Rauris Virgin Forest

Imagine immersing yourself in a forest that has remained almost unchanged since the Ice Age—then the Rauris Virgin Forest is exactly right for you. Located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, “Kolm Saigurn” sits at the head of the sunny Rauris Valley, a true jewel of the region. From there, you can embark on the most exciting and fascinating tours. There are hikes for every level of difficulty and, of course, perfect family walks for all ages. One could say our Rauris Valley is the ultimate insider tip for your summer holiday here at Hotel Alpina in Rauris.

Air Quality at the Highest Level

Do you sometimes long to simply escape the hustle and bustle of the city?
Imagine this: you trade everyday stress for fresh mountain air at 1,600 meters above sea level. A place where the silence becomes tangible, where you can breathe deeply and simply let yourself drift—surrounded by nature and complete tranquility. It is perfect for truly switching off and recharging your batteries.

The air in the Rauris Virgin Forest is characterized by the scent of resin, spruce, and stone pine, which act like essential oils in the air—both calming and invigorating. Our grandparents always taught us: “Where moss grows in abundance and beard lichen hangs from the trees, the air quality is at its purest and highest.” This saying, well-known to every Rauris local, is entirely true and invites you to escape the daily grind.

The Route

After a balanced breakfast at our 4-star Hotel Alpina in Rauris, you start by car or the free bus towards the valley head. From the toll station at Bodenhaus—which is free for you with the included National Park Summer Card—it is only a few minutes to the Lenzanger parking lot. The ascent begins directly next to the parking area. Over roots and boardwalks shaped by nature, the path is exciting even for little ones and offers a great taste of the true Rauris Virgin Forest.

A Small Stopover

After about 30 minutes, you reach the high plateau with breathtaking views towards the 3,000-meter peaks and the Hohe Sonnblick. There, you can enjoy the refreshment of a small stream flowing directly across the path. Before you continue into the Rauris Virgin Forest, we recommend a short stop at the Gainschnigg Alm. This alpine hut is located directly beneath the panorama of the high peaks. Not only do they serve the best homemade farmhouse bread with various toppings, but also traditional “Bauernkrapfen”—a sweet local treat topped with cranberries. Young hikers are also well catered for, with a small play hut that will make any child’s heart beat faster.

Rauris Virgin Forest

After a small refreshment, the entry into the deep Rauris Virgin Forest begins. Here, you hike between centuries-old stone pines, mysterious moors, and small ponds formed by Ice Age glaciers. This is a unique habitat with rare plants and animals. The best thing about the Rauris Virgin Forest: you are protected from the sun for almost the entire route by the dense tree canopy. As this area has belonged to the Hohe Tauern National Park for a long time, the Rauris Virgin Forest remains almost untouched by humans and in its natural state.

The Educational Trail

Since 2014, the educational trail in the Rauris Virgin Forest has been ranked among the best in all of Austria. But what exactly does it look like? At the most interesting corners of the path, there are boards with fascinating facts about the animals, waters, plants, and trees. Here, too, the youngest visitors have been kept in mind, as there are always small observation tasks for children to find. Along the educational trail, you can also find the Forest Museum. In this small hut, you can significantly expand your knowledge. If that is not enough, you are welcome to book a guided hike with a ranger. They often provide insights that cannot be found in any book.

Hiking with Children

As mentioned, this hike is particularly child-friendly, but why? The tour is very interesting for children, especially since you are not just walking along a road, but climbing over roots, boardwalks, and stones. However, the hike through the Rauris Virgin Forest is suitable for people of all ages, as the route is easy to navigate. For hiking enthusiasts, the tour is a “must-do,” as it is not just about reaching a destination, but about exploring thousands of years of history.

The History of Our Rauris Virgin Forest

Over 10,000 years ago during the Ice Age, our valley was filled by a gigantic glacier. As it slowly began to melt, a so-called rockfall occurred at the head of the valley. Rocks tumbled into the valley and buried it. Through this natural dam, moors—a unique ecosystem—developed over the millennia. Today, the Rauris Virgin Forest is considered a true jewel of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Ending the Day

This route will take approximately 2-3 hours. But what happens afterwards? We would recommend spending the afternoon at our hotel after such a strenuous morning. Relax by our outdoor pool in the radiant sunshine, enjoy an ice cream, and savor your vacation to the fullest.

NATURE * ACTIVE * ENJOYMENT

Get to know the Rauris Virgin Forest for yourself and visit us in the beautiful Rauris Valley. Book now your next summer and autumn adventure with us. We look forward to welcoming you!