Kaprun offers many fabulous sights and natural treasures. The area, which functions as a ski paradise in winter, is a real excursion and hiking paradise in summer. A lot is happening; families and couples come to the area. One of the top attractions in summer is Kaprun's Gorges. Among them, Sigmund Thun Gorge is quite popular.
The fierce glacial river that makes its way through the rocky gorge overcomes the obstacles in front of it for 320 meters. Meanwhile, the water swirls tiny vortices in the gorge, pushing itself to the limestone wall with a loud bang.
The Sigmund Thun Gorge is not only one of the most beautiful gorges in the province of Salzburg but also one of the jewels of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
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The gorge is 32 meters deep, so it can be explored with even a slight fear of heights. You will find your way into the gorge on non-slip planks and wooden paths. Coming out of the gorge, you can admire a lake.
Where is the gorge?
You will find the gorge in the Kaprun Valley, in Austria - on the border of the Hohe Tauern. The centre of Kaprun is a 5-minute drive away. You will find a parking lot in front of the gorge where you can leave your car.
- Address: Sigmund Thun Klamm, Krafthausstrasse 20/5710 Kaprun
- Distance from Kaprun: 5 km / 5 minutes by car
- Distance from Salzburg: 100 km / 1.5 hours
History of the gorge
The area was inhabited by settlers as early as 4,000 years ago who put their roots down on the nearby Burgkogel hillside. The area around the gorge was chosen on one hand because the countryside was rich in ore. On the other hand, because the hillside (located in the Kaprun Valley) could only be approached through the gorges, it was well protected.
Later, the river was used to transport timber in the gorge, as the area was – and still is- a significant logging area to this day.
The gorge could be visited early, in 1893, thanks to Nikolaus Gassner, who built a lodge and a wooden bridge in the gorge.
In 1934, the gorge was named a natural treasure, yet in 1938 it closed.
The gorge was closed until 1992. In 1991 the city of Kaprun decided to renew the old route and reopen the gorge.
Opening hours
The gorge is closed in winter, and it keeps changing when it opens. In general, it is not likely to open before mid-April. In 2021, the gorge will open on May 7. Unfortunately, if you are skiing in Kaprun in the winter, you will not be able to see the gorge.
- In summer, the gorge is open every day.
Prices
Prices can, of course, change, but let's see how much the entrance fee will cost in 2022:
- Adult: 7 euros
- Child: 5 euros
- Up to 5 yrs old: free
Weather in the gorge
Remember that the gorge is, on average, 5 degrees cooler than its surroundings. It is worth bringing a sweater or a thinner coat in the summer – maybe even closed shoes and socks to change from your flip-flops.
Access-free?
Unfortunately, you cannot walk around the gorge in a wheelchair or stroller.
Dog friendly?
Yes, you can take your dog here. The use of a muzzle is mandatory.
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