Looking for a hiking hotel in the Salzburg region where your four-legged friend is truly welcome, not just tolerated? At Rauriserhof, right in the heart of the "Valley of Springs," you will find exactly that: a clear, honest pet policy, short distances to the first morning walk, and a hiking area in the Hohe Tauern National Park that is tailor-made for dog owners – featuring shaded forests, soft trails, and natural streams perfect for a cool down after any stage.
On this page, you will find everything you need for your hiking holiday with a dog in Rauris: rates, house rules, essential local addresses near the hotel, and three route recommendations based on our own experience with dog-and-owner teams.
Dog Policy at Rauriserhof: Rates and House Rules at a Glance
To ensure all our guests – with or without dogs – enjoy their stay, we keep our house rules completely transparent and simple. We charge a fee of €15 per dog, per night (excluding food). Your dog is, of course, allowed in your room. We kindly ask you to bring your dog’s familiar blanket or basket from home – this helps your pet settle in quickly and feel secure right away.
For hygiene reasons, our restaurant and wellness area remain dog-free zones. During mealtimes or your spa sessions, your dog must be able to stay alone quietly in your room – please keep this in mind when planning your stay.
Right from the Hotel: Local Infrastructure for Dog Owners in Rauris
Rauriserhof is located in Rauris, meaning your first walk literally starts right outside the front door. Just steps from the hotel, quiet paths run along the Rauriser Ache river – ideal for a breath of fresh air in the morning or a relaxing stroll in the evening.
The municipality of Rauris is exceptionally dog-friendly: official waste bag dispensers and bins (Dog-Stations) are available near the hotel and widely distributed along the valley's main hiking trails.
Good to know for emergencies: There is no small animal veterinarian in the Rauris Valley itself. The nearest clinic is in Taxenbach – approximately 12 kilometers out of the valley.
The Rauris Valley is located right inside the Hohe Tauern National Park and offers three essentials that make a hiking holiday with a dog in Austria truly enjoyable: shade, soft ground, and plenty of natural water. We have selected these routes based specifically on what is best for dogs, rather than what sounds most spectacular.
1. Seidlwinkltal – The Valley of Pilgrims and Traders
For your dog, this hike feels almost like a mini-spa day. The trail runs along the Seidlwinklbach stream for most of the way, giving your pet constant access to fresh, running water and a quick cool down. The incline is gentle, the terrain is easy to walk on, and the valley's tree cover provides plenty of shade and a pleasant climate even on warmer summer days.
The starting point for the classic hike to the historic Rauriser Tauernhaus (1,526 m) is the Fleckweide car park in the Seidlwinkl Valley. During the summer months, the local Tälerbus (valley shuttle bus) offers a convenient alternative to get to the trailhead. From the car park, you follow the water educational trail past the Gollehenalm and Palfneralm alpine huts up to the Tauernhaus – one of the region's finest half-day tours.
2. Rauris Primeval Forest in Kolm Saigurn – High Moorland with "Dog Comfort"
If dogs could dream of a forest, it would look like this: centuries-old spruce and stone pine trees, soft, joint-friendly forest soil, over 80 dark moor pools, and a damp, cool microclimate that remains comfortable even on hot days. The educational trail through the Rauris Primeval Forest (Rauriser Urwald) has been named one of the best educational paths in Austria – it is highly varied and thoroughly dog-friendly.
The starting point is the Lenzanger car park (approx. 1,550 m), which is accessible via the Kolm toll road starting at the Alpengasthof Bodenhaus. From the car park, follow alpine trail No. 31 towards the Gainschniggalm; the actual primeval forest loop starts just below this hut. For the full loop including the return path via the Ammererhof, plan for about two hours and roughly 150 meters of elevation gain – quite manageable even for older dogs, provided they are used to walking over roots.
3. Kitzlochklamm Gorge in Taxenbach – An Excursion Only for Sure-Footed Dogs
The Kitzlochklamm Gorge in the neighbouring town of Taxenbach (around 12 km from the hotel) is one of the region's most dramatic natural spectacles – and dogs are indeed permitted. However, please note that there is a strict leash policy, and the narrow metal grid walkways, wooden stairs, and bridges are not suitable for every dog. If you have a sure-footed, vertigo-free dog by your side, you will be rewarded with an unforgettable experience. We strongly recommend dog boots/paw protection, as the metal grids can become uncomfortable for your dog’s paws over time.
The Rauris Valley is a vibrant alpine farming region – encounters with cows and calves are a normal part of the landscape. The following rules are based on official safety recommendations from the State of Salzburg:
Packing Checklist for Your Hiking Holiday at Rauriserhof
To ensure a relaxed stay, please remember to bring:
Do you have any questions before booking – perhaps about how well your dog will adjust to the hotel environment, or regarding a specific hiking route? Simply give us a call. We know the valley and our four-legged guests well, and we are happy to provide honest advice.
