The Rauris Valley area has been a place of settlement since ancient times, and interesting archaeological findings have been discovered there, testifying to the ancient settlements that existed. The first settlement in the valley was established in the Middle Ages, and since then, other settlements have been added throughout the valley.
Rauris Valley became popular and wealthy thanks to the gold mining that took place there. To this day, you can see evidence of the residents’ wealth in the beautiful houses they built for themselves. In addition, one of the experiences offered to visitors is searching for gold in the area. Gold mining was discontinued in the 20th century, and today the main occupation of the local residents is tourism.
In Rauris, there is a ski resort within walking distance of the town of the same name. The ski resort includes 32 kilometers of various slopes.
Interested in staying in Rauris? View the list of the most recommended places in the village according to Booking.com.
This is what the Rauris Valley area looks like:
3 Popular Attractions in the Rauris Valley
During the summer months, there are several fun attractions suitable for the whole family! The attractions are centered around the area’s cable car, and some are located at the top of the mountain called Hochalm. We have gathered the recommended attractions in this area and the most essential information for taking the cable car up to the various attractions.
1. Hochalm – Birds of Prey Show
One of the most popular places in Rauris is the Hochalm mountain, where the bird of prey training center is located and from which many nature hiking trails start. The mountain is a short distance from the town center and rises to an altitude of 1,780 meters. You can reach it by a two-and-a-half-hour walk from the town or go up easily and quickly using the cable car. At the top of the mountain, you can overlook the entire area and enjoy the wonderful view. Nature lovers can go for a pleasant walk on the well-maintained paths and at the end, sit comfortably in the mountain hut and eat a traditional Austrian lunch.
The main attraction on the mountaintop is, of course, the birds of prey show. The show lasts about 40 minutes, during which you can see a variety of birds of prey such as eagles, falcons, and owls. The trainer will explain about the interesting animals and the art of training them and will demonstrate their impressive abilities. You can really feel the rush of wind on your neck as the large birds make their way quickly towards the prey.
The show takes place in the summer season only.
- Show times are 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM.
- May 28 to June 25: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- June 28 to September 7: Every day.
- September 10 to October 26: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Free admission for holders of the SalzburgerLand Card.
2. “Tilly’s Forest Trail” – Recommended hiking trail for families
Tilly is the owl of the Rauris region, and named after her is an experiential hiking trail suitable for families. The trail is signposted and includes information boards along the way that teach about the natural world of the area. The entire trail takes a little over an hour and ends at the middle station of the cable car to the summit. From this point, you can choose whether you want to continue walking down the mountain or take the cable car down.
The trail is about 2.5 kilometers long and starts from the top of the mountain.
3. Gold Panning
At the middle station of the cable car, there is a fun and unique experience for the area. Rauris, which was once a popular gold mining site, continues the tradition to this day. Here, you can try your hand at the craft of sifting stones in search of gold. Any gold you find is yours to keep!
This activity operates in the summer only, until the beginning of September.
Additional Essential Information for Visiting Rauris Valley
The enclosed cable car that operates here is the easiest way to reach the summit. You can take the cable car to the middle station called Heimalm or go up to the top station called Hochalm. From both stations, you can start enjoyable hiking trails in nature and, of course, enjoy the spectacular mountain views.
Cable Car Operating Times:
- May 28 to June 25: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- June 28 to September 7: Every day.
- September 10 to October 26: Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday.
- Hours of operation: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM.
Costs:
- Cable car (ascent and descent): Adult – €25. Child (7-16) – €14.70.
- Cable car + Birds of Prey Show: Adult – €36.50. Child (7-16) – €23.
- Cable car + Birds of Prey Show + Gold Panning: Adult – €46. Child (7-16) – €31.50.
Please note! The SalzburgerLand Card grants free ascent and descent on the cable car, free entry to the birds of prey show, and free gold panning.
Address:
Liftweg 2, 5661 Rauris
Map:
Other Places in the Area
You can combine a visit to the Rauris Valley with a wonderful nature trip to the Kitzloch Gorge (a 15-minute drive) or with a trip to Lake Zell in Zell am See (a half-hour drive).
