Huttwinkl Valley descent
The Huttwinkl Valley, or Huttwinkltal, is a stunning high-alpine southern fork of the Rauris Valley in Salzburg, Austria. Historically celebrated as the "Valley of Gold," it served as the heart of European gold mining for centuries; at its peak in the late Middle Ages, the region produced nearly 10% of the world’s gold supply. This ride follows the path of the medieval gold seekers, winding through the pristine landscapes of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The journey concludes at the historic Alpengasthof Bodenhaus ($1,280$ m), which served as a vital base camp and processing hub for miners before they ascended into the high-altitude reaches of the Goldberg Group.
For cyclists, the route from Rauris to Bodenhaus offers a steady, moderate-intensity ascent through lush alpine meadows and dense evergreen forests. Following the crystal-clear waters of the Hüttwinkl Ache, the ride provides a scenic and accessible way to experience the scale of the Alps through a continuous, rhythmic climb. Finishing at the Bodenhaus gives riders a front-row seat to the dramatic "V-shaped" valley views, where the massive Hoher Sonnblick peak towers in the distance. It is an ideal route for those wanting to combine authentic Austrian history with a rewarding effort that captures the spirit of the "Golden Valley."
Region: Salzburg
City: Zell am See
Distance: 24.86 km
Elevation Gain: 127 m
Elevation Loss: 613 m
Difficulty: 118 (Easy)
FIETS Index: 0.75 FIETS
Avg Grade: -1.96 %
Max cat climb: 5
Min elevation: 738 m
Max elevation: 1225 m
Ride Category: Flat