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Holiday houses and apartments in Rauris, Austria | ItaliaVillas

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Rauris: The Secret Jewel of the Alps



Located in the Hohe Tauern National Park, Rauris is often referred to as the "secret jewel" of the Alps. This unspoilt valley offers a rare escape from mass tourism and retains a sense of authentic Alpine life that is hard to find elsewhere.

History: The Valley of Gold



Rauris has a glittering past – literally. Known as the Valley of Gold, it was once a major center for gold mining in Europe.

The Gold Rush: At its peak in the 15th and 16th centuries, the valley produced almost 10% of the world's gold. Traces of this "golden age" are still visible today in the ruins of miners' huts and the historic Talschluss (valley head) in Kolm Saigurn.

Ignaz Rojacher: Rojacher, a local hero and mining pioneer, transformed the valley in the 19th century and was instrumental in building the Sonnblick Observatory, Europe's highest permanent weather station, which still sits atop the peak at 3,106 metres.

Nature and landscape



The Rauris Valley is a haven for biodiversity.

Vulture Valley: Rauris is one of the few places in the Alps where you can see the rare bearded vulture, golden eagles and griffon vultures in the wild.

Rauris Virgin Forest: A stunning high-altitude forest with centuries-old stone pines, dark moors and crystal-clear mountain pools.

Glacier Majestic: The valley ends in a spectacular amphitheater of glaciers and 3,000-metre peaks, providing a dramatic backdrop to any holiday.

Activities: Winter & Summer



Whether you are looking for a holiday with lots of energy or a peaceful retreat, Rauris offers:

Summer: Over 295 km of marked hiking trails. You can even pan for gold in the original sites or visit the bird of prey show on the Hochalm.

Winter: The Rauriser Hochalmbahnen is an award-winning family ski resort. In addition to the slopes, you can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and a world-famous 5 km long, illuminated toboggan run.

Typical foods and culinary delights



The local cuisine is hearty and rooted in mountain traditions:

Kaspressknödel: Tasty flat dumplings made with local Alpine cheese, served in a clear broth or with sauerkraut.

Bauernkrapfen: Traditional farmer's doughnuts, often served warm with lingonberry jam or sugar.

Holzhackermuas: A traditional "woodcutter's mash" made from flour, fat and water, historically an energy-rich meal for miners and loggers.

Rauriser Delikatesser Market: In the summer, local farmers sell handmade bacon, honey and schnapps.

Festivals and traditions



Bauernherbst (Harvest Festival): Every September, the valley celebrates "Farmer's Autumn" with cattle drives (Almabtrieb), where cows are decorated with flowers and the village fills with traditional music and crafts.

Rauris Literature Days: A prestigious annual event that attracts writers and poets from all over the German-speaking world.

Advent in the Valley: A magical, quiet Christmas market focusing on local crafts and flickering lanterns.
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