Overview
Kaprun, situated at the base of the Kitzsteinhorn glacier in Austria’s Hohe Tauern region, is a year-round alpine destination that pairs glacier skiing with the beautiful Lake Zell am See nearby. The town offers a perfect mix of authentic Austrian mountain village charm and modern resort facilities. Together with Zell am See, it provides access to over 138 km of ski runs, plus world-class hiking and cycling in summer.
The euro (EUR) is used throughout. The Zell am See-Kaprun guest card, included with most accommodation bookings, provides free bus travel and discounts on cable cars and attractions. Peak season is December through March for skiing and July through August for summer activities; the best deals are found in early December, late March, and June.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Budget ($85-$120/day): Stay in a guesthouse or apartment ($65-$100/night), cook meals and eat at bakeries ($15-$25/day), use the free guest card buses, and buy multi-day ski passes for better rates ($50-$60/day).
Mid-Range ($160-$260/day): Book a 3-4 star hotel with breakfast ($130-$220/night), dine at traditional Austrian restaurants ($35-$55/day), ski the Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhohe areas ($55-$70/day), and take the cable car to the Top of Salzburg viewing platform ($35-$45).
Luxury ($380-$600+/day): Reserve a luxury spa resort ($300-$600/night), enjoy fine dining with mountain views ($75-$140/day), book private ski guides and glacier tours ($150-$250), and indulge in wellness and thermal spa experiences at the Tauern Spa ($40-$60).
How to Save Money in Kaprun
- Use the Zell am See-Kaprun guest card for free bus transport and discounted cable cars and attractions.
- Book apartment accommodation with a kitchen and shop at local supermarkets to save on meals.
- Buy the SuperSki Card for multi-day access to both Kitzsteinhorn and Schmittenhohe at better per-day rates.
- Hike to the stunning Kaprun high mountain reservoirs (Stauseen) — the trail is free with spectacular views.
- Visit in early December or late March for 20-30% lower accommodation prices.
Worth the Splurge
- The Kitzsteinhorn glacier summit at 3,029m — the Top of Salzburg viewing platform offers panoramic views ($35-$45 cable car).
- A day at the Tauern Spa with indoor and outdoor thermal pools and mountain views ($40-$60).
- The Sigmund-Thun Gorge, a dramatic natural gorge walk with wooden walkways and waterfalls ($8-$12).
- A traditional Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) dinner with local schnapps at a mountain hut ($20-$35).
