The Kapruner Ache has carved the Sigmund Thun Gorge more than 320 metres through rock and stone. Well-maintained wooden walkways lead through the gorge, so even small children can walk through it. As access conditions may change seasonally, check them before your visit.
Nature Between the Gorge and the High Mountains
Kaprun’s alpine character includes the high-mountain reservoirs Wasserfallboden and Mooserboden. Both lie at an elevation of 2,036 metres, surrounded by alpine scenery. Parts of Kaprun lie directly within Hohe Tauern National Park.
You can reach the Mooserboden reservoir by shuttle bus and the Lärchwand inclined lift. It is Europe’s largest open inclined lift and covers an elevation difference of 431 metres. As access options may change seasonally, check the current arrangements before your trip. The 431 metres refers to the elevation difference covered by the inclined lift; 2,036 metres is the elevation of both reservoirs.
The Stromtrail links six stations about nature, technology and hydropower with a water playground. Another activity that takes less time is the herb nature trail: it starts at the Mooserboden mountain restaurant, heads towards FĂĽrthermoar Alm and takes just under 45 minutes.
Cycling Routes and Downhill Runs
There are three mountain bike trails on the Kitzsteinhorn, with a total of 12 kilometres of downhill runs and 1,500 metres of elevation change. The 3K K-onnection Tour is a separate route: more than 12 kilometres long, it runs through high-alpine terrain between Maiskogel and Kitzsteinhorn, can be ridden in both directions and connects Kaprun’s two local mountains. For the trails, the kilometre figure refers to the combined length of the downhill runs; for the tour, it refers to the length of a single route. Operating conditions for the tour may vary, so it is worth checking before setting off.
For a different kind of descent, try the Maisi Flitzer Alpine Coaster. It winds downhill at speeds of up to 40 km/h over waves, jumps and spirals. As the coaster operates seasonally, check operating dates before your trip.
Castle and Museum: Two Ways to Explore History
Kaprun Castle was built in the 12th century by the Falkensteiners, a noble family from Upper Bavaria. The Kaprun Museum, by contrast, is dedicated to local prehistory. It is housed in a lovingly renovated Steiner farmhouse that is more than 300 years old. The permanent exhibition has been on display since 2009 across 140 m² and features archaeological finds associated with early settlers searching for copper ore.
A traditional bread speciality is also part of the museum’s offering: the Katschner bakery makes traditional breads in the historic freestanding oven at the Kaprun Museum. Its seasonal involvement may vary; check in advance whether it falls within your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Rauris, Vorderglemm, Niederland, Piesendorf, Embach, Maishofen, Grubing, Fusch An Der Grossglocknerstrasse
See the main travel guide: Zell Am See.
