For more than five decades, the Rauris Valley has transformed every spring into a vibrant meeting place for the German-speaking literary scene. The Rauris Literature Days (Rauriser Literaturtage) are among the most traditional and prestigious literature festivals in Austria – and the Rauriserhof has been part of it from the very beginning. As the "Hotel of Authors," the family-run 4-star superior hotel of the Rießlegger-Mayr family has been hosting award winners, the festival management, cultural figures, and literature-loving guests since the first readings in 1970.
While daytime readings and discussions take place in the rustic parlors and halls of Rauris, the evening naturally shifts to the hotel bar. During the festival days, the Rauriserhof bar is a highly popular gathering spot: here, established authors, promising young talents, scholars, locals, and hotel guests sit together in a relaxed atmosphere, exchanging thoughts and ending the day with a good glass of wine.
A Festival with Tradition and Substance
What makes the Rauris Literature Days so special is the interplay between top-tier linguistic artistry and the impressive mountain backdrop of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Each year, the festival dedicates itself to a new, socially relevant core theme, creating space for conversations that resonate far beyond the day itself.
The Rauris Literature Prize (endowed with € 10,000) is now considered one of the most important awards for debut prose publications in the entire German-speaking world. For many young talents, it has served as the ultimate stepping stone into a literary career.
The Festival Venues in Rauris
The Literature Days thrive on short distances in the charming village center of Rauris. All key venues are located just a few minutes' walk from the Rauriserhof:
Experience the Literature Days Firsthand – A Cultural Holiday at the Rauriserhof
Anyone wishing to attend the readings and spend the evenings mingling with writers at the bar will find themselves in the best of hands at the Rauriserhof. The Rauris Literature Days take place annually in March. Since rooms are highly sought after during this period due to the high concentration of authors, journalists, and returning guests, early booking is highly recommended.
Culture Tip: This literary treat can be wonderfully combined with the gentle end of the winter season. Enjoy spring skiing on the slopes of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen or a winter hike in the Hohe Tauern National Park by day, top-tier culture in the afternoon, and relaxation in the hotel's Bergspa wellness area in the evening.
A non-binding inquiry with the subject line "Literature Days" is all it takes. The team at the Rauriserhof will be delighted to put together your personal culture package, including cozy accommodation, our gourmet board, and all the details regarding the current festival program.
