiring good physical condition and appropriate gear. Guided tours are often available during peak summer months, providing insights into geology and wildlife. This is an iconic route for experiencing the majesty of the Central Alps firsthand.

Experience the Rauris Valley in a unique and nostalgic way with an old-timer tractor ride. These charming tours take visitors through picturesque villages, lush meadows, and along historical routes, often including stops at local farms or scenic viewpoints. It's a leisurely and family-friendly activity, offering a different perspective on the landscape and local life. Prices vary based on duration and route, typically around €20-€40 per person for a 1-2 hour ride. Availability is usually from late spring to early autumn.

Located in the historic 'Riedingstadel' building, this museum provides a fascinating insight into the history and culture of the Rauris Valley, with a particular focus on its gold mining past, traditional farming, and alpine life. Exhibits include old tools, traditional costumes, historical documents, and artifacts from the region's gold rush era. It's an excellent indoor activity, especially on rainy days, offering context to the valley's unique heritage. Open from May to October, usually from 10:00 to 16:00, with an entrance fee of approximately €5 for adults.

While not directly in Rauris, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier near Kaprun offers year-round skiing and is a popular day trip destination for Rauris visitors seeking high-altitude skiing or glacier experiences. The journey involves a scenic drive (approx. 45-60 minutes) to Kaprun, followed by a series of gondolas to reach the glacier plateau at over 3,000 meters. It offers guaranteed snow, stunning panoramic views, and a 'Top of Salzburg' viewing platform. Ski passes for Kitzsteinhorn are separate from Rauris but can be combined with regional passes. A truly epic mountain experience.

An educational nature trail weaving through the Rauris Valley, suitable for families and gentle walkers. This trail features various interactive stations and information boards describing local flora, fauna, geology, and ecological processes within the Hohe Tauern National Park. It's designed to be engaging for children and informative for adults, offering a leisurely way to learn about the Alpine environment. The trail is well-maintained and typically accessible from late spring to early autumn.

The Rauriser Hochalmbahnen ski area is known for its family-friendly atmosphere and diverse slopes. It offers approximately 32.5 km of perfectly groomed pistes: 12 km blue (easy), 15 km red (intermediate), and 5.5 km black (difficult). Key features include a Funpark for freestylers and a 'RauRi' children's area for beginners. The main Hochalmbahn gondola rapidly transports guests from the valley up to 1,780 meters, providing access to a wide range of runs. Lift operating hours typically run from early December to early April, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Day pass prices for adults are approximately €50-60, with discounts for children and seniors.

Rauris is a gateway to Europe's largest national park, offering over 300 km of marked hiking trails. Notable trails include the 'Valley of the Vultures' (Krummltal), where visitors can observe golden eagles and bearded vultures, the 'Toleranzweg' educational trail, and numerous high-alpine routes to huts like the Rauriser Sonnblickhütte (2,175m). Difficulty ranges from easy valley walks (e.g., along the Rauriser Ache river) to challenging multi-hour treks with significant elevation gain. Many trails are accessible directly from the village or via the Hochalmbahn during summer. Guided National Park Ranger tours are available several times a week, often free with a guest card.

Experience the history of Rauris, the 'Golden Valley', by trying your hand at gold panning. Located near Bodenhaus, this popular attraction allows visitors to pan for real gold flakes in designated areas. Equipment can be rented on-site, and instructors are available to provide guidance. It's an engaging and educational activity suitable for all ages. Open from late May to early October, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Rental fees for equipment are around €10-15.

Located at the 'Hochalm' mountain station, accessible via the Hochalmbahn gondola, the Birds of Prey Show presents majestic raptors like eagles, falcons, and owls in flight against the stunning alpine backdrop. Educational demonstrations highlight the hunting techniques and characteristics of these impressive birds. Shows are typically held daily in summer, weather permitting, around 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. Access is included with the gondola ticket.