Geography Of Kaprun
Kaprun is in the eastern Alps’ Pinzgau area of Salzburg. Covering an area of 100.41 square kilometers, it rests 786 meters above sea level. As of 2020, its population was roughly 3,200.
Situated at the junction of the Salzach river and the Kapruner Ache in the upper Salzach valley, Kaprun is To the south the Hohe Tauern mountain range; to the north the Kitzbühel Alps; to the east the Zeller See lake. It is roughly eighty kilometers south of Salzburg, the state capital, and eight kilometers south of Zell am See, the district capital.
Several bordering municipalities and areas surround Kaprun, including:
- Bruck an der Großglocknerstraße to the northeast
- Fusch an der Großglocknerstraße to the north
- Piesendorf to the east
- Niedernsill to the southeast
- Uttendorf to the south
- Mittersill to the southwest
- Hollersbach im Pinzgau to the west
- Stuhlfelden to the northwest
Many ways of transportation allow Kaprun to be reached, including:
- Road: The B311 federal road, which follows the Salzach valley, links Kaprun to both national and international road networks; the B168 federal road leads to the Großglockner High Alpine Road. Kaprun also has various local roads connecting it to the neighboring ski resorts and towns.
- Rail: Although Kaprun lacks a railway station, the Zell am See railway station, roughly ten kilometers away, services it. Comprising the Salzburg-Tyrol train, which links Salzburg to Innsbruck and Kufstein, the Zell am See train station is One can then ride a bus or a taxi to Kaprun.
- Air: About ninety kilometers separate Kaprun from the Salzburg Airport, the closest airport. Domestically and internationally, the Salzburg Airport flies to many European and beyond locations. From there, one can ride a shuttle service, a bus, or a train to Kaprun.
Terrain and Topography
From level and rich plains to steep and rocky mountains, Kaprun boasts a varied and tough landscape. Near the Salzach river, Kaprun has a lowest point at 757 meters above sea level and a highest point at 3,203 meters above sea level, at the top of the Kitzsteinhorn. Kaprun sits 1,495 meters above sea level on average.
The glacial and tectonic action sculpting the Alps shapes the landscape of Kaprun. Located in the Tauern Window, a geological formation revealing the old crystalline rocks of the Hohe Tauern, Kaprun is generally covered by more recent sedimentary rocks. Along with faults, folds, and thrusts that tell of the dramatic history of the area, Kaprun also has various moraines, cirques, and glacial valleys.
Mountain Ranges
Two main mountain ranges: the Kitzbühel Alps and the Hohe Tauern include Kaprun. Rising across Austria, Italy, and Switzerland, the Hohe Tauern are the highest and most broad mountain range in the Alps. Among the most well-known Alpine mountains, they comprise the Ortler, the Großglockner, and the Großvenediger. Rising in the northern portion of the Eastern Alps, the lower and more rounded mountain range known as the Kitzbühel Alps Mostly formed of sedimentary rocks like limestone and dolomite, they are well-known for their green slopes and alpine meadows.
Among the main mountain top sites in Kaprun are:
- Kitzsteinhorn: Rising 1,675 meters above sea level, the Maiskogel is a smaller, more subdued summit. Part of the Kitzbühel Alps, it is in the eastern side of Kaprun. Offering simple and moderate slopes as well as hiking and bike paths, a toboggan run, and a playground, the family-friendly Maiskogel is One can reach the Maiskogel from the Kitzsteinhorn by a gondola lift as well.
- Maiskogel: The Maiskogel is a lower and more gentle peak, with an elevation of 1,675 meters above sea level. It is located in the eastern part of Kaprun, and is part of the Kitzbühel Alps. The Maiskogel is a family-friendly ski area, offering easy and moderate slopes, as well as hiking and biking trails, a toboggan run, and a playground. The Maiskogel can be reached by a gondola lift, which also connects to the Kitzsteinhorn.
- Schmittenhöhe: Rising 1,965 meters above sea level, the Schmittenhöhe is a rather well-known mountain. Part of the Kitzbühel Alps, it is situated in the adjacent municipality of Zell am See. Renowned ski resort the Schmittenhöhe provides cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and varied and difficult slopes. Additionally breathtaking views of the Zeller See lake and the Hohe Tauern Alps abound from the Schmittenhöhe. Several cable cars allow one to reach the Schmittenhöhe Art Trail, a collection of installations and sculptures created by different artists.
Valleys and Basins
The glacial and fluvial erosion of the mountains produces various valleys and basins found in Kaprun. Among the basins and valleys in Kaprun are:
- Kapruner Tal: Running from the north to the south along the Kapruner Ache river, Kapruner Tal is the principal valley in Kaprun. Appropriate for tourists and agriculture, this wide and level valley boasts lush, fertile ground. Apart from several minor hamlets and farms, the administrative and cultural hub of the municipality, the Kapruner Tal is home to the Kapruner settlement. Among the historical and cultural sites of the Kapruner Tal are also the St. Margaretha Church, the Kaprun Castle, and the Kaprun Museum.
- Gletscherbach Tal: Comprising a side valley near Kaprun, the Gletscherbach Tal branches off from the Kapruner Tal to the east along the Gletscherbach river. Mostly dominated by the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and its icefalls, this small and steep valley boasts a stony and bleak terrain. Along with visiting the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, a series of synthetic reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations, the Gletscherbach Tal is a popular site for glacier hiking, ice climbing, and ski touring.
- Fuscher Tal: Originally branching off from the Kapruner Tal to the west along the Fuscher Ache river, the Fuscher Tal is a side valley in Kaprun. From alpine meadows and woods to rocky cliffs and glaciers, this lengthy and meandering valley boasts a variety and breathtaking scenery. Along with visiting the Großglockner High Alpine Road, a picturesque road leading to the Großglockner, the highest mountain in Austria, the Fuscher Tal is a popular site for hiking, riding, and wildlife viewing.
- Stubachtal: Along the Stubach river, the side valley known as Stubachtal splits off from the Kapruner Tal southward. Characterised by the Hohe Tauern National Park, the biggest national park in the Alps, this valley is both deep and narrow with a wild and unspoiled scenery. Along with visiting the Rudolfshütte, a mountain hut and ski resort at the base of the Hohe Dock, the Stubachtal is a popular spot for hiking, mountaineering, and environmental research.
Bodies of Water
Lakes
Both natural and manmade lakes abound in Kaprun, mostly fed by mountain melting snow and ice. Among the Kaprun lakes are:
- Zeller See: Comprising 4.7 square kilometers and a depth of 68 meters, the Zeller See is the biggest and most well-known lake in Kaprun. Part of the Kitzbühel Alps, it is in the eastern side of Kaprun. Along with appreciating the picturesque views of the Schmittenhöhe and the Hohe Tauern, the Zeller See is a common site for swimming, boating, fishing, and ice skating. Among the various events and celebrations the Zeller See hosts are the Zell am See-Kaprun Ironman, the Zeller Seezauber, and the Zeller Seefest.
- Mooserboden Reservoir: Rising 2,040 meters above sea level, the 2.1 square kilometer artificial lake known as Mooserboden Reservoir is the biggest and highest one in Kaprun. Part of the Hohe Tauern, it is situated at the southern side of Kaprun. Built on the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, a series of manmade lakes and hydroelectric power stations, the Mooserboden Reservoir is a product of Along with visiting the Mooserboden Visitor Center, a museum and exhibition on the history and technology of the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, the Mooserboden Reservoir is a popular site for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
- Klammsee: Comprising 0.04 square kilometers and a depth of 4 meters, the little and calm lake in Kaprun is known as Klammsee. Part of the Kitzbühel Alps, it is in the eastern side of Kaprun. The building of the complex of artificial lakes and hydroelectric power plants known as the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen produced the Klammsee. Apart from visiting the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm, a natural gorge with wooden walks and waterfalls, the Klammsee is a popular spot for fishing, leisure, and picnicking.
Rivers and Streams
Kaprun features various rivers and streams, mostly created by mountain runoff of the melting snow and ice. Among the Kaprun rivers and streams are:
- Salzach: Running from the south to the north along the Kapruner Tal, Salzach is the principal river in Kaprun. With a length of 225 kilometers, the second longest river in Austria and the longest and most significant tributary of the Inn river. Apart from a habitat for several fish and bird species, the Salzach is an essential source of water, energy, and transportation for the area. The Salzach’s beauty and usefulness are enhanced by various bridges, dams, and locks it boasts as well.
- Kapruner Ache: Main stream in Kaprun, running from the south to the north along the Kapruner Tal, is Kapruner Ache. Long 17 kilometers, it is a tributary of the Salzach river. The confluence of several minor streams—the Gletscherbach, the Fuscher Ache, and the Stubach—results in the Kapruner Ache. Along with appreciating the picturesque views of the Kapruner Tal and the Kitzsteinhorn, the Kapruner Ache is a popular site for rafting, kayaking, and fishing.
- Gletscherbach: Running from the east to the west along the Gletscherbach Tal, the Gletscherbach is a stream in Kaprun. Nine kilometers long and a tributary of the Kapruner Ache, it Melting of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier produces the Gletscherbach, which varies in flow rate depending on the season and the temperature. Along with visiting the Kaprun Hochgebirgsstauseen, a series of manmade reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations, the Gletscherbach is a popular site for glacier hiking, ice climbing, and ski touring.
Scenic Views
The mix of the natural and cultural aspects of the Alps produces various breathtaking views that Kaprun presents. Among the picturesque vistas in Kaprun are:
- Kitzsteinhorn Panorama Platform: Elevated at 3,029 meters above sea level, the Kitzsteinhorn Panorama Platform provides a 360-degree perspective of the Kitzsteinhorn and its surrounds. Part of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier World, a tourist center and exhibition on the glacier and its surroundings, it is at the top station of the Kitzsteinhorn cable car. Along with appreciating the Hohe Tauern, Zeller See, and Salzach valley, the Kitzsteinhorn Panorama Platform is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and sightseeing.
- Kaprun Castle: At an elevation of 786 meters above sea level, the historical and cultural site Kaprun Castle provides a perspective over the Kaprun town and environs. Part of the Kapruner Tal, it is situated at the northern side of Kaprun. Originally built in the 12th century, the medieval fortification known as Kaprun Castle was both a dwelling and a protection for the nearby lords and nobility. Along with appreciating the view of the Kapruner Tal and the Kitzsteinhorn, visiting, sightseeing, and learning about the history and architecture of the castle is popular activity at the Kaprun Castle.
- Glocknerblick: From an elevation of 2,600 meters above sea level, the Glasnerblick presents a perspective of the Großglockner and its surrounds. Part of the Fuscher Tal, it is situated in the southernmost area of Kaprun. The building of the Großglockner High Alpine Road, a beautiful road leading to Austria’s highest mountain, the Großglockner, produced the Glocknerblick. Along with appreciating the view of the Großglockner, the Pasterze glacier, and the Hohe Tauern, the Glocknerblick is a popular spot for hiking, biking, and sightseeing.
