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

46. A 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.

Walking to the top of the Kitzsteinhorn at 3203 metres. Kaprun and Zell am See in the background - worth it for the view

Friendly locals in the Austrian Alps

Krimml Waterfalls - Highest waterfalls in Europe

Walking in the Austrian Mountains near Krimml

Krimml Waterfalls  claim to be the highest waterfall in Europe, and allegedly the 5th largest oner in the world, they are located in the splendid Hohe Tauern National Park, about 150 km south west of  Salzburg and directly west from the scenic resort lakeside market  town of Zell am See.  The falls are next to Austrian village of Krimml  of the same name.

Krimml Waterfalls are 380 m high. They are  split up into 3 parts, the first section is 140 metres high, the  middle section is 100m long and the upper section is  a further 140 metres in climb. The total drop is in total  380 metres. The  noise of the roar of falling water can be heard in its immediate vicinity,  and from the path that climb up the west side of the cascade  up a large and picturesque pine forested wooded valley. 

Krimml waterfalls view  from the bottom

Krimml Waterfalls are easily accessible by local train from Zell am See, it is also possible to put bikes on the train up to Krimml station and cycle back down the valley.  

The  waterfalls from  are accessible by paying a small entrance fee of  around 2 Euro. There are facilities, next to the pay point:-  restaurant, toilet and shop.  There is a  good  wide walking track  leading up to the top of Krimml Waterfalls. With plenty of places to stop take in the views and to sit.  After a walk of around half a hour there is an excellent Austrian restaurant / hostelry where its possible to have a meal / hot chocolate or something a little stronger.  Fit walkers may want to walk further  up the mountain trail to the top.  

In 1967  the waterfalls  were nominated by the European Council as an excellent example of conservation of nature,  but for many years  the Krimml waterfalls have been  a popular  tourist holiday destination.  So if you are in the area, it well worth the effort to take in the sights.  On sunny days you are guaranteed to see rainbows a plenty enjoy.

If you are looking for somewhere to stay in the area please consider the option of Kaprun and Austria-holiday-apartment.com. which can sleep from 3 to 9 persons in comfort.

Kaprun apartment rental, lots to see and do in and around the area.