The Rauris Valley is not a cycling hotspot — and that is exactly its advantage. Here, you won’t find bike parks with long queues, overbooked mountain restaurants, or roads where cycling groups pass by every minute. Instead: forest tracks where you can hear the chamois before you see them. Alpine climbs where, at some point, you stop counting the vertical meters because the view of the Goldberg Group makes counting irrelevant.
The trails begin right at our doorstep. No car, no transfer — simply hop in the saddle and go. For years, our guests have valued this as one of the greatest advantages of our location.
⚡ E-Biking — Distances That Suddenly Feel Within Reach
With an E-bike, the relationship between effort and experience shifts significantly. Climbs that would take a full day of hiking on foot become relaxed half-day tours — leaving plenty of energy for a hut break and the ride back. Especially for guests using their holiday to catch their breath after long weeks of daily routine, this makes a world of difference.
Our Team’s Recommendation: The Seidlwinkltal Valley This tour follows the path of the historic "Säumer" — traders who transported salt and goods over the Rauris Tauern for centuries. At the end of the valley, you reach the Tauernhaus, which has held a liquor license since 1491. This building has witnessed more Alpine history than most museums.
Charging stations en route: Public E-bike charging stations are available at Gasthof Weixen (Seidlwinkltal) and the Naturfreundehaus. We recommend checking your battery level before departing — Gasthof Weixen has seasonal opening hours; please call ahead: +43 6562 8204.
For those who view cycling as a physical challenge rather than a means of transport: the Rauris Valley offers honest climbs. Forest tracks instead of manicured trails. Paths that mirror the terrain behind them — raw, direct, and sometimes steep.
The Hochalm Loop — The Core for High-Endurance Riders The climb to the Hochalm offers views of the Hoher Sonnblick (3,106 m) — the peak with Europe’s highest permanently staffed weather station, in operation since 1886. On clear days, you can see all the way into the Salzach Valley.
Note for first-time visitors: The gravel tracks at high altitudes above 1,600 m are sometimes narrow and require braking experience on the descent. If it’s your first time in the valley, take the first few kilometers slowly — not just for safety, but because you’ll miss the panorama otherwise.
Please note the weather forecast: Thunderstorms in the Rauris Valley can form quickly and unexpectedly. If in doubt, ask at our reception before you start.
If you want to spend a quiet day on the bike without studying maps or elevation profiles, simply cycle along the Rauriser Ache stream. The path to Kolm Saigurn is flat, well-maintained, and leads directly beneath the north faces of the Hoher Sonnblick — a panorama that you don’t have to search for; it’s simply there.
Refreshments: In Kolm Saigurn, you can stop at Naturhotel Rainer (open seasonally, May–October; no reservation needed for simple snacks). The return trip is downhill and much faster — ideal with children.
Traveling with a bike trailer: The paved paths in the Seidlwinkltal and the valley path to Kolm Saigurn are suitable for bike trailers. Please note: In the middle section of the valley (past the Weixenbacher Steg), the path becomes slightly narrower — drive carefully with wide trailers. Child seats for rental bikes are available at Sport Egger; please reserve in advance.
In the center of Rauris, there are two reliable rental stations we have worked with for many years:
Sport Egger Rauris: E-mountain bikes, hardtails, children's bikes, trailers — helmet rental included. Mon–Sat 8 am – 6 pm, Sun 9 am – 12 pm | Tel: +43 6544 6297. Reservation recommended, especially in high season (July–August).
Intersport Pirchner Rauris: Larger selection, including full-suspension MTBs. Helmets, protectors, and repair kits available for booking. Mon–Sat 8:30 am – 6 pm | Tel: +43 6544 20066 | Online booking available.
We can assist with your selection at reception and can inquire directly with Sport Egger for you — just let us know the evening before. Prices (approximate, as of 2025): E-bike full day approx. €50–70, Hardtail approx. €30–45. Ask the rental shop for exact prices as they are subject to seasonal change.
What you should pack — and why:
Bad Weather Plan: If the weather turns, please turn back early — forest tracks become slippery in the rain, especially on gravel. If the weather outlook is unclear, speak to us at reception in the morning. We check the mountain weather forecast daily and can assess whether a tour is advisable.
Not all huts along the trails are open every day. The following are typical opening hours — we can check for current exceptions at reception.
Palfneralm: Alpine hut, simple "Brettljause" (cold platter) and drinks. Approx. 1,700 m. Open approx. June–September, Tue–Sun. No reservation needed.
Karalm: Family-run, homemade pastries. Approx. 1,650 m. Open July–September, daily from 10 am. Please call ahead for large groups.
Tauernhaus (Seidlwinkltal): Historic inn since 1491, warm meals, overnight stays possible. Open May–October. Tel: +43 6562 8204.
Gasthof Weixen: E-bike charging station, drinks, snacks. Open seasonally; please inquire in advance. Tel: +43 6562 8204.
National Park Partner Businesses: Recognizable by their logo — here, "regionality" is not a marketing buzzword, but a certified standard.
The Rauris Valley is located in the Hohe Tauern National Park. Bearded vultures, golden eagles, and chamois are not "attractions" here — they live here. Those who cycle off the marked trails disturb habitats, even if they don't see it. Please stay on marked trails — in the National Park, this is a requirement, not a recommendation.
On many paths, hikers and cyclists share the same trail. Braking briefly before passing hiking groups and offering a friendly greeting costs nothing. This defines the valley’s reputation — and thus the character of the holiday our guests enjoy.
