Arriving by public transport

In times of climate change, public transport is becoming increasingly important. Take the train to Taxenbach-Rauris station. From there, take the bus to the Rauris Ortsmitte stop, which is only a few metres away from the Mesnerhaus. For journey times, please visit  Salzburg Verkehr or ÖBB websites. 
Climate-neutral travel by public transport: Book a room with us in the valley and travel free on buses and trains – throughout the state of Salzburg!

Are you planning an event with a small or large number of people? We are happy to offer you a shuttle service to and from Taxenbach/Rauris station – directly to the Mesnerhaus or to your accommodation. Read more about our ‘GREEN EVENT’ service!

By plane

Nearest airports: Salzburg (approx. 90 km), Innsbruck (approx. 160 km) or Munich (approx. 230 km)
Continue your journey by rental car, shuttle or train.

By car

A10 to the Bischofshofen exit → B311 to Taxenbach → turn off into the Rauris Valley → approx. 10 km to Rauris.
Note in winter: Do not drive with summer tyres and carry a set of snow chains for safety reasons.

Parking

There are car parking spaces in front of the house, but only very few, and we ask you to keep them free for older and weaker people. We always keep two barrier-free parking spaces directly at the Mesnerhaus free for you. Additional public parking spaces can be found along Sportstraße and above the tennis courts. There you will also find several charging stations for your electric car if required.
Are you arriving in a large group with your own bus? Contact us and we will arrange a suitable parking space nearby.

The Mesnerhaus is wheelchair accessible and has two designated parking spaces directly in front of the building. The main entrance is at ground level, and a lift takes you comfortably to the event hall on the first floor. Naturally, our toilet facilities are also wheelchair accessible.

The Mesnerhaus was first mentioned in documents in 1330.

The Archdiocese of Salzburg took ownership of the house in 1550, and from then on it served as a sacristan's house, vicarage and residence for teachers and organists. Documents from the 17th century show that the schoolmaster applied to use the building, then known as the ‘Egghäusl’, as a residence and schoolhouse. The teacher's salary was so low that he also had to work as an organist, sacristan and clerk, and ran a small grocery store on the side.

In 1706, a large part of the house fell victim to a fire that raged in the centre of Rauris and destroyed or severely damaged more than 40 other buildings in addition to the church and St. Michael's Chapel. The sacristan's house was rebuilt in 1708.

The sacristan's house was then used as a school for many years until it became too small in the 1880s and the current valley museum was adapted to provide additional classrooms. In 1936, the last sacristan living in this house died, and the house continued to be used as a residence until 1948.
In the 1950s, the old sacristan's house was converted into a cinema and operated as such until 1970 – until television finally made its triumphant entry into people's living rooms.
From that time on, the dilapidated building was used as a warehouse and, during the renovation of the church, even briefly as a mortuary.

In 2019, the market town of Rauris began a complete renovation of the building, with financial support from the Archdiocese and the Province of Salzburg. The work was completed in record time, taking just seven months. On 26 January 2020, the building was ceremoniously blessed and handed over to its new purpose as a centre for culture, literature and events of all kinds.

Would you like to learn more about the history of the Rauris Valley? Click HERE!

1. Enjoy a sundowner with a view of the Hoher Sonnblick. Or: enjoy a sundowner ON the Hoher Sonnblick.

2. Hike through the Rauriser Urwald forest in summer or winter.

3. Experience culture: from contemporary literature to ancient heritage in diverse customs.

4. Take the Hochalmbahn cable car to the summit and enjoy the panorama from the Großglockner to the Dachstein.

5. Stand at one of the numerous waterfalls or in the Kitzlochklamm gorge, close your eyes and breathe deeply.

6. Eat bread with alpine cheese or a fresh doughnut at one of the alpine huts.. Fresh milk to go with it? Perfect!

7. Learn why Rauris has always been special at the valley museum.

8. Wash gold from the stream yourself and take it home with you.

9. Watch the starry sky: after a long day in the mountains, enjoy the quiet night and let yourself be enchanted by the stars.

10. Plan the next event at the Mesnerhaus right away!

You can reach us during normal office hours on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. by telephone and email.
Please understand that, apart from ongoing events, we do not always keep the building open.
The opening hours for events or exhibitions can of course be found under Current Events!