Travel Guide: Kaprun

Kaprun is a mountain municipality in the Zell am See District of Salzburg, Austria, set around high alpine terrain and glacier access. Together with neighbouring Zell am See it is presented as the combined tourist and skiing area Zell am See–Kaprun. The Kitzsteinhorn glacier and its Top of Salzburg viewing platform underline the town’s year‑round mountain character.

Selected by Anna
Selected by Anna · Updated September 2026

Best time to visit

Monthly climate data show cold, below‑freezing average temperatures in the winter months and milder, sunnier conditions in the middle of the year. The warmest months also coincide with the highest average sunshine but tend to record increased precipitation. Choose based on whether you prefer milder, sunnier mountain weather or colder conditions for snow at higher elevations.

Jan
-5.8°C
Rain136 mm
Sun5.7 h
Feb
-3.7°C
Rain112 mm
Sun6.9 h
Mar
-2.1°C
Rain108 mm
Sun8.1 h
Apr
0.9°C
Rain121 mm
Sun9.6 h
May
4.8°C
Rain175 mm
Sun9.4 h
Jun
10.5°C
Rain170 mm
Sun11.5 h
Jul
12.4°C
Rain210 mm
Sun11.5 h
Aug
12.5°C
Rain212 mm
Sun10.7 h
Sep
8.3°C
Rain166 mm
Sun8.9 h
Oct
5.0°C
Rain136 mm
Sun7.4 h
Nov
-0.5°C
Rain118 mm
Sun6.2 h
Dec
-3.5°C
Rain132 mm
Sun5.2 h

Things to do

In Kaprun

  • Sigmund-Thun-Klamm
    This natural gorge features a scenic walkway along rushing waters, making it a popular spot for nature lovers and families. Visitors can enjoy walking through the gorge and appreciate the waterfalls, rock formations, and forested environment. It suits those looking for accessible nature adventures close to Kaprun.
  • Gletscherjet 1 & 2 Cable Cars
    These cable cars transport visitors from Kaprun up to the glacier area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding Alpine peaks. Ideal for those wanting to explore high-altitude viewpoints, enjoy panoramic landscapes, or access hiking routes. It attracts tourists keen on mountain scenery and glacier experiences.

Around Kaprun

  • Hohe Tauern National Park
    Austria's largest national park near Kaprun with diverse alpine landscapes, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities. It is ideal for nature enthusiasts and hikers seeking pristine mountain environments. Visitors often explore the park for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation.
  • Kitzsteinhorn Glacier
    A famous glacier peak near Kaprun offering impressive glacial landscapes and hiking opportunities. The glacier area is popular for sightseeing, glacier tours, and winter sports. It attracts nature lovers and adventure travelers interested in high mountain environments.
  • Schmittenhöhe
    a prominent mountain near Zell am See with diverse hiking trails and panoramic viewpoints. Visitors come here for outdoor activities like hiking and nature photography. It is well-suited for active travelers seeking alpine landscapes in the vicinity of Kaprun.
  • Zell am See Promenade
    A beautiful lakeside promenade located in Zell am See, offering walking paths alongside Lake Zell with stunning mountain backdrops. Visitors often stroll, relax, and admire the lake views, making it ideal for leisure visitors and families. The area suits those wanting easy access to water scenery near Kaprun.
Anna
How we pick hotels
For each category, we shortlist a few standout stays by combining review quality (score), review confidence (volume), and how well the hotel matches the theme (spa, family, lake views, and more).

Family-friendly hotels

Suited to families looking for family‑friendly accommodation close to mountain activities and nature attractions.
Tip: look for family rooms, breakfast options, and walkable basics (shops/transport).

Mountain-view hotels

Suited to travellers prioritising rooms and lodgings with direct views of the surrounding peaks and glacier.
Appartement Felix
Rating: 9.7 • 75 reviews
Ferienhaus Kollinger
Rating: 9.9 • 34 reviews
Bewegt Appartements
Rating: 9.9 • 33 reviews

Spa hotels

Suited to visitors seeking hotels with wellness facilities to relax after alpine activities.
Tip: check if spa access is included or paid, and opening hours/booking rules.

Apartments

Suited to travellers who prefer self‑catering options and a more independent stay in the village.

Apartments with a kitchen

Suited to guests who want the convenience of kitchen facilities while remaining near Kaprun’s mountain offerings.
Appartement Wälderhof
Rating: 9.5 • 162 reviews
Fürthermoar Gut
Rating: 9.5 • 140 reviews

Pet-friendly hotels

Suited to those travelling with pets who need accommodation that welcomes animals while exploring mountain trails.

FAQ

What currency is used in Kaprun?
You’ll typically pay in EUR (euro). Cards are commonly accepted, but it’s smart to carry some cash for small purchases.
Are hotels in Kaprun pet friendly?
40% of the 201 properties we track in Kaprun accept pets. Across our destinations the usual share is about a third.
How does Kaprun relate to Zell am See?
Kaprun and the neighbouring town of Zell am See are presented together as the Zell am See–Kaprun destination, with Kaprun distinguished by its high‑alpine and glacier access.
Is there glacier skiing in Kaprun?
The Kitzsteinhorn glacier is a defining feature of Kaprun, and the glacier ski area operates seasonally as noted in local descriptions; the mountain also offers a high‑altitude viewing platform at the Top of Salzburg.
What are the main natural attractions in and around Kaprun?
Key attractions listed for Kaprun include the Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Hohe Tauern National Park, Schmittenhöhe, and the Sigmund‑Thun‑Klamm gorge, alongside local cable car infrastructure such as the Gletscherjet.
Is Kaprun suitable for families?
Kaprun is presented with family‑friendly accommodation options and mountain activities that can suit family visits, with nearby natural sites and organised tourist offerings in the combined Zell am See–Kaprun area.
What is the summer weather like in Kaprun?
Summer months show the highest average temperatures and sunshine totals in the climate record, but they also correspond with higher precipitation amounts, so expect milder yet sometimes wet mountain conditions.
Can I visit high‑altitude viewpoints from Kaprun?
The Kitzsteinhorn features the Top of Salzburg viewing platform at 3,029 metres, and regional cable cars such as the Gletscherjet are among the listed infrastructure that serves the high alpine area.

Sources