Rauris Hochalmbahn: Your gateway to the Hohe Tauern
The Rauris Hochalmbahn is a highlight in Hohe Tauern National Park and offers a breathtaking view of the Alps. With its modern gondolas it takes you from the town Rauris comfortably at an altitude of over 1,800 meters, where numerous hiking trails and nature experiences await you. Whether in summer or winter, the Rauris Hochalmbahn is a perfect starting point for adventure and relaxation in one of the most beautiful regions in Austria.
Brief information:
- What is the Rauris Hochalmbahn? A cable car that takes visitors into the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
- Location: Rauris, Salzburg, Austria. Address: Liftweg 2, 5661 Rauris.
- Parking: Free parking directly at the valley station.
- Time required: Plan at least half a day
- Family friendly: Yes, suitable for children and offers child-friendly hiking trails and also many attractions for children - more on that below
- Entry: Here you can find the Prices for summer and here for the winterIn summer, the trip with the Hohe Tauern National Park Map free of charge, as well as the Gold panning and the bird of prey show
The start of the day
We start from our accommodation, the Hotel Alpina in Rauris- from there it is only a 3-minute drive to the cable car. With the Hohe Tauern National Park Card, which we received for free during our stay, entry to the Rauris Hochalmbahn, including gold panning and the bird of prey show, is free. This represents a significant saving of €43.50 per person. We started our journey at 9:29 a.m. and reached the middle station after about five minutes.
The middle station: gold panning, petting zoo and hut
Exciting activities await you at the middle station, also known as Heimalm. The Gold panning, a tradition that goes back to the history of gold mining in the region. Under expert guidance, you can try your luck and search for gold flakes in the stream. The gold panning facility is rustically staged and offers an authentic atmosphere. However, gold panning is more for the patient and less for small children, who can quickly lose interest. Fortunately, for €8.50 you can get a bucket in which you are guaranteed to find crystals and beautiful stones, which will make children's hearts beat faster. A souvenir that is really worth it!
In addition to gold panning, there is a Petting zoo with rabbits and small sheep, which is particularly popular with families with children. The Heimalm hut offers the opportunity to fortify yourself with regional specialties and enjoy the view. It is an ideal place to take a break after activities and offers a cozy atmosphere.
Tilly's Forest Trail: An adventure for the little ones
Another highlight at the middle station is Tilly's forest path, an adventure trail that is particularly interesting for children. Here, little nature lovers can explore the diversity of the Hohe Tauern National Park and collect various stamps at the various stations. The path offers educational information about the animal, plant and mineral world of the national park and rewards the children at the end with a small gift for the full hiking pass.
The mountain station: bird of prey show, hut and more
The mountain station of the Rauris Hochalmbahn is known for its impressive Birds of prey show, which are also in the Hohe Tauern National Park Map is included. The show starts at 11:00 am and lasts about half an hour - the second show starts at 2:30 pm. At the beginning you will learn a lot of interesting facts about the different birds of prey and the eagle owl. During the performance the animals fly just a few centimeters above the heads of the audience. You can see buzzards, falcons, a golden eagle and a huge Siberian eagle owl, the largest owl in the world. Unfortunately the weather can affect visibility, but even when it is cloudy the show is impressive.
There is also a cozy hut here, the Hochalmhütte, which invites hikers and nature lovers to stop by. The show takes place directly on the terrace. You can sit on the free benches or have a snack next to it. In addition to traditional dishes, it offers a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains and is the perfect place to reflect on the day's experiences.
There is also a beautiful children's playground with a ball run, swings and a water playground at the mountain station.
The mountain lake
The picturesque mountain lake at the mountain station of the Rauris Hochalmbahn is an idyllic natural experience, surrounded by impressive mountains. It offers a quiet place to relax and numerous activities such as a water playground and a barefoot path, which are particularly popular with children. Various hiking trails lead around the lake, offering breathtaking views and an unforgettable nature experience. The lake also invites you to linger, be it for a picnic or simply to enjoy the alpine landscape and the diverse flora and fauna of the Hohe Tauern National Park.