Kaprun is a municipality with 3130 inhabitants (as of January 1,
2020) in the Zell am See district in the Austrian state of Salzburg.
Together with the city of Zell am See, the municipality is known as
a holiday destination of Zell am See-Kaprun.
Kaprun lies at the foot of the Hohe Tauern in the area of the
Glockner group. Parts of the municipality of Kaprun are in the Hohe Tauern National Park.
The Großer Wiesbachhorn (3570 meters) is the summit of the seventh
highest independent summit in Austria and the third highest summit
of the Glockner group in the municipality of Kaprun. The summit
represents the municipal boundary between the municipalities of
Fusch and Kaprun. Kaprun is traversed from south to north by the
Kapruner Ache, which flows into the Salzach.
Kitzsteinhorn Glacier and Gipfelwelt 3000
The Kitzsteinhorn, a
majestic 3,203-meter peak, is Kaprun's crown jewel and one of Austria's
few year-round ski areas, thanks to its permanent glacier. Historically,
the glacier has been a hub for mountaineering since the 19th century,
with modern cable car access developed in the 1960s to boost tourism.
Visitors ascend via a series of gondolas and cable cars from the valley
station, reaching the Gipfelwelt 3000 summit station at 3,029 meters.
Key attractions include the "Top of Salzburg" panoramic platform
offering 360-degree views of over 30 peaks exceeding 3,000 meters,
including the Grossglockner (Austria's highest at 3,798 meters). The
National Park Gallery, a 360-meter tunnel through the mountain, provides
educational exhibits on permafrost, crystal treasures, and the Hohe
Tauern ecosystem. In summer, the Ice Arena offers snow play areas, while
winter features 41 km of ski runs for all levels. Visitor experiences
highlight the breathtaking vistas and fresh alpine air, though some note
crowds during peak seasons—arrive early or book tickets online. Tips:
Wear layers for variable weather; guided ranger tours (free with lift
ticket) enhance the educational aspect. Rated 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor with
over 1,975 reviews.
Sigmund-Thun Gorge (Sigmund-Thun-Klamm)
This dramatic gorge, carved by the Kapruner Ache river over millennia,
is a geological marvel dating back to the Ice Age. Opened to the public
in 1893 with wooden walkways and bridges, it spans about 320 meters long
and 32 meters deep, featuring cascading waterfalls, moss-covered rocks,
and misty spray. The path winds through narrow passages, offering
close-up views of the turquoise waters thundering below. Historically
used for timber transport, it's now a protected site emphasizing natural
erosion processes. Visitors rave about the refreshing hike (about 30-45
minutes round-trip), the roar of the water, and the fairy-tale-like
atmosphere, especially in summer when the cool mist provides relief from
heat. Families appreciate the moderate difficulty, but note slippery
paths—wear sturdy shoes. At the end, reach Klammsee, a serene reservoir
lake ideal for picnics. Entrance fee around €6; open May to October.
Rated 4.6/5 with 577 reviews.
High Mountain Reservoirs
(Mooserboden and Wasserfallboden)
These twin reservoirs, built in the
1950s as part of the Kaprun hydroelectric project, are engineering feats
at 2,036 meters elevation. Mooserboden, the larger of the two, holds 85
million cubic meters of water behind a 107-meter-high dam wall, while
Wasserfallboden adds scenic beauty with its emerald waters. Access
involves a thrilling bus ride up hairpin turns and through tunnels,
followed by a short walk. Guided tours (included in the €25 ticket)
explore the dam's interior, explaining its role in generating renewable
energy for over 160,000 households. The site gained tragic notoriety
from a 2000 funicular fire but has since been rebuilt safely. Visitors
describe the turquoise lakes against snow-capped peaks as
"otherworldly," with hiking trails around the reservoirs offering
wildlife spotting (ibex, eagles). Tips: Visit in summer for boat rides
on Mooserboden; combine with the Kitzsteinhorn for a full day. Rated
highly for its blend of nature and technology.
Kaprun Castle
(Burg Kaprun)
Perched on a hill overlooking the village, this
12th-century fortress was originally built by the Counts of Falkenstein
as a defensive stronghold. Renovated in recent years, it now hosts
cultural events like medieval festivals, concerts, and traditional
Austrian evenings. Inside, explore restored rooms with exhibits on local
history, including knightly artifacts and panoramic views from the
tower. The chapel, with its neo-Romanesque elements, is a highlight.
Visitor experiences emphasize the atmospheric setting and
family-friendly tours (guided options available). It's a short walk from
the town center; check for event schedules. A great spot for history
buffs amid the alpine scenery.
Museums: Vötter's Oldtimer Museum
and Kaprun Museum
Vötter's Fahrzeugmuseum, housed in a former barn at
Schloßstraße 32, boasts over 200 vintage vehicles from the 1950s-1970s,
including cars, motorcycles, tractors, and a 1893 steam locomotive.
Founded by a local collector, it's a nod to automotive history with
interactive displays. Visitors love the nostalgic vibe and photo ops;
open year-round, entry €10.
The Kaprun Museum, in the 400-year-old
Steinerbauernhaus at Kirchplatz 4, chronicles 4,000 years of regional
history, from early alpine farming to tourism's rise. Exhibits include
artifacts on mining, agriculture, and the hydroelectric era. It's
compact but informative, ideal for a rainy day. Both museums offer
insights into Kaprun's evolution from a farming village to a resort
town.
Tauern Spa and Other Wellness Spots
The Tauern Spa
Kaprun is a modern 20,000-square-meter wellness complex with thermal
pools, saunas, and treatments inspired by alpine herbs. Opened in 2010,
it draws on the region's mineral-rich waters for relaxation amid
mountain views. Visitors praise the infinity pools and spa gardens; day
passes start at €35. Combine with nearby hikes for a balanced visit.
St. Margareta Church
This neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic church
from 1898 sits on a hill at Kirchplatz 7, offering valley views. Its
interior features ornate altars and stained glass; a peaceful spot for
reflection after exploring the town.
By Plane
Flying is the most convenient option for international
visitors, with several nearby airports offering transfers to Kaprun.
Salzburg Airport (SZG) is the closest and most popular, followed by
Munich (MUC) and Innsbruck (INN). Direct flights are available from
major European cities like London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, and Vienna.
Upon arrival, you can use shuttles, buses, taxis, or rental cars for the
final leg.
From Salzburg Airport (SZG): Approximately 80-100 km
away, with a travel time of 1-1.5 hours.
Bus: Take bus line 260
directly to Zell am See-Kaprun (operated by Salzburg Verkehr). Frequency
is hourly; journey takes about 1.5 hours. Cost: Around €10-15 one-way.
From Zell am See, connect to a local bus (e.g., line 660) to Kaprun
(10-15 minutes, included in Guest Mobility Ticket).
Shuttle/Taxi:
Private shuttles (e.g., via Alps2Alps or airport transfers) cost €50-100
for 2-4 people, taking 1 hour. Taxis are €100-150.
Car Rental:
Available at the airport; drive south via the A10 motorway (vignette
required, €10 for 10 days).
Tip: Book shuttles in advance for winter;
use promo codes like SKIAUSTRIA for 5% off with Alps2Alps.
From
Munich Airport (MUC): About 200-216 km, 2-2.5 hours.
Train: Bus to
Munich Ostbahnhof, then train to Wörgl Hbf and on to Zell am See (total
~4-5 hours, €40-60 via ÖBB or DB).
Bus/Shuttle: Direct shuttles or
buses via FlixBus to Salzburg, then transfer (3-4 hours, €20-40).
Car: Drive via A9/A8 to the Austrian border, then A10 south (vignette
needed). Alternate winter route via Lofer to avoid passes.
Tip: Allow
extra time for border checks; trains are reliable but involve changes.
From Innsbruck Airport (INN): 154 km, 1.5-2 hours.
Train/Bus:
Train to Wörgl, then to Zell am See (2-3 hours, €20-30).
Car: Via A12
to Wörgl, then through Kitzbühel and Pass Thurn.
Tip: Smaller airport
with fewer flights; good for western European connections.
Other
Airports: Klagenfurt (226 km, 2-2.5 hours) or Vienna (400 km, 4 hours)
for domestic options, but less convenient.
By Train
Austria's
efficient ÖBB rail network makes trains a scenic, eco-friendly choice.
Kaprun doesn't have its own major station, so aim for Zell am See (7 km
north), then take a short bus or taxi.
From Salzburg: Hourly
trains to Zell am See (1.5 hours, €15-25). From there, bus 660 to Kaprun
(15 minutes, €3 or free with Guest Mobility Ticket).
From Vienna:
Direct or with one change in Salzburg (4-5 hours, €40-60).
From
Munich: Via Salzburg or direct connections (3-4 hours, €30-50).
From
Innsbruck: Hourly to Zell am See (2 hours, €20-30).
ÖBB Transfer
Shuttle: Free or low-cost shuttle from Zell am See station to your
accommodation (book via ÖBB app or hotel).
Tip: Use Omio.com to book
international tickets in one go. In winter 2025, expect potential delays
due to snow; carry chains if combining with a rental car. Fürth-Kaprun
station (2 km away) serves local Mittersill line trains.
By Bus
Buses are affordable for regional travel, especially with the Guest
Mobility Ticket.
From Salzburg: Bus 260 from the airport or city
center to Zell am See-Kaprun (1.5-2 hours, €10-15).
From Other
Cities: FlixBus or Postbus from Munich, Vienna, or Innsbruck to Zell am
See (3-5 hours, €15-40), then local bus to Kaprun.
Local Buses:
Frequent services like line 660 connect Zell am See to Kaprun
year-round.
Tip: Buses are reliable but can be crowded in peak ski
season; check schedules on salzburg-verkehr.at.
By Car
Driving
offers flexibility, especially for exploring the region, but requires
preparation for alpine roads.
Routes and Times:
From Salzburg:
80-100 km via A10 south to Bischofshofen exit, then via St. Johann and
Bruck (1-1.5 hours). Alternate: Via Bad Reichenhall and Lofer (scenic
but longer in winter).
From Munich: 200 km via A8/A93 to Kufstein
border, then A12/A10 (2-2.5 hours). Winter route: Via Wörgl and Pass
Thurn.
From Innsbruck: 150 km via A12 to Wörgl, then B178 through
Kitzbühel (1.5-2 hours).
From Vienna: 400 km via A1/A10 (4 hours).
Requirements: Austrian motorway vignette (€11.50 for 10 days, buy at
borders or online). Winter tires and snow chains mandatory
November-April.
Costs: Fuel ~€50-100 round-trip from Salzburg; tolls
included in vignette.
Parking: Ample in Kaprun, often free at hotels;
use public transport once there to avoid congestion.
Tip: Check
asfinag.at for road conditions. Rent cars from airports (e.g., Sixt,
Hertz); electric vehicles are increasingly available with charging
stations in the area.
Additional Tips for 2025 Travel
Best
Overall: Fly to Salzburg and take a shuttle for ease; train from nearby
cities for sustainability.
Costs: Budget €50-150 for transfers
depending on group size and mode.
Accessibility: Kaprun is
family-friendly with good public transport; wheelchair-accessible
options available on trains and some shuttles.
Sustainability: Opt
for trains or the Guest Mobility Ticket to minimize your carbon
footprint.
Kaprun, a municipality in the Zell am See District of Salzburg,
Austria, has a multifaceted history rooted in ancient alpine
settlements, medieval fortifications, economic exploitation through
natural resources, and modern transformations driven by
hydroelectric power and tourism. Situated in the Pinzgau region at
an elevation of about 786 meters, its name derives from Celtic
origins meaning "whitewater," reflecting the area's turbulent rivers
and gorges. From prehistoric mining to post-war reconstruction and a
tragic disaster, Kaprun's evolution mirrors broader Austrian
historical trends, including feudalism, Nazi occupation, and the
post-WWII "economic miracle."
Prehistoric and Ancient
Settlements (10,000 BC–7th Century AD)
Human activity in the
Kaprun area dates back to the end of the last Ice Age around 10,000
BC, when hunter-gatherers transitioned to agriculture in the Pinzgau
region. By approximately 4,000 years ago (around 2000 BC), early
settlers were drawn to the Bürgkogel hillside and Sigmund-Thun Gorge
for rich copper deposits, establishing a protected hilltop site for
smelting. This Bronze Age settlement was abandoned by 1500 BC, with
inhabitants relocating to valleys. During the Urnfield and Iron Age
periods, a fortified site reemerged, featuring trade links south of
the Alps, evidenced by Venetian ceramics from 700 BC and
Celtic-Roman coins from 96-80 BC. The Celtic Ambisontes tribe
dominated the Late Iron Age, but the area was abandoned by 15 BC
under Roman rule, shifting to a valley settlement near Fischhorn
Castle, which was deserted around 300 AD. A hilltop refuge
reappeared until the 7th century, when Bavarians seized control.
Archaeological finds, including iron ingots and ramparts from late
antiquity, underscore Kaprun's role in early alpine trade and
resource extraction.
Medieval Period (10th–16th Centuries)
Kaprun's medieval history centers on fortifications and
administrative control. The first documented mention occurs in 931
as "Chataprunnin" in a deed, part of the Duchy of Bavaria held by
the Counts of Falkenstein. A medieval fortification on Bürgkogel, a
600-meter ring wall with gates and wooden structures, was built in
the 10th century by the Falkensteins but abandoned by the early 12th
century, becoming pastureland. Around 1100, a new castle was
constructed on a rocky spur 30 meters above the Salzach Valley to
protect estates and paths to Mittersill and Kapruner Ache.
Documented as Chaprunne Castle in 1166, it served as a burgrave's
seat. Ownership fragmented in the 13th century among heirs like the
Lords of Felben and Walchen, leading to disputes resolved by
Salzburg archbishops, who acquired it in 1480 for 11,000 ducats,
making it the seat of the Pfleggericht Kaprun-Zell. Magistrates from
local gentry handled jurisdiction, taxes, and defense.
The
castle was devastated in 1526 during the German Peasants' War, with
reconstruction lasting until 1574. In 1606, Archbishop Wolf Dietrich
Raitenau executed the local burgrave for siding with insurgents,
shifting functions to Zell am See and diminishing the castle's role.
It served as an arsenal during events like the 1645 Zillertal revolt
and 1732 Protestant expulsion. Frequent Salzach floods caused health
crises like typhoid until 16th-century river straightening. The
Sigmund-Thun Gorge was used for timber rafting, with rock-hewn signs
from wood handlers.
Early Modern to 19th Century (17th–19th
Centuries)
Ownership continued under Salzburg archbishops, with
Pinzgau as an independent territory after 1228. The castle
fragmented, auctioned in 1812 under Bavarian rule to private owners
who neglected maintenance, leading to deterioration. In the late
19th century, tourism emerged with the 1893 opening of the
Sigmund-Thun Gorge to visitors by pioneer Nikolaus Gassner, who
built wooden paths. The gorge was declared a natural monument in
1934 but closed in 1938 for power plant construction. Influenced by
Romanticism, alpinists like Rudolf Ehrenfried Riemann promoted
hiking trails, though the area was initially seen as inhospitable.
The 1875 Giselabahn railway boosted access, sparking a hotel boom in
nearby Zell am See, with Kaprun benefiting from guided trips to
alpine pastures.
20th Century: Pre-WWII Plans and Nazi Era
(1920s–1945)
In the late 1920s, the German AEG and Salzburg
government planned a Hohe Tauern hydroelectric plant in Kaprun
Valley, halted by the Great Depression. After the 1938 Anschluss,
construction resumed under Nazi command, prioritizing war efforts.
From 1938–1945, thousands of forced laborers—prisoners of war from
Belgium, Jews, Soviets, and others from 20 nations—worked in
inhumane conditions, with high death rates from accidents,
malnutrition, and abuse. Camps like Grubbach housed workers in
overcrowded shanties at 1,600 meters. At least 42 fatal accidents
occurred, though estimates are higher; many were buried in unmarked
graves. NSDAP members led the project, designating it a "model NS
construction site." Work paused in 1942/43 due to war demands.
Post-WWII Reconstruction (1945–1955)
After Allied arrival in
1945, NS managers were briefly arrested, and the site was
nationalized in 1947 under the Tauernkraftwerke (TKW). Marshall Plan
aid funded resumption in 1947, with improved wages and conditions
attracting diverse workers, including ex-Nazis and displaced
persons. Completed on September 23, 1955, coinciding with the
Austrian State Treaty, Kaprun symbolized national recovery,
producing energy for 160,000 households. Media portrayed workers as
"heroes," ignoring Nazi atrocities.
Tourism and
Infrastructure Boom (1960s–1990s)
Tourism grew post-war, with the
1963 founding of Gletscherbahnen Kaprun AG to develop the
Kitzsteinhorn glacier. The 1965 cable car opening enabled year-round
skiing. In 1968, Kaprun partnered with Zell am See for the "Europe
sports region," emphasizing "lake and snow." Milestones included the
1974 funicular, 1981 tallest pylon, and 1990 snow parks. The
Sigmund-Thun Gorge reopened in 1992. Castle restoration began in
1975, completed by the 1980s for cultural events.
The Kaprun
Disaster (2000)
On November 11, 2000, a fire in the Gletscherbahn
2 funicular killed 155 people, caused by a faulty fan heater
igniting hydraulic fluid. Toxic fumes trapped passengers; only 12
survived by descending. Victims included skiers from multiple
nations; the funicular closed permanently, replaced by a gondola in
2001. A 2004 memorial with 155 glass columns honors them. Trials
acquitted defendants; a settlement paid 13.9 million Euros.
Contemporary Developments (2000s–Present)
Post-disaster, Kaprun
focused on safety and expansion, with ISO certifications in 2010 and
the 2011 "Top of Salzburg" platform. The 2019 3K K-onnection
tricable gondola linked the valley to the glacier. Tourism thrives
with 2.8 million annual overnights, emphasizing sustainability in
the Hohe Tauern National Park. The castle hosts festivals, and the
2010 Tauern Spa adds wellness appeal. Kaprun remains a symbol of
resilience, blending heritage with modern alpine recreation.
Kaprun is a municipality in the Zell am See District of Salzburg, Austria, situated in the Pinzgau region on the northern slopes of the Alpine Glockner Group within the Central Eastern Alps. It lies at coordinates approximately 47°16′21″N 12°45′34″E, with the village center at an elevation of 786 meters (2,579 feet) above sea level. The municipality covers an area of about 100.4 square kilometers (38.8 square miles), blending valley settlements with high alpine terrain. Kaprun is part of the Zell am See-Kaprun tourist region, located about 7 kilometers south of Zell am See and on the edge of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria's largest national park, which encompasses diverse alpine ecosystems. This positioning makes it a year-round hub for outdoor activities, with its geography transitioning from gentle valley floors to rugged glacial heights.
Kaprun's topography is characterized by a dramatic alpine valley setting, with elevations ranging from about 750 meters in the lower valley to over 3,200 meters at the summits. The village lies in a narrow, elongated valley carved by glacial activity, featuring flat to gently sloping valley floors used for settlement and agriculture, transitioning into steep, forested slopes and rocky cirques higher up. The Kaprun Valley extends southward from the Salzach Valley, forming a classic U-shaped glacial trough with side valleys and hanging glaciers. Key features include the Schmiedingerkees cirque on the Kitzsteinhorn, a geomorphological highlight with moraines, rock glaciers, and permafrost zones. The terrain supports extensive ski areas, with pistes covering varied slopes from groomed runs to off-piste glacier fields. Human modifications, such as the Mooserboden dam complex, have altered the upper valley, creating artificial lakes amid natural alpine relief.
Hydrography in Kaprun is dominated by the Kapruner Ache (also known as Kaprun Creek), a glacial-fed stream that originates from the Kitzsteinhorn and flows northward through the valley, joining the Salzach River south of the village. This river system supports the Mooserboden hydroelectric plant, which impounds two major reservoirs: the Mooserboden (upper) and Wasserfallboden (lower), held by Austria's largest dam walls at elevations around 2,000-2,040 meters. These turquoise reservoirs, with capacities exceeding 100 million cubic meters, are fed by meltwater from surrounding glaciers and high alpine streams, contributing to regional power generation. Smaller tributaries and groundwater sources enhance the area's water richness, though seasonal fluctuations occur due to snowmelt and precipitation. The Salzach River, a major Danube tributary, borders the northern extent, influencing floodplain dynamics.
Kaprun is framed by the Hohe Tauern range, part of the Central Eastern Alps, with the Glockner Group to the south. The iconic Kitzsteinhorn (3,203 meters) dominates the landscape, hosting a year-round glacier ski area and the Top of Salzburg platform at 3,029 meters. Nearby, the Großes Wiesbachhorn rises to 3,564 meters, marking the Salzburg-Carinthia border. These peaks feature rugged ridges, cirques, and hanging valleys, with the Schmiedingerkees and other glaciers covering upper elevations. The ranges create a natural barrier, channeling winds and fostering microclimates, while providing trails for hiking and mountaineering within the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Geologically, Kaprun lies in a karst-dominated region of the Eastern Alps, shaped by the Alpine orogeny with folded metamorphic rocks, including calcareous schists and limestones from the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras. The Kitzsteinhorn area features Bündner schists interlayered with marbles, supporting cave systems and karst features like sinkholes and underground rivers. Glacial erosion has sculpted the valleys, leaving moraines and rock basins now occupied by reservoirs. Permafrost and rock glaciers are prevalent in higher zones, influencing stability for infrastructure like dams and ski lifts. The area's hydropower developments exploit these geological structures, with dams built on stable bedrock.
Kaprun experiences a cold alpine climate (Köppen Dfc), with long, snowy winters and short, mild summers influenced by elevation and proximity to glaciers. Data from the Mooserboden station (2,036 m) for 1981–2010 shows average annual temperatures around 2–3°C, with extremes from -28.7°C in winter to 24.4°C in summer. Precipitation is high at 1,510–1,755 mm annually, peaking in summer with convective storms. Snowfall averages 600–700 cm yearly, enabling year-round glacier activities. Föhn winds occasionally warm the valley, while inversions trap cold air in winter.
Vegetation varies by altitude: coniferous forests (spruce, fir) dominate mid-slopes up to 1,800 meters, transitioning to alpine meadows with grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs above the treeline. High alpine zones feature hardy species adapted to permafrost and short growing seasons, including edelweiss and gentians. The Hohe Tauern National Park protects biodiversity, hosting fauna like chamois, ibex, and golden eagles amid glaciers and wetlands. Environmental challenges include glacier retreat due to climate change, hydropower impacts on rivers, and tourism pressure, mitigated by conservation efforts and sustainable practices.