In winter as in summer, a real experience is on offer in the Rauris Valley in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Unspoilt nature, gentle meadows, the imposing peaks of the Goldberg Mountains, true natural jewels like the mystic Rauriser Forest and the fairytale “Rauriser Spring” along with impressive records of the gold mining days can be enjoyed.
An idylic Winter Fantasy
In winter, the skiing area in the Rauris Valley attracts families and pleasure skiers in particular. The Rauriser Hochalmbahnen (950-2,175 m) are Austria’s first mountain railway with its own power supply and are Climate Alliance partners. With its perfectly groomed slopes, the ski area is praised as one of the most scenic in the Alpine region. Rauris is also a real secret tip for ski touring in the Hohe Tauern. Especially at the end of the valley Kolm Saigurn there are many possibilities and destinations up to the three thousand meter peaks. The Raurisertal Ski Touring Centre in the area of the Rauris Hochalm lifts offers marked ascent routes – including downhill skiing on the prepared piste. The Raurisertal also offers a variety of snow adventures off-piste. Twice a week, a national park ranger invites you on a guided snowshoe hike in the romantic valley head of Kolm Saigurn. Cross-country skiers glide along 30 kilometres of trails through the entire valley, while winter walkers have just as many cleared paths at their feet. Winter romantics shouldn’t miss a horse-drawn sleigh ride in Rauris-Wörth or in the Hüttwinkltal valley – and certainly not a toboggan ride from Kreuzboden on the run, which is illuminated twice a week. The chairlift takes you comfortably to the starting point.
With Vultures and Gold-diggers
In summer, more than 295km of signposted hiking trails and Alpine routes invite you for a hike. Whether you want to be fascinated by the “Kings of the Air” (the Bearded vulture, Griffon vulture and Golden Eagle) in the wild, embark on the educational trail of the gold diggers while discovering old tunnels and miners houses, visit the Rauriser Forest, or just try your luck at gold panning; the Rauriser Valley combines natural relaxation with exciting mountain adventures.
Rauriser High Alpine Pasture
The Rauriser high alpine pasture becomes a versatile mountain for visiting families in summer. The 900m up to the mountain station at 1,780m are easily and comfortably overcome with the cable car. Visit the Raptor Centre before taking a hike. The Falconer shows the flying skills of his Eagles, Buzzards, Falcons and Owls twice a day. After the 40 minute flight show, take “Tillys educational nature trail” to the middle station. Here, adults and children learn about the alpine flora and fauna. Hinged information panels educate on tree species, local mushrooms, wild animals and it is important to associate the right track to the right animal. Rauriser High Alm Pasture Cable Car
Hiking tip: Seidlwinkltal, the valley of pilgrims and muleteers
Through the narrow valley runs the historic mule track over the Hochtor, which was the main route across the Alps for traders thousands of years ago. For centuries, the muleteers transported goods on foot – mainly salt and wine – across the Alpine crossings between north and south. In some cases, the muleteers had to travel long distances to reach the Adriatic. And 500 years ago they stopped for a rest in the old Tauernhaus, which was already open to the public in 1491. Today, hikers can find new energy on the gentle alpine meadows of the Seidlwinkltal. A stop at one of the four alpine huts serving homemade delicacies is a must. A separate water information trail is dedicated to the source of life and energy “water”. After all, there are over 300 natural springs, 60 wells and troughs as well as numerous Kneipp and water playgrounds in the Rauris Valley.
