Kaprun Sightseeing Walk, Zell am See

Kaprun Sightseeing Walk (Self Guided), Zell am See

Kaprun is a small alpine village in the district of Zell-am-See. Located at the foot of the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, it brings thousands of tourists to enjoy skiing, hiking and the famous Mooserboden reservoir. Yet there are also well-known landmarks located within a short distance of the center of Kaprun, like Kparun Castle, St. Margaret Church and Sigmund Thun Gorge. A must is to visit Vötters Car Museum. Take this tour to enjoy the scenic panoramas of the Alps and the landmarks of Kaprun!
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Kaprun Sightseeing Walk Map

Guide Name: Kaprun Sightseeing Walk
Guide Location: Austria » Zell am See (See other walking tours in Zell am See)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Author: ChristineT
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Burg Kaprun
  • Jakobskapelle
  • Vötters Fahrzeugmuseum
  • St. Margaretha Pfarrkirche
  • Kaprun Museum
  • Intersport Bründl Centrum
  • Sigmund-Thun-Klamm
1
Burg Kaprun

1) Burg Kaprun (must see)

Kaprun Castle is rightfully the main landmark in the little town of Kaprun. Built on a cliff's edge, this medieval castle dates back to 12th century, using Roman principles of masonry. Finished in 1228, the castle was probably raised by either Falkensteins or Peilsteins, both noble Bavarian clans. In 1526, it was burned during village riots, but in 1600 it was rebuilt as we see it today. Over the centuries, it changed owners many times, but after WWII, the castle fell into decline, suffering neglect and deterioration. Finally in 1984, the castle was purchased by the Castle Club, transforming it into a famous cultural venue. Today, the Burg Kaprun is not only a location for weddings and conventions, but also hosts rock and folk concerts. Burg Kaprun is also famous for organizing medieval festivals, where visitors can observe and participate in medieval daily life, visit craft markets, enjoy jugglers and magicians entertaining crowds, or see knights fighting in sparring tournaments.
2
Jakobskapelle

2) Jakobskapelle

The chapel of St. Jacob, located right near the Kaprun Castle, dates back to 1562. It was raised by the Diether Schedling family, who owned the castle at that time, and used to have a simple layout, Gothic in style. Today's Baroque appearance (with a pyramid-shaped roof, square windows and the interior design) was acquired during a reconstruction between 1734-1736. Unfortunately, the chapel greatly suffered during wartime, 1940-1943, being invaded and ravaged by Nazis 12 times. A complete restoration took place only between 1989-1994. The altarpiece was apparently already present before the 18th century restoration, as the year "1710" can be spotted on its side. The original paintings unfortunately have been lost, the present frescoes and motifs being restored from the parish church's collections.
3
Vötters Fahrzeugmuseum

3) Vötters Fahrzeugmuseum (must see)

The Kaprun car museum is located within the hotel Sport-Kristall. This 1000 m² museum covers a collection of more than 150 mini-car models issued from the post WWI era to the 1970's by the German and Austrian automotive industry. Founded by Helmut Vötter, the museum collection began in the 1980s with a BMW Isetta model. Vötter devotedly collected and restored the cars he managed to find during the years, keeping them authentic and functional. This very BMW Isetta, located right in the lobby, used to be the number one of small cars of the 1950s. You can also can spot here intriguing models of Porsche 356, Jaguar E-Type or a Mercedes 190 SL. A part of this museum is dedicated entirely to Volkswagen cars. Another part is dedicated to the most interesting and funny car in the industry – the Messerschmitt bubble car, designed by Fritz Fend. The museum itself was opened in early 1996, and ever since it has been a must-see in Kaprun.
4
St. Margaretha Pfarrkirche

4) St. Margaretha Pfarrkirche

Located high up on a rocky hill, the St. Margaret Parish Church is visible from any point in town. Although its origins are unclear, the church emerged in the late Middle Ages, with the first written mention in 1409, already called St. Margaret. It must have always been a simple church, but in 1722 it was remodeled by adding a brick tower to its west. In 1885, the church received a Romanesque Franz Mauracher organ. In 1898, Joseph Mang completely redesigned the church, favoring the Neo-Romanesque-Gothic hybrid style. In the same year, the church was enlarged by moving walls and adding a three-bayed nave with a strongly narrowed sanctuary. The bell tower was made higher, coupled with arched windows and a triangular, pointed, helmet-like roof. By 1910, new stained glass-windows were added to the décor. The interior renovation in 1961 tried to reduce the overloaded design by removing the side altars, marble floor and decorative paintings. In 2009 some of them were brought back.
5
Kaprun Museum

5) Kaprun Museum

Kaprun Museum in located in a 400-year-old stone farmhouse, near the St. Margaret church. The house itself is quite attractive. The museum is dedicated to local history and tourism. It occupies two floors, with the first room devoted to local archeology. A great part of the museum shares Kaprun's history and development in the 19th and 20th century as a tourist attraction. A photographic row will tell you the story of Kaprun from its tourism pioneers, the first ski resorts and the construction of the Glockner-Kaprun Power Plant and the Mooserboden reservoir, which completely changed the image of the region and made Kaprun the Austrian symbol of reconstruction after World War II.
6
Intersport Bründl Centrum

6) Intersport Bründl Centrum

Intersport Bründl Centrum is a perfect place for those who are in need of good skiing or hiking equipment. It's located in a modern, triangular-shaped structure of glass and steel, whose minimalist aesthetics highly contrast with the surroundings. Gathering the most trusted European brands, the center brings you winter and summer gear: clothes, helmets, snowboards, footwear and other various sporst accessories. The center also has nice, stylish bar and a 3D cinema.
7
Sigmund-Thun-Klamm

7) Sigmund-Thun-Klamm (must see)

Sigmund Thun Gorge is one the famous hiking destinations in Kaprun. The narrow gorge formed 14,000 years ago, after the glacier that covered Kaprun melted, making room for the Ache of Kaprun river to run between the rocks. In 1890, Nikolaus Gassner, a Kaprun pioneer, established a path through the gorge to the Mooserboden reservoir, and three years later here was raised a 340-meter wooden catwalk, designed by Nicholas Gasson, making it easier and safer to walk through. It was named after the governor of Salzburg, Sigmund Graf von Thun. In 1934, the gorge was declared a natural monument. It was closed after WWII, and fully reopened for tourism only in 1992. Sigmund Thun Gorge is highly popular with family groups, being very safe for children, yet never losing the edgy grandeur of nature. The gorge is part of a popular hiking trail that goes through the gorge, leading it to the Klammsee lake, continuing to the Kaprun Cable station and further on to the Mooserboden reservoir.

Walking Tours in Zell am See, Austria

Create Your Own Walk in Zell am See

Create Your Own Walk in Zell am See

Creating your own self-guided walk in Zell am See is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Zell am See Introduction Walking Tour

Zell am See Introduction Walking Tour

Zell am See, which translated from German means "Zell by the lake," is one of the most picturesque towns in Austria. Located at the shore of Zeller Lake, the town is a famous ski destination in wintertime, and equally visited in summertime for hiking and fabulous sights. Zell am See is one of the oldest settlements in Bavaria, founded around 740 A.D. and preserving some medieval-era...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles