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. 

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.

1. What makes the Rauris Valley so special?
   The Rauris Valley, also known as the ‘hidden gem’ of the Hohe Tauern National Park, captivates visitors with its diverse nature and culture. Historical gold mining, the unique wildlife of the Krumltal valley, the alpine pastures of the Seidlwinkltal valley, impressive mineral treasures, the idyllic Rauris primeval forest and the skiing and hiking area of the Rauriser Hochalmbahnen offer a varied programme for every visitor.
2. What is the history of the Mesnerhaus location?
   The Old Mesnerhaus was first mentioned in documents in 1330 and reopened in 2020 after extensive, climate-neutral renovation. In between, it served as a residential and school building, housed a museum and, from 1950 to 1970, a cinema. Since its renovation, it has served as a venue for various events, including the Rauriser Literaturtage, which has been held annually since 1971 and is a magnet for lovers of German-language literature, as well as a wide variety of conferences and seminars, most recently the International Polar Research Conference with 160 participants from many nations.
3. What rooms are available for events?
   The Mesnerhaus has a large event hall on the upper floor (150 m²) with space for up to 160 people and flexible seating. On the ground floor, there are three additional rooms (each 20-30 m²) for meetings, group work or breaks. The stone vault is suitable for exhibitions and smaller events, the small vault offers a quiet retreat for meetings, and the third room is bright and barrier-free.
4. Is the Mesnerhaus accessible?
   Yes, the Mesnerhaus is accessible. The ground-level main entrance, the disabled toilet and the modern lift enable visitors with physical disabilities to move around the building freely and independently.
5. What technical equipment does the Mesnerhaus offer?
   The Mesnerhaus has first-class technical equipment for seminars and events. This includes: high-resolution projector and screen, shading and blackout system, high-quality audio system, various microphones, WiFi access and flipcharts. Technical support during the event is included in the price.
6. Is it possible to view the venue in advance?
   You are very welcome to get an impression of our venue and its possibilities in advance of your seminar or celebration – please make an appointment!
7. Are there ‘green events’ at the Mesnerhaus Rauris?
   Yes, the Mesnerhaus is actively committed to sustainability. In addition to the climate-neutral renovation of the building, reusable tableware, waste avoidance, environmentally friendly disposal and district heating from the local wood chip heating plant are used. The Mesnerhaus is happy to support event organisers in organising ‘green’ events and incentives, from travel by public transport to regional catering from organic farms.
8. Does the Mesnerhaus offer its own catering services or catering for my seminar?
   The Mesnerhaus itself offers an extensive range of drinks and break snacks for your conference or seminar, with a focus on regional food and waste prevention. Beyond that, the house does not have its own catering facilities, but it does have a small kitchen that catering companies are happy to use as a base. The Mesnerhaus team will be happy to help you obtain catering quotes suitable for your event.
9. Do I have to pay extra for cleaning?
   The house must be left swept clean; final cleaning is included in the rental price. If there is heavy soiling upon handover that requires more intensive cleaning, an hourly rate will be charged depending on the amount of work involved.
10. Are there private parking spaces?
    Yes, there are parking spaces in front of the house, but only a few. We ask that you keep these free for older and weaker people. Additional public parking spaces can be found along Sportstraße and above the tennis courts.
11. What about public transport for arrival and departure?
    You can reach the Rauris Valley in Pinzgau by train to Taxenbach-Rauris and then continue by public bus. For evenings and weekends when there is no bus service, a taxi service to the train station can be arranged in advance.
12. Who is liable for damage caused during my event?
    The contractual partner is responsible for their event. They must prepare, set up, carry out and dismantle it. They are liable for all damage caused by themselves, their employees, authorised representatives or visitors.
13. Who is liable for accidents that occur on the premises?
    REG is not liable for accidents involving users or visitors to the Mesnerhaus. You should therefore take out your own insurance for this eventuality.

14. Who is responsible for waste disposal?
    The organiser is responsible for disposing of any waste generated during the event.

15. Do you offer support with planning and organising my event?
    We are happy to assist you with the planning of your seminar, conference or celebration to the usual extent and are available to share our experience and local contacts. For more extensive support, please contact us to discuss our additional services and hourly rates.

16. Do I have to pay a deposit?
    We usually invoice retrospectively, but reserve the right to request a deposit for larger events.

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 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!