Lyla Lindsey
Nestled in the Pinzgau region of the Austrian Alps, Kaprun is a charming village known for its stunning natural scenery and plethora of outdoor activities. Located within the Hohe Tauern National Park, Kaprun offers a unique blend of traditional Austrian architecture and breathtaking landscapes. From skiing and hiking to exploring ancient castles, Kaprun has something for everyone. The town's highest mountain, the Großes Wiesbachhorn, rises to 3,570 meters, offering a challenging climb for adventurous hikers. Kaprun is also known for its local dam and
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Pinzgau region, Salzburger Land, Austrian Alps |
| Surroundings | Hohe Tauern National Park, Kitzsteinhorn glacier, Schmittenhöhe panorama mountain, Lake Zell |
| Activities | Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, spas, boat trips, museums, sightseeing |
| Attractions | Kitzsteinhorn, Oldtimer Museum, Burg Kaprun, Sigmund-Thun-Klamm gorge, St. Margareta Church, Kaprun Dam and Reservoir, Ski Dome Oberschneider |
| Accommodation | Hotels, bed & breakfasts, holiday apartments, Tauern Spa |
| Dining | Fine dining, rustic mountain huts, local cuisine |
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What You'll Learn
Skiing and snowboarding
Kaprun is a small Austrian town situated in the Pinzgau region in the heart of the Austrian Alps. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with a range of ski schools, equipment suppliers, and resorts catering to all levels of experience.
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier, located just outside Kaprun, is one of Austria's best glaciers for skiing and snowboarding. It reaches an altitude of 3,203 meters, making it accessible from October to July, and is served by the K-connection cable car from Kaprun Town Centre. The glacier offers diverse pistes and a high-alpine experience. The Schmittenhöhe ski resort, located across the valley, is a family-friendly alternative with wide, perfectly groomed pistes for beginners and junior skiers. It also offers unique views of over 30 three-thousand-metre-high peaks and a panorama of Lake Zell.
The Ski ALPIN CARD provides access to three premium ski regions in one ski pass: the Schmittenhöhe in Zell am See, the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Kaprun, and the Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbrunn. This card offers 408 kilometres of pistes and 121 cable cars and lifts, providing endless skiing and snowboarding opportunities.
For beginners, the Maiskogel mountain offers family-friendly pistes perfect for those new to skiing or snowboarding. The Lechnerberg area, located in the centre of Kaprun, also provides an excellent beginner's area with easy pistes, ski schools, and a large adventure world for kids.
Kaprun offers a range of accommodation, restaurants, and bars to suit all tastes and budgets, making it a great destination for a skiing and snowboarding holiday.
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Hiking and spas
Kaprun is a small Austrian town situated in the Pinzgau region, in the middle of the Hohe Tauern National Park in the Alps. It is a great place for hiking and exploring nature. The town is surrounded by mountains, lush meadows, lakes, and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier.
There are numerous hiking trails in and around Kaprun, catering to all abilities. From easy strolls along the valley floor to challenging summit ascents, there is something for everyone. The Tauern Spa, located in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, is a great base for hikers, offering stunning views of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and the surrounding mountains. The spa also offers hiking equipment for hire and can provide recommendations for walks in the area.
The Tauern Spa is one of Austria's most modern and luxurious spa resorts. Spread across 20,000 square meters, it boasts twelve pools, ten saunas and steam rooms, a separate Kidstein Spa for children, and a glass Skyline Pool. The spa also features activity pools, relaxation pools, cascades, grottos, and numerous chill-out areas. The Glacier Sauna, with its views of the glacier, and the Mountain Crystal Sauna, built around a huge crystal, are not to be missed.
After a day of hiking, relax and rejuvenate in the warm waters of the spa while taking in the beautiful natural surroundings. Indulge in a massage or beauty treatment using natural products, and sample the delicious local cuisine offered at the spa and in the surrounding restaurants.
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Local dam and reservoir
The Limberg and Mooser dams above Kaprun are a popular tourist attraction, with visitors commenting that the industrial constructions improve the landscape. The Mooserboden Reservoir, in particular, blends in with its surroundings, resembling a natural lake. The lower parts of the mountains are a vibrant green in the summer, while the tips remain white with snow.
The history of the Kaprun Dams is closely linked with Austria's Nazi past. Construction began in 1938, with the Nazis announcing plans for a "Tauernkraftwerk" power plant. During the war, thousands of slave labourers were transferred to Kaprun and forced to work under inhumane conditions. After the war, construction was restarted by Allied-occupied Austria, and the power plant became an icon of post-war reconstruction.
Today, the Kaprun power plants produce 700 kWh of power a year, contributing significantly to Salzburg's overall power supply. The Mooserboden hydroelectric plant uses water from two reservoirs held back by some of Austria's largest dam walls. The reservoir area has become a popular tourist attraction, with guided tours of the area available.
To get to the dam, you first need to take a bus to the visitor centre at the base, from where you will take a lift up to the dam, and then another bus. The price for a return trip is €19.90.
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St. Margaretha church
The Roman Catholic parish church of St. Margaretha is a beautiful and charming building that rises above the centre of Kaprun. With its pointed tower, the church is over 100 years old and has recently been renovated. It is perched on a hill and is visible from all around Kaprun, making it a prominent landmark in the village. The church is illuminated at night, making it even more striking.
St. Margaretha is accessible by foot or by car, although there is a steep road and steps to climb if you choose to walk. The church is free to enter, although visitors are welcome to leave a small donation. The interior is beautifully illuminated by light streaming through its coloured windows, creating a cosy and harmonious atmosphere. The elegant elements of stone and wood combine to make the church a serene spot with commanding views over the village and beyond.
The church has a long history, with the present building being a reconstruction of an old church from 1898. During this renovation, the tower was equipped with semicircular windows, triangular gables, a clock, and a pointed helmet. The church underwent further extensive renovation between 1972 and 1975.
The historic parish church has been a central place of faith for the Kaprun community for over 100 years, bringing people together to worship and share their joy, worries, and gratitude with God. The traditional Liturgy of the Word takes place every Sunday at 10 am, and visitors are welcome to attend.
After visiting the church, you can explore the surrounding graveyard, which is beautifully kept with lots of flowers and red granite stones. The peaceful atmosphere and lovely views make St. Margaretha and its grounds well worth the climb.
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Kitzsteinhorn cable car
Kaprun is a small Austrian town situated in the Pinzgau region of the Austrian Alps. It is a popular destination for skiing and snowboarding, with its famous Kitzsteinhorn glacier just around the corner. The Kitzsteinhorn cable car, or the 3K K-onnection, is an ultra-modern tri-cable gondola that links the town centre of Kaprun with the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. It is the longest cable car route in the Eastern Alps, covering a distance of 12km and rising to an elevation of 3029m.
The cable car offers a convenient and comfortable way to access the ski area, with direct connections from the town centre to the glacier. It consists of six gondola lifts, including two specially equipped Explorer Cabins, which offer a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. The ride takes approximately 9 minutes in total and provides spectacular views of the Alps.
The Kitzsteinhorn cable car operates year-round, providing access to the ski area during the winter months and serving as a means of reaching the hiking and biking trails in the summer. National Park Rangers accompany nature lovers on the Kitzsteinhorn Explorer Tour, a two-hour journey through four climate zones, offering insights into the mountain world, winter phenomena, and the high-alpine environment of the neighbouring Hohe Tauern National Park.
The cable car is just one of the many attractions in Kaprun, which also boasts excellent restaurants, bars, and hotels, as well as relaxing spas and stunning natural scenery. Visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and biking, making Kaprun a popular destination for those seeking an active and enjoyable holiday in the heart of the Austrian Alps.
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Frequently asked questions
Kaprun is a small town in the Pinzgau region of the Austrian Alps, with plenty of attractions for visitors. Here are some ideas for what to do in Kaprun:
- Explore the town on foot and admire the traditional Austrian architecture, including the 100-year-old Roman Catholic parish church of St. Margaretha.
- Visit the famous Kitzsteinhorn glacier, which is easily accessible from Kaprun via a cable car.
- Take a stroll around the town centre and enjoy the beauty of the small river that flows through it, as well as the wooden houses covered in flowers.
- Indulge in some relaxation at the Tauern Spa, which offers twelve pools, ten saunas and steam rooms, and stunning views of the nearby glacier.
Kaprun offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some ideas:
- Skiing and snowboarding: Kaprun is a popular destination for winter sports, with two skiing areas (Kitzsteinhorn and Maiskogel) offering ski lessons, private coaching, and equipment hire.
- Hiking: During the summer months, the lakes of the Kaprun reservoir and the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm gorge are popular hiking destinations.
- Cycling: Explore the surrounding area by bicycle and take in the beautiful scenery of the Austrian Alps.
Kaprun has a rich history and culture, with several attractions that offer insights into the region's past. Here are some cultural highlights:
- Kaprun Museum: Learn about the village's 4,000 years of history at this museum.
- National Park Gallery: Located on the Kitzsteinhorn, this gallery showcases the fascinating world of the glaciers and the Hohe Tauern National Park.
- Burg Kaprun: A 12th-century castle that now serves as a cultural venue and can be rented for private events.
- High Mountain Reservoirs: Take a guided tour of the interior of these enormous structures, which were built during World War II using Jewish slave labour.
Kaprun offers a variety of accommodation options, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and holiday apartments to cater to different tastes and budgets. Here are some recommended places to stay:
- Pension Oberschnider: This accommodation offers rooms with terraces and fantastic views, perfect for enjoying an evening drink.
- Hotel Tauernhof: Located in the heart of Kaprun, this hotel combines rustic charm with modern amenities and offers cosy rooms and suites with stunning mountain views.
- Tauern Spa: This four-star spa hotel welcomes guests above the age of 14 and offers a range of pools, saunas, and steam rooms, as well as a separate Kidstein Spa for children.
