Kaprun Sightseeing Walk (Self Guided), Zell am 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.

The chapel of Saint 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.

The Kaprun Car Museum is nestled within Vötter’s Hotel, spanning an impressive 1000 m². It boasts a collection of over 150 miniature car models, ranging from the post-WWI era to the 1970s, showcasing the ingenuity of the German and Austrian automotive industries. Helmut Vötter, the founder, began this collection in the 1980s with a BMW Isetta model. Over the years, Vötter has passionately collected and meticulously restored each car, preserving their authenticity and functionality.

The very BMW Isetta that started it all is proudly displayed in the Hotel lobby, a testament to its status as the most popular small car of the 1950s. Visitors can also marvel at intriguing models such as the Porsche 356, Jaguar E-Type, and Mercedes 190 SL. A dedicated section of the museum celebrates Volkswagen cars, while another highlights the quirky and fascinating Messerschmitt bubble car, designed by Fritz Fend.

Since its opening in early 1996, the museum has become a must-see attraction in Kaprun, captivating car enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.

Located high up on a rocky hill, the Saint 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 Saint 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.

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.

Brundl Sports Flagshipstore 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.

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.