Weather in Zell am See - Kaprun and Austria

Austria enjoys a moderate continental climate featuring the four seasons. Summers are generally warm and pleasant with cool nights, if it gets too hot you can go up onto the mountain tops to cool off or visit a glacier! Its great for walking, cycling, swimming in the lakes,  outdoor adventure activities,  and sitting out over an evening meal  in a warm balmy summer evening.

Seasonal weather in Zell am See - Kaprun
Winters are sunny, with reliable and frequent snowfalls making it perfect for skiing in winter, both Kaprun and Zell am See have extensive snow making facilities enhancing the skiing.



Further weather information is available from the ski companies for the Maiskogel , the Schmitten and the Kitzsteinhorn.  The Kitzsteinhorn glacier comes with its own snow guarantee!   Also weather forecasts for the area can be downloaded via the following link



Weather updates also available from the Kitzsteinhorn website.
      In the colder years the lake at Zell am See freezes over making extra opportunities for ice skating.     
     
No matter what time of the year you are visiting, there is plenty to do and see.  If you are looking for somewhere to stay with 3 bedrooms for  up to 9 persons, with the benefit of three bath / shower rooms?. 
For further information please see www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

Winter Ski holidays Austria - Kaprun - Zell am See

Kaprun church worth a visit
Maiskogel ski area - great for family skiing

View from the Kitzsteinhorn glacier


Ski holidays in Kaprun and Zell am See - Austria.

The ski area at Kaprun consists of an area accessed direct from the village centre via ski lifts up the Maiskogel bahn.  A much larger and higher ski area complete with glacier is on the  Kitzsteinhorn which is accessed from just up the valley from Kaprun, with a regular ski bus service, from Zell am See through the village. The glacier provides the possibility of year round skiing and an extended snow reliability and a snow guarantee in early or late seasons.

The views from the glacier at Kaprun are impressive with the lake at, Zell am See and the highest mountain in Austria the Grossglockne all visible. With the snow guarantee and terrain parks for snowboarders the area caters for skiers of all abilities.

The sister resort from Kaprun is Zell am See with a  magnificent lakeside location and majestic mountains all round, the ski holiday resort of  Zell am See (Zell by the lake) is renowned as one of the most attractive holiday locations in Austria, with drinking quality water.

In summer the lake with a 13 km (7 mile) walk around and its many activities provide a focus for this all year round holiday resort. In winter whilst the lake is a perfect backdrop to the mountains, it provides great scenic value from all directions. and allows visitors to walk, curl or skate across on a fantastic natural ice rink. The ski resort of Zell am See directly accesses the slopes above with a number of lifts going straight up from the town resort. The attraction of of the area is the myriad of skiing opportunities that includes Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier forming jointly what is known as the Europa Sportregion.

The ski area at Zell am See offers the opportunity to ski down through the forest pistes ideally suited for beginners and intermediates with the challenges of black runs for the more experienced skier. The views from the peak at Schmitten Pfiff with its Empress Elizabeth picturesque chapel are spectacular, overlooking the lake, with the glaciers toward the Grossglockner Austria's highest mountain in the distance.

The neighbouring ski holiday resorts of Kaprun and Zell am See are inter-linked by free ski buses, for skiers and share in a common lift pass..

The holiday resorts of Zell am See and Kaprun offers lively après ski with a mix of nationalities.

Further afield around from Kaprun there is access to the extensive ski resorts of Sallbach and Hinterglemm where it is possible to ski clockwise or anti-clockwise around the valleys in the form of a ring, and a little bit further is the Gastein valley ski resorts of Hofgastein (around 30 minutes by car from Kaprun), Bad Gastein and at the very top of the valley Sports Gastein. The Gastein valley is famous for it's hot thermal spas which are naturally occurring.

A new superb spa complex "Tauren-spa-world-Kaprun" is in the process of being built in Kaprun, it is located in a fantastic "sunny" setting close to the village centre, with a lovely vista of the mountains around, it will be a 5-10 minute walk away from Kapruns village centre. The new spa lays claim to being one of the largest in Austria.  Having visited a number of other spas in Austria, I know that you will not be disappointed,  with the new spa which opened in November 2010.

For further information on the area and if you are looking for somewhere to stay, take a look at  :- Austria-holiday-apartment.com it sleeps from 3-9. in comfort 


Austria Holiday Apartment in Kaprun

Mountain Bike world championships came to Salzburg’s Pinzgau




 Grossglockner alpine pass a cycling challenge of a lifetime?


The  2012 championships  were held  in Saalfelden - Leogang area of  Salzburg of Austria, just to the north of Zell am Se by the International Cycling Union (UCI).

This is the second time that this international competition will come to the Pinzgau region.  In 2008 the  alpine village of Kaprun hosted this prestigious  sporting event.

According to the areas tourism manager Peter Donabauer this recent announcement will bring new direction to the area: "The cross country track which will be constructed will not only serve for the world championships. In the coming years we could develop international training and teaching tracks."

Two existing routes in the Leogang Bike Park will be used for the championships.  In addition to the new cross country route a trial will be set up in Saalfelden town centre. The facilities will be tested in early summer next year in 2011.

The 2012 championships will take place between the 29th August and 9th September, and will cost an estimated 1.2 Million euros to host.

Salzburg Region for Cycling

 The Salzburg region is becoming a sporting Mecca  for cycling enthusiasts. At Wagrain there are state of the art mountain  track circuits to challenge cyclists of all abilities.  Similarily in Kaprun the mountain bike route has been recently extended from the village to the the top of the Maisikogel lift, from there the track continuous onto the Kitzsteinhorn first lift stage at 1976, a ride of over a 1000in altitude. For those who like a bigger challenge there is also the mighty Grossglockner pass for those who like a challenge, weather dependent it is normally open from May to October or November time.

In the Sallbach Hinterglemm and Leogang area  the winter ski area has been developed and enhanced to provide a top class mountain bike terrain. With  this announcement it is expected to be an enhancement to the whole area with plenty of scope for forest tracks to put on the map as part of an extended  cycling circuit.

For those who prefer to stick in the valley bottoms cycling the Tauern Cycle route is a possibility, it passes through the area, starting at the Krimml fall down to, Zell am See / Kaprun on to Salzburg and then on to Passau.
Tauern Cycle route Austria

With the opening of Tauern Spa Kaprun in November 2010,  it will be a further attraction to all visitors whether cycling or non - cycling.

If you are looking  for somewhere to stay in the Kaprun area  for 3-9 people? With the benefit of three bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms, and cycle storage facilities take a look at www.austria-holiday-apartment.com


 Austria holiday Apartment in Kaprun

Ski and Snowboarding Schools in Kaprun

Learn to Ski or improve your skiing in Kaprun Austria




Ski - Snow boarding Schools in Kaprun Austria

Updated ski school list for Kaprun.  Most of the ski schools will be able to provide English speaking instructors along with provision for instruction in French, German and Italian, check out their websites for further information, or the joint Zell am See / Kaprun tourist office can be found at
http://www.zellamsee-kaprun.com


 
  • Ski and Snowboard School Sport-Alpin Kaprun
  • office@skischule-kaprun.com           Tel. 06542 550 733       0676 841805220

  • Ski- and Racing School Oberschneider                                 
  • office@ski-kaprun.com                     Tel. 06547 8232

Kaprun Ski and Snowboarding School Recognized by their yellow Jackets


  • Ski School Maresa Handl-Kaprun 
  • handl.ski@sbg.at                               Tel. 06547 7562            0664 4026955

  • Ski- Racing school Thayer        
  • skischule@thayer-kaprun.at              Tel. 06547 7361           0664 34 25 317

The oldest Ski school and the one we are happy to recommend to our guests is run by Gernot Schermer, and is the Ski and Snowboarding Kaprun School  the 30 - 45 experienced Ski instructors are easily recognized by their Yellow Jackets,  The instructors cater for all abilities with a range of languages to match their clients.
 
For further information don’t hesitate to contact the local tourist office on the following telephone number 43 6542 770
  
If you are looking for somewhere to stay for 3-9 people? with the benefit of three bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms. For further information please see www.austria-holiday-apartment.com

Austria holiday Apartment - Kaprun holiday rental for up to 9 guests

46 things to do in Spring, Summer & Autumn in Kaprun, Zell am See area.

Kitzsteinhorn Ski lift above Kaprun
Salzburg a super City to explore and enjoy.
Kitzsteinhorn ski lift above Kaprun


A while ago we produced an article entitled "30 great reasons to visit and stay in Kaprun / Zell am See in the Salzburgerland area of Austria in the summer" a bit of a long winded the title!  but the article got some interest and comments.   Of course as time goes by, we have discovered that there were more and more things to do on your holiday.

So this list  has been updated, and will be added to from time and time, and of course, the area is not just great for the summer, there is plenty to do either side of the winter season in the Autumn and Spring so here is the updated list of 43+ suggestions, please do suggest your own and other peoples  ideas for inclusion:-

View from the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier in Summer - lake Zell am See in the far ground
  1. Scenery and views to inspire you.
  2. Climb a mountain, walk a ridge, mountain holidays give you natural highs!
  3. In the summer moonlit walks down from the Schmitten mountain
  4. Fresh clean alpine air to breathe in.
  5. Paddle in a stream, swim in a village lido or mountain lake
  6. New restaurants and foods to discover  with perhaps a glass of or beer?
  7. The sports centres, indoor pool, spas, Tauern Spa Kaprun is in an outstanding  world of its own, with  a smaller communal try the one at Zell am See.
  8. A trip to Salzburg a mix of history, culture and shopping.
  9. Sit in a mountain meadow, listening to the cow bells ringing.
  10. Drive the Grossglockner high alpine road go and see the glacier (motorbike, car or cycle!), take the scheduled bus from Zell am See?
  11. A trip to Innsbruck, to see the golden tiles, and soak up some history, sit by the river, take a mountain railway ride.
  12. Open air bathing in a mountain lake:- Zell am See  Lake Zell
  13. Water sports galore, sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and wild water rafting.
  14. Swimming in an Austrian mountain lake
  15. Adventure sports canyoning, rafting, climbing, mountain biking.
  16. Hiking trails at all altitudes, with different challenges, and different views.
  17. Cable cars up to 3,000 m above sea level
  18. Play at  one of Austria’s golf clubs with two 18-hole golf courses in a spectacular location at Zell am See - Kaprun.
  19. Over 200 km route of the bike cycle route called the "Tauernradweg", hire an e ( electronic ) bike to take the strain.
  20. Over 700 km of well defined mountain bike routes some used in the mountain bike downhill World cup competition. See bikemap to check out the many the different routeing options.
  21. Over 25 km of bridle paths and tracks, for you to enjoy horse riding with a number of stables to choose from with two close to Kaprun castle.
  22. Over 40 different types of  sports in the area for all the family to enjoy, Parascending is one such sport.
  23. Summer skiing up on the on the Kitzsteinhorn glacier (weather dependent)
  24. Sit on the summer snow beach and get a tan on the Kitzsteinhorn, borrow a sledge in your swimming costume!
  25. Kaprun burg / castle festivals.
  26. Village, lake, city and alpine festivals.
  27. Visit a gorge, there are many, to visit and the Sigmund-Thun-Klamm is close to Kaprun, on the route up to the Kitzsteinhorn glacier. In summer they do a much acclaimed candlelit walks
  28. Concerts, theatres, exhibit, museums, galleries locally and in Salzburg and Innsbruck. Summer street bands on Wednesday nights in Zell am See in July and August
  29. Taxenbach canyoning, river rafting, climbing, mountaineering, paragliding, mountain biking and so many more adventure sports in and around Kaprun.
  30. A varied program of events for children and their parents.
  31. A game of crazy golf, or 36 holes on a championship golf course.
  32. A visit to Kaprun’s reservoirs, go on a sunny day to take in the views, prepare to be impressed with the engineering and scenery! walk inside the dam wall, see the glaciers.
  33. Railway trips Salzburg or Innsbruck check out ORB for railway tickets, sometimes cheaper at quieter times after 09.00 or at weekends..
  34. Visit Krimmel waterfalls perhaps taking you cycles on the train, and cycling back down the valley what a day to remember. A great 30 minute walk up from the bottom to a half way restaurant, mind the spray! 
  35. Go on the Salzburg Sound of Music tour, better than you would think?
  36. An alpine drive over the Alps on the Grobglockner a road only open May to October!
  37. Alpine wellness, spas, relaxation a time to chill, two!! in the Gastein valley, also Tauern Spa Kaprun free admission on your birthday, take proof of age.
  38. Visit a Salzburg  Salt mine, ride a railway and mega slide underground!
  39. Castles to visit, including Werfen castle with the display of birds of prey and falconry displays.
  40. Visit a the superb ice cave above Werfen castle only discovered just over 100 years ago.
  41. A 7 mile walk around the lake at Zell, places to stop and rest, unwind and relax.
  42. Sit and have a coffee at the Grand Hotel and take in the views and ambience.
  43. Keep up to date with Kaprun and Zell am See on Twitter?
  44. Take a hike, the train up to Krimml waterfalls, highest waterfalls in Europe
  45. Relax you are on holiday.
Summer Map of the Zell am See and Kaprun

Map of Kaprun , Zell am See,  & the  mighty 3000m+ Kitzsteinhorn complete with glacier  

 And for the future

46A brand new new spa / wellness complex, called Tauern Spa World Kaprun  has now opened its doors, it promises to be an all year round attraction and at a 90 million Euro investment it is something very special!! worth coming back to the area to visit, and to see what is new?

 Tauern Spa Kaprun Opened in November 2010

A separate list is required for the a similar list of things to do in the winter watch this space.

Some places have variation of opening times depending upon the time of year and weather conditions, you are advised to check out in advance of your trip.
Salzburg Holiday tourist poster
 View of Salzburg complete with castle from a LNER holiday poster from the 1920 or 30's?

Looking for somewhere to stay in Kaprun ?  then please have a look at Austrian-holiday-Apartment-Kaprun it sleeps from 3-9 guests in comfort, and has the benefit of 3 bedrooms and 3 bath / shower rooms.

Fantastic Cycle routes in and around Austria

This cycling blog article information,  comes mainly from the radtouren / Austrian Cycle touring website, and this link gives further information on the many route options.

To add to your route options and to find suggested localized rides take  a look at at the Bikemap website, it also has the added option that you can add your own route to record your travels.

There are over 20 recognized long distance, cycles routes in Austria, and this article sets out  14 suggested cycles routes in and around Austria, the journey's in total cover 1000's of miles of possibilities.  Contrary to some peoples thoughts, Austria is fantastic for cycling, with fantastic scenery, well thought and mapped cycling routes.  Great food and plenty of friendly biker / cycling places  to stop, with the added benefit of courteous drivers.
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The OBB Austrian railways are equally geared up for the transport of bikes. So it is possible to get a lift to the head of a valley and cycle in an easier manner!!
For example the Tauern cycle route starts at Krimml  after a train ride up from Zell am See, the route then continues down to Salzburg and then on to Passau, from there you can pick up on the Danube Cycle path and for the determined head on for Budapest!
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For those who like one of the European ultimate cycling challenges, it  is the climb over the Grobglockner / Grossglockner a high alpine mountain  pass to sort out the men from the boys! with it rising to 2505 metres on paved roads, think of the ride back down!!

DANUBE CYCLE PATH - The Stream that connects Europe

To cycle along Danube River is a pleasure for the whole family. Along the river, one rides on a slightly inclining path from Passau to Vienna and the Austrian border near Hainburg. This tour is:-  click on the above link to find out more  ........
Passau (or Schärding) - Wien (or Bratislava) 434 km (325 km to Vienna)
 

DRAU CYCLE PATH - Through Austria's Sunny South

The unique Drau Cycle Path follows the Drau River through the untouched nature landscapes of the lofty Lienz Dolomites, leading past beautiful little towns and villages to the warm and crystal-clear:- click on the above link to find out more  ........
Toblach - Marburg 366km


 

 

 

ENNS CYCLE PATH - The Grand River Cycling Trip

The Enns Cycle Path is an outstanding and unforgettable 252 kilometres long adventure that takes cyclists through spectacular mountains, emerald green lakes, and dense forests.
Flachau (Gasthofalm) - Enns 252 km
 

GRENZLAND CYCLE PATH - Across Mysterious Mühlviertel Grenzlandweg

North of the Danube there’s a mysterious place of awesome natural beauty to discover, Upper Austria's Muehlviertel. Rolling plains, densely wooded highlands and lush meadows are interspersed with rock -click on the above link to find out more  ..........
Kramesau an der Donau - Neustift/Upper Austria or Arbesbach/Lower Austria 194 km


 

 

 

INN CYCLE PATH -

The Inn Cycle Path is 517 kilometers long and follows the River Inn from its source on Maloja Pass, Switzerland, through Austria’s Tyrol and to Passau, Germany. In its journey the Inn passes through a:-  click on the above link to find out more  ........
Maloja/Engadin - Passau 517 km 
 

 

 

 

MUR CYCLE PATH - From lofty Mountains to bubbling Mineral Springs

The most versatile cycle path of Austria starts in mountainous and sun-drenched Lungau area, where Mur River, a small but wild brook, and the cycle route are somewhat steep. What concerns contrasts it click on the above link to find out more.......
Muhr - Bad Radkersburg 365 km
 

NEUSIEDLER SEE CYCLE PATH -

Explore the sunny side of Austria on a stunning 500K network of cycle paths and trails
(38 kilometers on Hungarian territory); almost completely flat, this tour is especially recommended
for families
 

 

 

 

 

ROMAN CYCLE PATH - Cycling into Roman Times

History comes to life and becomes comprehensible along the Roman Cycle Path. Pedaling from Passau to Attersee Lake and Wels (and on to Enns as of 2009), you’ll pass by Roman excavation sites, villages.click on the above link to find out more  .........
Passau (or Schärding) - Attersee or Enns 242 km
 

SALZBURG SPORTS WORLD - Bike and Trek

Cycling and mountain biking are the favourite sports in the Salzburg Sports World—if there isn’t any snow! In the summer, the Salzburg Sports World ensures you will enjoy a cycle experience that will .click on the above link to find out more  ........ 1,000km, 600km of which are recommended for mountain bikers
 

SALZKAMMERGUT CYCLE PATH - Lake to Lake

Salzkammergut straddles the border between the three Austrian provinces of Salzburg, Styria, and Upper Austria. Blessed with an inspiring landscape that includes a magical mountain world and unfathomable click on the above link to find out more  ..........
345km long; there are many interesting places to visit throughout Salzkammergut Lake District (involving another 300km). The path joins various other cycling routes, enabling shorter trips as well. 

    TAUERN CYCLE PATH - Cycling with Friends

See amazing scenery, experience peace, and solitude whilst riding along Salzach and Saalach Rivers on the Tauern Cycle Path, visiting old castles, and palaces passing through historical rural villages.
Krimml - Passau 310 km

Tauern Cycle route, nearly down hill all the way!!

 

TRAISENTAL CYCLE PATH -

Since its opening in June 2007, Traisental Cycle Path has become one of the most popular cycling routes of the Lower Austrian Mostviertel District.
Traismauer (Danube Cycle Path) - Mariazell 111 km
 

VIA CLAUDIA AUGUSTA - A Jewel of a Cycle Path

In former times, the Via Claudia Augusta started at Altinum Port near Italy’s Venice and leads via Reschen Pass, Landeck, Imst, and Fern Pass to Donauwoerth by the Blue Danube.
Donauwörth (Bayern) - Altino near Venice / Ostiglia approx. 700 km


 

 

 

 

VIENNA - Joy of Life and a Creative Scene

The unforgettable ending or irresistible stop of your tour along the Danube Cycle Path is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its countless sights to visit. Beautiful art of bygone eras, innovative:- click on the above link to find out more.......
1000Km


Kaprun - Zell am See are great places for a cycle holiday, they sit at the junction of 6 major valleys, so many different route options to consider. The Tauern cycle route,  also  goes through this beautiful area.

Looking for somewhere to stay for 3-9 people? With the benefit of three bedrooms and three bath / shower rooms. For further information please see Austria Holiday Apartment - Kaprun 

It has the benefit of a secure basement cycle storage area.