Kaprun: All destinations, advice & information for your holidays!
At the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn lies Kaprun in the Pinzgau region of Salzburg. If you are interested in history, pay a visit to Kaprun Castle. A perfect excursion destination for nature fans is the Sigmund-Thun Gorge. Ascend from the valley with the mountain railways and enjoy a unique view on high alpine trails.
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Kaprun - Must-see attractions
Kitzsteinhorn ski area
The Kitzsteinhorn ski area near Kaprun delights with a variety of leisure activities. At altitudes from 768 to 3,029 meters, you can expect over 61 snow-secure kilometers of slopes. Untouched freeride routes and creative snow parks perfect the winter fun. In the glacier ski area, you can even pursue your passion from October to May. Even off the slopes, the winter sports paradise Kitzsteinhorn offers numerous highlights. If you spend your ski vacation with children, a trip to the Gipfelwelt 3000 with cinema and viewing platforms is worthwhile. On free National Park Ranger tours, you can learn about the icy glacier and the mountain interior.
Sigmund Thun Gorge
The Sigmund Thun Gorge is a ravine lined with rugged rock walls. The Kapruner Ache, a roaring mountain river, carved its path here over countless years and testifies to the untamed power of the element water. Adventurous paths and wooden walkways lead along the rock walls, up to 30 meters high, through the gorge. Bridges repeatedly cross over the impressive watercourse. The gorge path measures only about 320 meters, but it could not be more spectacular.
Klamm Lake
The Klammsee awaits you at an altitude of around 850 m. It dams the Kapruner Ache to a height of 19 m and is part of the Kaprun power plant. The construction of the dam in 1947 created a unique habitat for animals and plants. You can perfectly combine a hike around the Klammsee with a tour through the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, which ends at the lake. The path passes numerous display boards that provide interesting information about the Bürgkogel-Klammsee experience and recreation area.
Kaprun Castle
Visit the impressive building on your own and take a look at the three tall towers in the east, north, and west, from which you can overlook the Alpine panorama. Particularly worth seeing are the large Knights' Hall and the castle courtyard. In addition to the castle festival and guided tours in the summer months, the local evenings are considered highlights. Here you will be taken on a journey through the past centuries and at the same time learn more about the folk tradition.
Mooserboden Reservoir
From the starting point of Kaprun, it is only a short hiking tour until you see the turquoise shimmering reservoir. The lake is located at around 2,000 meters altitude and, combined with the often snow-covered peaks of the Hohe Tauern, offers impressive photo opportunities. You can reach the reservoir not only on foot. A special experience is the ride on the Lärchwandschrägaufzug, which literally travels diagonally up the mountain. It overcomes over 400 meters in altitude and takes you directly to the Mooserboden reservoir and the neighboring high mountain reservoirs of Kaprun.
Zell am See
Zell am See is a well-developed starting point for a vacation at Lake Zell. Numerous shopping and dining options, as well as rail connections to long-distance travel, offer excellent vacation conditions. In summer, the beach fun at the lido of Zell am See is enticing. Surrounded by the Alps, Zell am See offers a mix of city trip, beach vacation, and hiking pleasure. You can go high up to the almost 2,000-meter-high Schmittenhöhe. In winter, the Schmitten / Zell am See ski area offers over 70 kilometers of slopes.
Kaprun - Secret spots
St. Margaret Church
The St. Margaretha Church in Kaprun is a hidden gem with a rich history. It was built in the 12th century, making it one of the oldest churches in the Pinzgau region. Its impressive Gothic architecture and beautiful frescoes attract visitors from all over the world. A visit is a must for every history and art lover.
Kitzloch Gorge
Kitzlochklamm is an impressive gorge near Kaprun, known for its breathtaking rock formations and roaring waterfalls. Visitors can hike along well-secured paths and enjoy the spectacular natural scenery. The gorge also offers exciting caves and historic wooden bridges, making the visit even more adventurous. With a bit of luck, one can observe rare plants and animals here. Kitzlochklamm is less crowded than other attractions in the region, making it a perfect place for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility.
Vötter's Vintage Car Museum
Discover the hidden gem of Kaprun - the Vötter's Oldtimer Museum. Just a short drive away, this museum houses over 200 fascinating vehicles from the 20th century. Did you know that it also hosts an impressive collection of motorcycles from the 1950s and 1960s? A must for every car enthusiast!
Kaprun High Mountain Reservoirs
Amidst the Austrian Alps lie the Kaprun high mountain reservoirs, a breathtaking wonder of nature and technology. This highlight offers a unique combination of mighty mountains and impressive dams. Did you know that the Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden reservoirs generate around 10% of Austria's total electricity demand annually? A visit is an unforgettable experience.
Kaprun - In 3 days
Day 1
After your luggage has been unloaded and you have rested a little, the first adventure begins. Start your first day in Kaprun with a visit to the impressive Kaprun Castle. This historic fortress not only offers a fascinating insight into the region's history but also a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape. After visiting the castle, you can head to Maiskogel, a popular mountain for hikers and families. Here you can take a leisurely hike and enjoy the fresh alpine air. After an active morning, it's time for a well-deserved lunch break. Try local specialties like Kasnocken or Tyrolean Gröstl in one of the cozy inns. In the afternoon, a visit to the Tauern Spa, a modern wellness and adventure pool, is recommended. Relax in the thermal pools or treat yourself to a soothing massage. You can end the evening with a stroll through the charming village center of Kaprun. Enjoy the alpine atmosphere and conclude the day with a traditional dinner.
Day 2
Today you are taking a trip to the Kitzsteinhorn, the famous glacier of the region. Take the cable car up and enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding Alps. Once at the top, you can explore the Gipfelwelt 3000 visitor center and learn more about the fascinating world of glaciers. For the adventurous, there is the opportunity to take a guided glacier hike or venture into the snow park in the summer. After an exciting morning on the glacier, return to the valley and recharge with a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, a visit to the Mooserboden high mountain reservoirs is on the agenda. An impressive bus and cable car ride will take you to the high-altitude reservoirs, where you can marvel at the impressive engineering and enjoy the breathtaking mountain landscape. End the day with a relaxing dinner and reflect on the day's experiences.
Day 3
Start your third day in Kaprun with a visit to the Sigmund-Thun Gorge, a spectacular gorge with breathtaking waterfalls and rock formations. A walk on the wooden walkways offers unforgettable nature experiences. In the afternoon, take a bike tour along the Salzach. The picturesque route is ideal for families, and bike rentals are available on site. After an active day, relax in a local café with coffee and Austrian pastries. In the evening, visit the local theater or cinema, where cultural events and film screenings often take place. End the day with a walk around the nearby Lake Zell. The reflecting lights in the water create a magical atmosphere for a romantic end to your day.
Kaprun - Climate
Continental climate prevails in Kaprun in the Pinzgau region: Summers are quite mild, with the highest average temperatures reaching 17 and 18 degrees Celsius in July and August. Precipitation is frequent in Kaprun, especially in June and July. Snowfall is expected in October. In January, it snows particularly heavily: on average, there are 112 cm. The snow depth on the mountain reaches its peak in March at 249 cm. From April to September, the sun shines for eight to ten hours per day. You will find ideal conditions for a hiking and cycling holiday.