Really. Interesting.
- Gold mining in Rauris in Austria probably began in Celtic and Roman times. One indication of this is the discovery of a Celtic handcuff that was discovered in 1874 in the Rauris Seidlwinkltal. Today, a copy of the cuff and its history are on display in the Rauris Valley Museum.
- During the heyday, which lasted from around 1460 to 1560 AD, around 10% of world gold production took place in the Rauris and Gastein valleys. At its absolute peak in 1550, 450 (!) mines were operating in Rauris.
- At the end of the 14th century, gold guilders made from Tauern gold were minted on a large scale for the first time in Salzburg. At the turn of the 16th century, the state of Salzburg was still known as the "Peru of the Old World". At that time, gold mining was the main source of income in the Rauris Valley.
- You can also discover traces of gold mining at the end of the Kolm Saigurn valley on two of our themed educational trails: the Tauern Gold Educational Trail and the Tauern Gold Adventure Trail. Here, on your hike, you will pass the ruins of miners' houses, the "Bremserhäusl" and the "Radhaus".
- Today, treasure hunters of all ages try their luck at the two gold panning sites and - under professional supervision if desired - wash fine gold flakes out of the water. It is estimated that there are still 120 tons stored in the Goldberg group!
Gold panning area Bodenhaus - Open from 4th of June 2026.
At the original Bodenhaus gold panning site, about twenty minutes by car from Rauris town centre, you can pan for gold from the Hüttwinkl Ache, i.e. directly from the stream, equipped with rubber boots, a spade and a gold pan. The water playground is particularly nice for children.
Opening hours – Summer 2026
04 June – 05 July 2026: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
05 July – 30 August 2026: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
31 August – 11 September 2026: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Subject to change.
Closed in case of very bad weather or heavy rain.
Prices 2026
(CASH payment only!)
| Gold panning including training and equipment | Euro 13 p. person |
|
Gold panning including training and equipment |
Euro 10 p. person |
| Rental rubber boots (size 23 - 49) | Euro 3 p. day |
GOOD TO KNOW:
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No pre-booking necessary - only for groups of 10 people or more at info@raurisertal.at or by phone: +43 (0) 6544 20022
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Admission to the gold panning area is also payable if you bring your own equipment.
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Gold panning outside opening hours is not permitted!
- Suitable for children aged 8 and over
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Use of the gold panning area is at your own risk - parents are liable for their children!
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Dogs are allowed, but only on a lead.
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Gold panning with the SalzburgerLand Card and the National Park Summercard: 2 hours free; plus 50 cents for the vial
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Gold panning with a pan/dish is permitted in the entire gold panning area, a channel may only be used in the Ache.
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Metal detectors or sensors are not permitted.
Contact:
Gold panning area Bodenhaus
Kolmstraße (Bodenhaus parking lot)
5661 Rauris
Gold panning & mineral area world Heimalm - open from around early/mid-June 2026.
Go treasure hunting with the climate-friendly Rauriser Hochalmbahn: At the middle station, the Heimalm, you have a good chance of finding something and of looking out over the Rauris Valley. The newly created gold panning area with its three-meter-high water wheel will delight more than just little treasure hunters!
Opening hours:
Open from around early/mid-June 2026.
(Only open during the operating hours of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen!)
Prices 2026
| Gold panning for adults | Euro 11 p. person |
| Gold panning for adults with guest card | Euro 10,50 p. person |
| Gold panning for children | Euro 9,50 p. person |
| Gold panning for children with guest card | Euro 9 p. person |
| Mineral hunting for adults and children | Euro 8,50 p. person |
Daily free entry with the National Park Summer Card
One time free entry with the SalzburgerLand Card
