Spa-world-Kaprun




foto

SPA-World-Kaprun.

Work has started on 80-90 million Euro Spa-World-Kaprun project. It is anticipated that it will be completed by December 2010, ready for the start of the winter ski season.

The building is set in a prime location between Kaprun and Zell-am See, and set between the 36 hole championship golf course and Kaprun castle.

It will be constructed of reinforced-concrete structure. The slabs used vary in height, so as to fit into the available space and and to give the structure a designed dynamic feel.

Tauern-Spa-World

The construction contract for the Tauern Spa World Kaprun includes a a new 320 bed four star hotel, which will add to the range of accommodation in the area.

The roof of the proposed spa’s enormous is particularly attractive with a overhanging roof. It has spiral shape, rising and becoming narrower to the top. It is supposed to symbolise:- "vitality, power and movement". The pool roof begins low, on the south side, rising to the north side where it will link with the hotel complex.

The spa is reached from the hotel through a passageway which is glazed in. The hotel and spa receives sunlight from all around, and it has excellent views that can be enjoyed from every aspect in particular from the restaurant areas, of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier and adjacent snow covered peaks of the Tauern National Park.

To get further impressions of the the planned finish please click on the link:- spa-world-kaprun
For additional information please see the blog on the spa at:- http://austria-spa-world.blogspot.com/ enjoy?

For further information on the area and of somewhere to stay for 6-9 people to stay in luxurious accomodation please see austria-holiday-apartment.com

Kiztsteinhorn snow park comes out tops in Ski survey



Official:-the Kitzsteinhorn in Austria has the best snow park in Europe?

The influential German motoring organisation 'ADAC SKI edition' with a circulation of 90,000 issues, is an important tourism magazines for the winter ski sports. The editors of the magazine have chosen 55 ski areas from more 700 skiing areas and compared them critically. The result of the survey shows that Kaprun -Zell am See, the Europa Ski area has won an accolade again and left some of the other European competitors behind in the ratings.

The judging panel consisted of tourism professionals, journalists and sportspeople they carried out an audit to see what the holiday destinations have to offer, areas they looked at include :- resort facilities, slopes, skiing and après-ski. Kaprun - Zell am See- came first in the category for Mellow Park Snowpark one of three snow parks on Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun, making it the top skiing snow park area for the year 2009 in Europe!

The Mellow Park snowpark has beaten the resorts from the France, Italy, Switzerland and come out best across Europe and in Austria! quite a accolade!

The ADAC Ski magazine article states:- 'The jury is convinced that Kitzsteinhorn in the province of Salzburg has the best snow park in the Alps.' It goes on to say that the continuous improvements of the parks has created 'perfect conditions for snowboarders and freeskiers'.

This result gives the region of Europa Ski area of Zell am See-Kaprun a top position for the second time in a row in the survey. Last year in 2008 the judges from the Adac Ski travel magazine had chosen Kaprun -Zell am See as the 'Climber of the year'.

See for your self the snowparks on the Kitzsteinhorn.

Zell am See family friendly claim.

The area has also been accoladed by the German publisher Falk voted the Zell am See - Kaprun area the "most family - friendly holiday destination" in Europe! With the mix of mountains, lake, trains, castles, palaces, numerous sport and activity opportunities, we think you will agree with the recommendation. The area is ideally suited for family holidays throughout the year what ever the ages.

In the summer we would also highly recommend the purchase of the Salzburgerland Card, which at just under 120 Euros, gives a family of four, 6 days of access to over 190 attractions, which includes mountain lifts, spas, castles, stately homes, swimming pools etc. making it great value.

To find out more about the area, please read some further articles or have a look art our website at Kaprun luxury apartment holidays.



12 Austrian weather forecasts for Kaprun and Zell am See




Austria, Kaprun, Zell am See, 12 Snow weather ski reports.

The snow reports and weather forecasts are available from a number of different sources. With some sites giving the same information but showing it in another format.

The recommended weather / snow forecast sites in no particular order include:-

  1. Snow forecast a little slow at times to load up but worth the wait. The "Snow forecast" site also goes onto a link to a 6 day weather / snow forecast of the Kitzsteinhorn ski area above Kaprun.
  2. The British Newspaper the Daily Telegraph runs a Ski weather foracast from their website this one is for the adjacent ski resort of Zell am See which is part of the Europa ski site of Kaprun and Zell am See.
  3. The J2Ski website does another version of the weather this time with a 7 day forecast, this site will appeal for those who like their weather data in the form of a graph. It does give also the wind direction, wind speed, amount of new snow and a fair amount of additional information.
  4. The Snow Rental site gives the weather in a very basic format, for those who just want the basic update.
  5. Ski finder from their website have links to Metcheck, which takes you back to very detailed and technical weather forecast, you weather techies will not be disappointed with the "Metcheck" report, it has got bells and whistles, or should that be snowflakes and icicles?
  6. On the Kitzsteinhorn mountain the ski lift company do updates on the weather, also information on the number of lifts open and ticket prices etc. This includes the glacier ski area where it is possible to ski all year round.
  7. The snowtex website gives another version, but from the site are "live cams" so you can judge for yourself the ski conditions
  8. The BBC weather do a snow forcast, including the number of lifts open, the information comes from the Ski club of Great Britain they have more detailed information on the historic weather conditions for the area, however this is only available to members. Over recent years there has been a massive investment in snow making facilities, as long as it is cold enough there will be plenty of snow.
  9. The On the Snow website even tells you whether it will be a full moon or not! With a few cameras and photos thrown in for good measure.
  10. For those who want to come back to the area in the summer there is another link to a summer weather forecast site for Zell am See and Kaprun
  11. For those who like their weather in German try this site from the "Alpenverin" website.
  12. Again for the summer is the "Windfinder" site, which will give you a good idea before you set of sailing or windsurfing on the lake at XZell am See. Or perhaps hang-gliding or wind surfing of the Schmittenhohe.
  13. Found another site to make it a bakers dozen of weather, this one from the Austrian tourist board website.
At a dozen sites, plus 1, that should be enough for anybody who has an interest in the weather in Kaprun / Zell am See in Austria. For those who are looking for their forecasts elsewhere in the Alps, please do click on the links, and they can also lead to your chosen area.

Happy holidays!

"May it snow at night and be sunny in the day!"


Derek - Austria

Autumn in Austria - Glacier Skiing






Autumn in Austria is always a great time of year to take in the autumnal colours which are stunning. It is often warm enough enough to be in shirt sleeves in the valley bottom while looking up and seeing a sprinkling of the first snows on the mountain tops.

There were plenty of friendly folk out there, all too ready to stop and listen, as depicted in the photographs before and after a mulled wine!

Its interesting to see the changes that have taken place since your last visit to an area, the Austrian are an hard working type, not ones to sit back on their laurels. It is satisfying to see new buildings going up, old buildings being extended, extensions to cycle paths, and continuing improvements all round ready for the new ski season.

Up on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier above Kaprun, where skiing is possible all year round, the Volvo XC ice camp has been enhanced by three snow parks, DC Central Park, Roxy Park and a super-pipe. This means there are up to 70 obstacles have been provided for your enjoyment, the super pipe promises to be over 150 meters long.




For further information please see www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

More Impressions from Austria





Click on the link above, and you will find an interesting site with some lovely photographs, which really give a good impression of Austria and gets you in the holiday mood.

I will need to practice more to get more photographs of this quality. I found this photograph above on my internet travels, click on the scene it to get the full effect, which I found to be stunning, it shows the Kaprun Alpine Reservoir which were finally completed after the war with funding from the Marshall Plan. It is just up the valley pass the Kitzsteinhorn ski lifts and is well worth a day out in the summer months to admire the engineering, scenery and wildlife.

The Kapruner Tal (Valley of Kaprun) is very attractive in the summer due to its dams and setting. The dams are built one above the other, like terraces, and took many years to be completed. Many engineers come to visit and research them as engineering marvels in their own right
.
If you like these sort of things, you can visit the Turbinenhaus (Turbine House), inside the Tauernkraftwerke, which is an hydroelectric plant. In there you can observe the many shafts, tunnels, turbines and structures. There is also museum with displays of technical drawings and photographs. The dams offer an opportunity of a whole day of exploring around the dams where something like nineteen billion gallons of water are stored, 4.54 litres to a gallon so you can work it out for yourself! You can get to the dam lakes by using the postal bus and a funicular railway take you up the up the mountain to observe the dams close up.

The dams are normally open to the public from May till October only.

To stay in the area, ideal for groups of 6-9 people please consider? www.austria-holiday-apartment.com a great place to stay all year round.




That's Entertainment: Sun, Snow & Party Week:- Smokie do the Klammer


What's on in Kaprun and Zell am See?

The excellent tourist offices in Zell am See by the Ferry Porsche congress / event centre in the middle of Zell on the main road, and its sister office in the Kaprun, which is located in the main village square. Publicise a list of activities throughout the season, these can be found via the following link. 


In Zell am See on Fridays throughout the year, it is market day, the market is traditional as you can get, with a wide variety of street stalls throughout the city centre streets.

Both offices are worth a visit to pick up a map, or leaflet, to get your bearings, and the staff are always accommodating with the answers to your questions.

You can even sign up to get email alerts of activities in advance of your stay in the Europa Sport Region by signing up for the Kaprun and Zell am See area monthly newsletter
.

Whats on at the Schmitten?

Throughout winter and summer a series of events is scheduled for the Schmitten mountain, which suits behind Zell am See and looks down onto Kaprun across the valley.

Events planned are planned  throughout the season, and a visit to their website will provide further information, night skiing is also  a possibility snowboarding and Freeski nights  So if you have got the energy why not make a night of it?

Other events include the traditional "Trass" race, which is a slalom race off 100 gates over a 1000 metre course, it makes for great viewing, and a chance to pick up on few tips when making those turns!

There are also for the artists amongst us an art exhibition / sculpture to be pondered  based on previous years it promises to be something special, to amuse and stimulate interest?

Something that does appeal to most people is the annual balloon festival,  for the BP Gas Balloon trophy
this normally takes place over two nights in Zell am See and Kaprun at the end of January.
There is even a "night of the balloons" event, which promises to be something spectacular to see and hear the roar of the flames. For another linking article with photographs on hot air ballooning please see click here

There are other events planned, why not come and see them for yourselves?

Smokie band live in Austria

70's Cult band Smokie make regular sojourns to Austria to perform concert in Zell am See - Kaprun.

For those who prefer there music to be a little bit more refined there is the Porche Centre in the middle of Zell am See which provides entertainment throughout the year to fulfil most tastes.

For another angle on the story please see the Kaprun and Zell am See tourist website. They have plenty of information for places to stay, things to do and on places to go, what ever time of the year you are visiting the area.

Smokie by popular request make a return "legendary" appearance in 2009 on the 1st April on the Schmitten it looks like one of those nights to remember?


British Ski and Snowboard Show 2008

Over in the United Kingdom the British Ski and snowboard Show is due to take place at the NEC (National Exhibition Centre) in Birmingham over the weekend of the 31st October to the 2nd of November 2008 it is well worth a visit if you are in the area.



30 Oct-02 Nov 2008

Flying in Europe: Trip to Salzkammergut and Zell Am See (LOWZ), Austria



Flying over the Austian Alps Zell Am See

Link from another blog detailing a flight into the aerodrome which sits in the valley bottom between Zell am See and Kaprun, the airport owned by the Porche family of Car fame.

It is recorded in earlier times aeroplanes used to land on the frozen lake, (not much good in the summer) and then the grassy meadow was made into a landing strip, before finally becoming the runway for the Zell am See aerodrome.

The attached map shows the location courtesy of Google maps, the aerodrome can be seen to the right of the picture below the word "moos", the lake at Zell am See can be clearly seen.

Private flights can booked from the airport, with the possibility of flying over the Kitzsteinhorn glacier which stands at just over 3000 metres.

It is possible to charter a plane with pilot for 30-6- minutes for that special occasion, for those who a technically minded attached is an aerial map showing the flight paths in and around the area of the aerodrome or in German flugplatz.




Walking rambling and discovering the Austrian Alps






 Map of the mountain region above Kaprun, with reservoirs and photo of Zell am See and the Kitzsteinhorn


What ever your ability as a walker, hiker or stroller you will not be disappointed when it comes to Austria. In the Kaprun and Zell am See there is a plethora of walks for all ranges and abilities. There are a number of different routes between Zell am See and Kaprun.

Throughout Austria footpaths are excellently signposted and marked, and in the Europa Ski area it is no different.

A beautiful but simple walk / cycle and not so challenging is around the lake at Zell am See it is mostly flat, with one or two slight inclines, there are places to stop and take in the views or perhaps have a drink partway through your walk, the views are ever changing, and at around 7 miles / 11 kilometres a gentle stroll of some in around two - three hours. The Euro Alps website gives a brief description of the walk, along with two accompanying maps! and photographs showing some of the sights.

Via the attached link there is an excellent article describing some of the joys and tribulations of walking in the area, along with descriptions of walks and supporting photographs, worth a look?

For the more adventurous and fitter ones amongst us who would like to take on the challenges of higher level walks, you need to be aware of your ability, and their in a distinct difference when walking at altitude and the weather can suddenly change in a matter of minutes so it is vitally important that you have the right equipment and training. You wouldn't go wrong in acquiring a copy of Cecil W Davies book of "Mountain Walking in Austria" attached to the link are a number of other books and maps which may be of interest to you?

Another option to consider is buying a Kitzsteinhorn "Hike and Swim" ticket, so that you can perhaps hike on the mountain during the morning having use of the lifts, they even do guided walks,where you can see the alpine flora and fauna as you go. The map above shows some possible routes for the experienced alpine walker, and it also shows the lift locations. Then later in the day you can choose have use of the skimming pool in the Optimum Centre Kaprun ( planned to shut by October 2010, when Tauern Spa Kaprun opens ) where you can swim indoors, outside, have a sauna, and chill and relax. (that is if you can chill in a sauna!). Or alternatively at Zell am See where there is a indoor public pool ( use of sauna extra). Subject to the time of the year there is also lakeside bathing Zell am See renowned for its clean drinking water quality.

A new spa complex, Tauern Spa World  is planned for Kaprun, to open in November 2010, and work is under way in a superb location, near to Kaprun's village centre, click on the link for more details.

Finally I would like to recommend the walk which follows the river south up from Kaprun, there is the Sigmund thun Klamm it is basically a beautiful walk up a ravine on a constructed elevated platform and path, the words don't do justice to the majesty of the place. Have a look at the link, map below and make sure that you look at some of the other photographs, you will not be disappointed?

View  fro the  mountains  above  Kaprun  with  Zell  am  See  in the  distance 


a new route has opened for biker's / hikers  the top of the  Maiskogel  ski lift and the first lift stage up to the Kitzsteinhorn, bikes can now go on the lifts.

By the start of the walk at the start of  Sigmund thun Klamm gorge there is an interesting indoor display area, and free!, run by the hydro electrical company explaining how the complex of dams, and tunnels controls the run off of water from 7 valleys preventing flooding, creating electricity, storage facilities for drinking water, and a great tourist attraction.

I will close there if anybody else would like to recommend a walk in the Kaprun and Zell am See area, I would very much welcome your contribution.

Cheers Derek.

White water rafting in Austria



Just been checking the site and noticed that the links were not interactive and linking through to the sites suggested. So by clicking on the title above you should get through to an interesting article on white water rafting and similar sports / hobbies.

So putting in another story link to test out the tweak, the article relates to white water, rafting and canoeing.

Close to Kaprun there is a couple of rivers where your can practice your nautical skills, they even organise canyoning ( walking up a river the wrong way in a wet suit). Adventure Service, who are based in Zell am See do a variety of adventure water sports as well as organising par-ascending trips accompanied you will be pleased to know. Adventure service offer a 10% discount for guests who stay Austria Holiday Apartment in Kaprun.



At Taxenbach on the road down to Salzburg there is the rafting centre, it has been established a number of years and comes with a good reputation, and are a friendly professional set-up, they also organize other outward bound activities, check out their site for more information.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay  take a look at Austria Holiday Apartment in Kaprun, it sleeps from 3 to 9 persons, and with 110 square metres of space plenty of room for all.

Best wishes Derek

Layout of Austria holiday Apartment in Kaprun 3 bedroom 3 shower-rooms

Austria blog & 30 reasons to Visit Austria!



Not really sure where to start with a blog, or what really a blog is? some type of public diary is the best description I can come up with I think?

The purpose is two fold really one to learn bit more about computers, and the other is to link articles from the blog with the website at www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

In time a link will be put in from that website, but a first until I find my feet and have a fair few articles written about holidays / vacation in Austria. With perhaps a few pictures to enhance the articles and a few links to add that extra interest the blog will be low key at first, but who knows what the future holds?

I have lots of ideas re articles, winter, summer holidays, ski, skiing, Innsbruck, Salzburg, food, mountains, wine, winter sport, adventure holiday, family holidays, Austrian history are just a few initial thoughts.

In time I will welcome comments, or I might lose a bit of interest. The other thought is that people staying in the Salzburgerland area might use the blog, to get holiday ideas of their own, and submit their own suggestions for others to consider.

So that is it really, a website for Austrian holidays in Kaprun, Zell am See and around the surrounding Salzburg region area, with perhaps an occasional sojourn to some of the other regions the Innsbruck in the Tyrol is a definite one.

Just started a Google Picasa web Album entitled "Austrian Views" as pictures get put on this blog, they will be stored on the Picasa website, for you and others to enjoy. Some of the photographs are original others have been copied from other sites and referred back to the linking article where possible.

So I will sign off now, until next time.

Derek - Austria

P.S. Please have a look at the article below, on 30 reasons why to visit Zell am See and Kaprun, I would welcome your suggestions.

Cycling in Austria



Cycling in the Austrian Alps?

Contrary to general opinion the cycling in Austria is great, with superb routes, dramatic scenery and well sign posted and mapped routes. There are plenty of interconnected long distance routes, to take you far and wide.

For example the Tauern Cycle route starts at Krimml, up in the Alps of Austria close to, Kaprun and Zell am See area there are numerous shops which will hire out bikes by the hour, day or week.

An examination of the map shows that from a base in Zell am See or Kaprun, there are a number of choices:-
  • In half a day it is possible to cycle from Kaprun, around the lake at Zell am See, much of the route is a clearly marked cycle track half a day to have enjoyable ride around, on a hot summers day there are even places to stop to have a swim in the clear lake waters.
  • Another option is a ride up the Kaprun valley (not so flat) to explore the Kaprun reservoirs the ride back down into Kaprun is also great. Both the lifts up the Maisikogel and up on the to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier have been adapted  to take mountain bikes.
  • Another excellent place to visit is to cycle up to Saalfeldon and Leogang with perhaps a run on to Maria Alm where there is an open air summer swimming pool and an interesting church next to a quaint village centre. There are quiet country roads to take you back to Kaprun and Zell am See.
  • It is possible to cycle along the valley bottom up to the world famous Krimml water falls, the start if the Tauern Cycle route.  It is also possible to put your bike on the train from Zell am See, or one of the other station stops (advance booking advised). The train should now go up Krimml  via Mittersill, which is a few miles short of the waterfalls. The attached advice is a little bit dated but should give you further ideas for your cycling holiday in Austria.
  • A cycle down to Salzburg at around 100 Km ( 60 miles or so) is a good possibility for those who like a challenge, it is predominately downhill, plenty of places to stop to pick up supplies, with a great view around every corner, and again it is possible to come back by train, up to Zell am See station.
  • Another memorable possibility is to ctcle up over the Grossglockner pass, it is the highest pass in Europe and is normally only open from May until November time weather dependent. It is not for the faint hearted but for those who manage the climb it is a tremendous cycling achievement. 
    • It also possible to do a weeks cycling holiday across Austria, following the Tauern Bike path from Krimml, famous for its waterfalls, and then a 7 day trip of about 30- 40 miles a day, with a rest day in Salzburg. Prices for a package start from just over £500. Click on the link to find out more about a Austrian Cycling tour .
      For further information on somewhere to stay with bike storage facilities, fom 3-9 guests consider locating your base in Kaprun for some fantastic cycling opportunities :- www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

      For further cycling  people information give this link a click.

      Cycling through Austria fantastic scenery, with excellent routes