Dog-friendly getaways with your four-legged friends to Rauris Valley
In the pristine, 30 km-long Rauris Valley in Hohe Tauern National Park, man and animal have plenty of opportunities during their summer or winter vacation to experience some reenergizing outdoor activity in the fresh alpine air together.
A summer in Austria’s mountains can be enjoyed here in Rauris Valley out exploring 295 km of marked hiking paths and high trails – alongside numerous streams and rivers, in cool forests, or on paths that lead you across flower-strewn alpine meadows.
A selection of popular summer excursion destinations for you and your dog:
- Water Theme Path in Rauris’ Seidlwinkltal
- Rauriser UrQuell spring and the “Forest Secret”
- The old Buchebenstraße road
- Rauris Virgin Forest
- Rauris Hochalm Lifts
- Kitzlochklamm Gorge in Taxenbach
- Lake Zeller See (area for dogs to run off-leash next to Erlberg swimming beach in Thumersbach)
In wintertime, it isn’t just dog owners who are excited about the 30 km of marked winter hiking paths and numerous other outdoor activities that are possible out in the snow. A snowshoe trail and rewarding backcountry ski-touring routes promise a genuine winter feeling a little removed from the family ski area served by the Rauriser Hochalm Lifts. Please bear in mind that dogs are not permitted on the pistes next to the Hochalm lifts, at Ski Touring Center Raurisertal and on the cross country tracks.
50 Dog Stations throughout the valley, Austria’s dog-friendliest hotel 2014 - "Grimming - dogs and friends", dog-friendly accommodations – from hotels and guesthouses to private B&B’s and apartments where dogs are welcome – and many recreational opportunities out in nature: In Rauris Valley, puppies and their moms and dads love to spend their holiday time together. The Rauriser Hochalm Lifts also transport four-legged passengers (for a fee), while dogs are likewise allowed in Kitzlochklamm Gorge if they are kept on their lead.
Though there is no leash law in the community of Rauris itself, your dog must be kept on its leash inside Hohe Tauern National Park. That said, even when you are taking a hike outside the National Park proper, it is highly recommended – out of consideration for wildlife and to protect your own dog from grazing animals – that you keep your dog on a leash. Additional information and tips on the correct way to behave around free-range cattle can be found at www.respektieredeinegrenzen.at.